aluminum open car trailer questions

[rfuerst911sc]

At some point in time after I get my 914 done I'd like to get a car trailer. I really like the idea of a 16-18 foot open aluminum trailer due to lightweight and rust resistance. I have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 front wheel drive with factory tow package and 3.5 V6. The trailer would be used to tow the 911 or 914 to autocross events,DE's and just to have a trailer on hand for other DIY projects. So how many of you have alum. trailers? Do you like them? How's towing with medium sized vehicle like the RAV4? Electric brakes or surge style? I have the factory hitch with factory 4 pin electric connector. Or would it be better to get a large gas/diesel vehicle cheap and use that to tow?

[IROC]

I personally think a RAV4 is to small to tow something like a car trailer. Even a relatively lightweight trailer is going to weigh around 1000 lbs. Add 2500 lbs of car and you're looking at 3500lbs or so.

I've got an 18ft aluminum trailer and tow with a Toyota Tacoma Doublecab. The car/trailer is around 3500 lbs and that's about all I'd feel comfortable towing. I added a proportional brake controller and a transmission cooler and it works, but barely. I think the RAV4 would struggle.

FWIW, the aluminum trailer is the only way to go IMHO.

[Z-man]

I would NOT tow a full size aluminum trailer with a RAV4.
First off - the tow capacity of the RAV4 is 1500 lbs. (Source: www.edmunds.com). A bone empty aluminum trailer weighs close to that. Even if your 914 is a mere 2000 lbs, you'd be double the weight of the car's towing capacity.
Second: the RAV4 has a very short wheelbase, which would lead to a very, very unstable ride once you get up to speed.
Third: while you may have enough power to pull a trailer and car, you certainly won't be able to stop in reasonable amount of space with the meager brakes of the RAV4.
Fourth - You would easily exceed the max payload of 1130lbs.

It would be a very, very BAD idea to tow a full open aluminum trailer plus a 914 or 911 with a RAV4.

If you are going to tow something like that, get a truck / SUV - preferrably with a V8. In this case, the bigger the tow vehicle, the better.
-Z-man.

[porsche4life]

Aluminum is less resistant to cracking due to stress/torquing of the road than a comparable steel trailer. And your Rav4 is way too small.

[Racerbvd]

I have had a Trailex, currently have a Trailer World, yes, alloy is the way!!! On your Rav 4, get something with enough ass to safely stop you.