Hi guys,I read an artical about an RVer who put his car in a trailer instead of opting for 4 wheels down and wanted your reaction to that. It is the first time I read about using a trailer!They have a 43' DP with a 450 HP Cummins and purchased a "102” wide and 20’ long fully enclosed trailer. In the trailer is their car and ATV and workshop. My only interest is towing a car and may not need a trailer that is that long. What do you guys think, is the trailer a good option? What are the pros & cons?Thanks as always,Harry

It's adds unnecessary weight, is subject to sway, and there is no where to park it when you get to your campsite. Having said that I've seen several rigs out there. For me it's 4 down, that's the way to go IMHO.

As said, the biggest issue is what do you do with the trailer once you reach your destination. You can pretty much rule out public campgrounds like NP's, FS, COE, etc. tThere simply isn't enough room for your toy hauler in the camping area. Most large trailers I've seen, are used by people who have a summer and winter destination. They basically stay put. Or those who run a business.Ed

It's the only option for what they want. You can carry ATVs on a truck and flat tow it but no workshop. CG sites or storage is a concern. Longer time to load/unload the car. Hitching/unhitching the trailer is more involved. Any car can be used and there will be no damage due to road debris. You can also use a stacker trailer with the boat or ATVs above the car.

If you're considering a trailer, make sure your RV has the capacity to pull a large trailer with a car inside.

That is what we do (enclosed trailer).Many different opinions on this.I look at it like it is total protection for your vehicle, when not in use it makes a great temporary garage.I use no say bars or weight distribution, tows rock steady.I have three trailers, one 24 foot and two 28 foot.The 24 foot is used for my Jeep, and the one 28 foot is used for the dragster

Car in trailer instead of 4 wheels down? | Good Sam Community

mowermech
Explorer
May 12, 2014
There are a lot of people who use a trailer. the advantages are:
1. You can back up, even around corners, limited only by your skill level.
2. You never have to worry about braking; YES, brakes ARE required in nearly every state, and most states require brakes on ALL the wheels of a trailer.
3. You never have to worry about towing lights, they are built in and comply with USDOT specifications.
4. You can take ANY vehicle with you, up to the weight and size limits of your trailer.
5. You don't have to worry about wear and tear on the suspension and drive train of your vehicle, or the tires. Trailer tires are often cheaper than car tires.
6. A trailer can come in VERY handy for other things. I used to haul hay with the car hauler I had. I even hauled rocks on it.

Yes, there are, as have been stated, disadvantages, too. BUT they are not insurmountable!
2gypsies1
Explorer III
May 12, 2014
Personally, if all you're hauling is a car, a trailer is overkill. With your 45' MH you aren't going to limited on a vehicle size. Get one you're comfortable in and tow it 4-down.

We've towed our Jeep for 10 years with no damage to it. We have no limitations as to what kinds of parks we go and public parks are always our first choices - or boondocking. We could never deal with having to get a pull-through site all the time so we'd have room for a trailer, but that's just our opinion. Good luck!
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 12, 2014
lunch surfer wrote:
I love towing 4 down. Only way to go for ease.

2 reasons to tow car hauler:

1-Show Car
2-Race Car

Other than those I cannot see it!
Agree but I meet a couple in OR at the sand dunes. They had a small car, 2 ATVs, firewood etc in the trailer. Perfect for that trip. And a toad for other trips.
Foodsman
Explorer
May 12, 2014
Lunch-Surfer,

I agree with you! I want as little hassle as possible and a trailer just seems more likely to give me that than 4 down. I learn things from you guys with every post and could not thank you enough! 4 down it is...

Harry
lunch_surfer
Explorer
May 12, 2014
I love towing 4 down. Only way to go for ease.

2 reasons to tow car hauler:

1-Show Car
2-Race Car

Other than those I cannot see it!
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 11, 2014
Foodsman wrote:
It's my understanding that the Tag offers a great deal to towing stability... Not true?
Yes/No. A tag is used because of the extra MH weight and does add stability to the MH in addition to the extra weight which adds stability. A more stable MH will result in more stable towing. To me it's an indirect effect.
Foodsman
Explorer
May 11, 2014
Hi Roy,

the Spark is 2400 lbs. and the Sonic is 2690 lbs.

It's my understanding that the Tag offers a great deal to towing stability... Not true?
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 11, 2014
I will buy a DP that is 43 to 45' so it will also have a Tag axle, so I shouldn't have any trouble towing either way.
A tag does not help with towing and in fact can be a problem with overall length. A tag implies longer MH length and with a trailer be careful with the common 65' length restriction in some states.
nevadanick
Explorer
May 11, 2014
You can always park in the trailer. No xtra room needed.
RoyB
Explorer II
May 11, 2014
If your car is one of these small guys you can park it inside a toy hauler. There was a photo on here last week where a guy had one of the small cars on an attached utility carrier on back of the trailer...

Have no idea what one of these small cars weighs but can't be very much

Roy Ken