Trailex trailers?

[A930Rocket]

What do we know about Trailex trailers? I take it since they bolt together, they need routine maintenance for tightening nuts and bolts. I’m looking at one in Ohio and it’s a hike but it’s only $3500. It looks like an older model and does not have the long ramps I’ve seen on others.

See the ad. https://www.racingjunk.com/open-car-trailers/184384688/aluminum-trailex-19-tandem-axle-car-trailer.html

Thoughts? Is it worth $3500? Anybody nearby to take a look?

[A930Rocket]

Or plan B. Much closer, all steel, wood deck, etc. $3650

https://charleston.craigslist.org/tro/d/hartsville-brand-new-82x18-ft-dovetail/7551815979.html

[vonsmog]

The steel with wood deck is a more versatile trailer. I have a 16' steel with wood deck and I added 18" wood sides that I can put on and off into the stake pockets. Great for hauling firewood and mulch, as well as moving boxes. Plus if it ever cracks or breaks, you can just weld it back together! Only thing is, all your friends will want to barrow it.

[dad911]

I've never seen a trailex with curved frame before, and I've seen them at the track since 1992. Age is glaringly absent from the ad.

I had a trailex with tire rack and pull out ramps. Traded it for a solid deck aluminum trailer, much more versatile if you want to carry anything other than a car. (lumber yard run, pick up furniture, etc.)

What car are you carrying, and what is the tow vehicle?

[Bill Verburg]

The only thing I disliked about my Trailex was the relatively high deck height, which necessitated very long ramps on my very low track car, never had an issue w/ loose bolts, did have keep after the wiring and lights a lot, having a storage bin for stuff is big

When towing lighter is better especially when you get in the hills

[A930Rocket]

I’ll be towing my BMW 330, which weighs about 2800 pounds. My truck is a 2014 F150 with the 5.0 and tow package. 2WD.

I emailed the trailex owner and it’s at least a 2001 and probably older. Talking to a few people, they mentioned metal fatigue where the springs/torsion bars are attached to the frame.

One thing is, I’d like to keep the trailer as short as possible for my car and possibly Ms. Rockets 2010 Tahoe, in case it breaks down.

I need to price out storage as well, as I don’t have room for it.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I think I've said this before, Trailex are fine trailers but they are single function. YMMV but I've always had to tow all kinds of stuff other than cars making a deck trailer a better choice for me.

As dad says above, never seen a curved version.

[2.7RS]

I've had a couple of trailex
I've seen hundreds of trailex

That example by OP has been hacked. Lots of things that don't match.
I wouldn't go look at that one. Something is not right

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by 2.7RS

I've had a couple of trailex
I've seen hundreds of trailex

That example by OP has been hacked. Lots of things that don't match.
I wouldn't go look at that one. Something is not right

Thanks, guys. Yeah, it looks a little run down and definitely an older model. A cheap trailer is an expensive trailer by the time I get it up to par.

[A930Rocket]

Just called a storage place and it’s $100 a month to store a trailer uncovered. Ouch!

Maybe it’s better to rent a U-Haul trailer.

[Racerbvd]

Are you a member of the moose or is this a lodge near you?
They typically have RV spots and trailer storage. I keep a couple of mine at the Moose lodge, plus you can get a good lunch and cheap drinks.



Back to topic, I too have owned a Trailex or two in the past. They are a big Erector Set, simple, lightweight and easy to move around.
But for the same reasons listed above, I have moved to Featherlite trailers. That being said, there is one sitting not far from me, but I have not been able catch the owner yet, and if cheap enough or the right trade, I will grab it. One positive thing about the open bottom is that you can work on the bottom of your car.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I’ll be towing my BMW 330, which weighs about 2800 pounds. My truck is a 2014 F150 with the 5.0 and tow package. 2WD.

I emailed the trailex owner and it’s at least a 2001 and probably older. Talking to a few people, they mentioned metal fatigue where the springs/torsion bars are attached to the frame.

One thing is, I’d like to keep the trailer as short as possible for my car and possibly Ms. Rockets 2010 Tahoe, in case it breaks down.

I need to price out storage as well, as I don’t have room for it.

e towed a 24" keelboat all over N America for years, Steel trailer and yes even w/ steel fatigue can be an issue, The spring shackles separated from the chassis on US in Toronto one year, Steel welding is an easy fix for that sort of issue, also new er is better from that perspective

lastly the older trailers tended to have narrower deck space my '72 w/ Carrera flairs barely fit on one of the older Trailex models

[Cajundaddy]

My current RV is based on the MBZ Sprinter chassis and towing is limited to 5k with a GVWR putting it closer to 4500#. A light weight aluminum trailer might be just the ticket as 1100lb trailer, car, tire rack, tool box come in at about 4500#. I am keeping my eye open for a featherlight in the area but most want $8k for them used. A Steel deck trailer is typically 2000# and that would certainly put me overweight.

I do have a friend nearby with acreage who said I could leave the trailer at his place which is super convenient.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

e towed a 24" keelboat all over N America for years, Steel trailer and yes even w/ steel fatigue can be an issue, The spring shackles separated from the chassis on US in Toronto one year, Steel welding is an easy fix for that sort of issue, also new er is better from that perspective

lastly the older trailers tended to have narrower deck space my '72 w/ Carrera flairs barely fit on one of the older Trailex models

I had a trailer made and within a year, a spring shackle broke off the rails running front to back. The metal they used was too thin. I took it back and they re-inforced the rails with 1/4" angle. otherwise, a good trailer.

[A930Rocket]

No moose lodges that I know of. I need to keep looking around and also, see who I know.

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Are you a member of the moose or is this a lodge near you?
They typically have RV spots and trailer storage. I keep a couple of mine at the Moose lodge, plus you can get a good lunch and cheap drinks.



Back to topic, I too have owned a Trailex or two in the past. They are a big Erector Set, simple, lightweight and easy to move around.
But for the same reasons listed above, I have moved to Featherlite trailers. That being said, there is one sitting not far from me, but I have not been able catch the owner yet, and if cheap enough or the right trade, I will grab it. One positive thing about the open bottom is that you can work on the bottom of your car.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

No moose lodges that I know of. I need to keep looking around and also, see who I know.

Here is one, membership is generally very reasonable
https://www.mooseintl.org/programs-events/

https://m.facebook.com/156187807746296/

[rfuerst911sc]

An aluminum trailer has many benefits , the biggest being lighter in weight . This is important when your tow vehicle is less than ideal . Remember when fully loaded you have to be able to accelerate and brake safely . And be able to handle panic stop or evasive manuevers .

I have owned an aluminum car trailer in the past but my current trailer is a 16' steel deck metal frame . Rated at 7000 lbs when you subtract the 2000 lb weight I can safely tow 5k . More than heavy enough for me . My tow vehicle is an extended cab one ton dually diesel so plenty of safety margin .

[fintstone]

As others have noted, that Trailex does not look much like my 2002 CT7541 in the front. Mine is all angular.

Commenting on the size discussion... There were two models that were often used for 911s. IIRC, the larger one was CT7041 (which became the CT7541 then the CT7551). There was also a 7031 which looked the same but was smaller. You could barely squeeze a midyear on those (if I recall). Best for an MG or maybe a long hood...but later cars would really not fit. Some of these were reengineered (modified) by their owners to accommodate slightly larger cars. Trailex still sells parts for the CT 7031 but I am not sure they sell the trailer anymore. Most folks want the "midsize" CT7551 if possible which measures:
Overall Length: 19'5"
Overall Width: 8'4"
*Bed Length: 12'9"
Fender Height: 6-1/4"
Width between Fenders: 75"
**Center Opening: 42"
Weight Capacity: 5100lbs.

[A930Rocket]

There’s a bunch of these trailers selling for about $2500. Same ones that U-Haul has. They’re almost 2000 pounds!

Last time I rented one, 15+ years ago, I noticed they use a 15 1/2 inch wheel. This was so people would not steal the wheel/tires.



This one is local, $1500, but looks a little rough.

[Arizona_928]

Uhaul trailers are heavy heifers.


More utility on the trailer from post 2.