Well as most things go I have been looking at replacing my open trailer and now am strongly considering an enclosed. I searched and read through a number of threads but am still confused on what I actually need. I would like an 8.5' wide X 20 - 24 long X 6.6' (minimum) height. The trailer I like is rated at 10,400 lbs. and a curb weight of 3300 lbs. and I will be hauling about 2700 - 3000 lbs. on a normal trip.1)I understand the extended tongue but what is a real world length? Some offer a 6" and some offer a 12" RV tongue extension but none of them start out the same length. How much room do I really need between the MH and the trailer.2)Do I need to also consider an additional back up camera or will I still be able to see enough with the MH camera. I understand trailer height would be an issue. The trailer I like is 102" tall overall. 3)This one might seem dumb but how would I set up a WD hitch with automatic leveling air bags? How will I know how many chain links equals how much weight distribution? Or do I even need to worry about this?

I have a Haulmark trailer very close to what you are considering. It has a 26' box (square front) and an 18" extended tongue. The length of the extended tongue needed is dependent on your MH turn radius when going forward or how good a driver you are when backing up.I wish, in hindsight, I got a V nose instead of the square front and extended tongue. Going forward and turning it would be about the same. Backing up you can jack knife anything.I don't have an additional back up camera and have never missed it.My MH's have all had air leveling and I never had or considered a WDH. They've all been diesel pushers.I also regret getting a 26' box. I should have gone with a 24' V-nosed Haulmark. I love the Haulmark. It's not so expensive I hate to see it sit on a storage lot but it's good enough to get me all around the country without a worry.

I have hauled many different trailers behind my 38ft MH. Currently I tow a 20ft enclosed WellsCargo. The trailer hitch is standard with NO extension, electrical hookup for lights and brakes and safety chains welded to trailer hitch. The following link should help you;http://wellscargo.com/wellscargo-trailers/cargo-trailers/express-wagon-8-foot-wide/specs/The height should not be a concern. Using the MH side mirrors will suffice as long as you survey the area you are backing into prior to backing.

I have an 18' enclosed Pace Shadow GT. I got the 6' long tongue and it works great.Don't even know it's back there. No need for the extra camera

28ft Fleetwood Flair pulling a 24ft Haulmark trailer loaded with motorcycles. No back up camera and standard tongue. Trailer is 8.5 wide. been pulling this combo since 1999 with no problems. Kids grown up so we purchased a 14ft v-nose for hauling 2-3 bikes. love this set up. would never consider anything but an enclosed trailer.

I pull a 20' Vnose enclosed trailer and love it. Never really know it's back there. Pulls great and has a max load of 7Klbs. I normally have the Harley & golf cart, but have loaded it to the max when hunting with 2 4 wheelers a 4 seat ranger & a lot of hunting gear. It's been one of the best investments I've made.

enclosed trailer behind MH | Good Sam Community

Roadpilot
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
I have a Haulmark trailer very close to what you are considering. It has a 26' box (square front) and an 18" extended tongue. The length of the extended tongue needed is dependent on your MH turn radius when going forward or how good a driver you are when backing up.

I wish, in hindsight, I got a V nose instead of the square front and extended tongue. Going forward and turning it would be about the same. Backing up you can jack knife anything.

I don't have an additional back up camera and have never missed it.

My MH's have all had air leveling and I never had or considered a WDH. They've all been diesel pushers.

I also regret getting a 26' box. I should have gone with a 24' V-nosed Haulmark. I love the Haulmark. It's not so expensive I hate to see it sit on a storage lot but it's good enough to get me all around the country without a worry.
DutchStar38
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
I have hauled many different trailers behind my 38ft MH. Currently I tow a 20ft enclosed WellsCargo. The trailer hitch is standard with NO extension, electrical hookup for lights and brakes and safety chains welded to trailer hitch. The following link should help you;
http://wellscargo.com/wellscargo-trailers/cargo-trailers/express-wagon-8-foot-wide/specs/

The height should not be a concern. Using the MH side mirrors will suffice as long as you survey the area you are backing into prior to backing.
katoomer
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
I have an 18' enclosed Pace Shadow GT. I got the 6' long tongue and it works great.
Don't even know it's back there. No need for the extra camera
cman60
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
28ft Fleetwood Flair pulling a 24ft Haulmark trailer loaded with motorcycles. No back up camera and standard tongue. Trailer is 8.5 wide. been pulling this combo since 1999 with no problems. Kids grown up so we purchased a 14ft v-nose for hauling 2-3 bikes. love this set up. would never consider anything but an enclosed trailer.
gsf35099
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
I pull a 20' Vnose enclosed trailer and love it. Never really know it's back there. Pulls great and has a max load of 7Klbs. I normally have the Harley & golf cart, but have loaded it to the max when hunting with 2 4 wheelers a 4 seat ranger & a lot of hunting gear. It's been one of the best investments I've made.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Mar 29, 2014
I regularly tow a 32ft tri-axel Pace with 1ft extra high roof with a 38ft DP. It has a regular tongue and I haven't jack knifed it in 15 years--BUT the next one will have the 6ft tongue. Towed a 24ft Featherlight back East from CA with a 45ft DP and never knew it was there. If you can afford it get an all aluminum trailer---less weight to drag around.
Blackdiamond
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
I have a 20 ft enclosed, and have the hitch that is a bought 6" longer than standard, tows great. On my wish list is a camera on the back of the trailer, just for comfort. I used to have an open trailer and could see a lot more with the camera on the coach but due to the height on the enclosed you see a lot less.
2Bargos
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
discovery4us wrote:

3)This one might seem dumb but how would I set up a WD hitch with automatic leveling air bags? How will I know how many chain links equals how much weight distribution? Or do I even need to worry about this?

The only dumb question is the one not asked.With your air leveling system I'm not sure how to set up hitch,but like many here I started with a heavy TT and pickup so a WD hitch was necessary.my best results were basically trial and error.I kept adjusting chains until I got link that best served my need.I then painted that link so it was easy to go back to.
Also Im probably mistaken but i think I read somewhere that you not supposed to use A WD hitch on the back of a heavy coach.
hotjag1
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2014
I just purchased an 8.5 X 20' V-nose Haul-Mark with a 10,400 GVW.

The dealer strongly advised me to get the 18" tongue extension(which I did)because he said that driving over a dip in the road or into a driveway, the V could possible hit the back of the motorhome if I had the standard(short)tongue. It was only a $150 extra, so I don't think he was BS-ing me.

I also like the extended tongue in case I want to put a diamond plate tool box in front of the V and not take up room in the trailer.

My understanding is that a WDH is not needed because tongue weight is determined by properly loading the trailer. Also, I just bought a 2000 lb tongue scale since I want to be sure my tongue weight is about 1000 lbs.
novi2some
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
Is there an enclosed trailer with soft sides large enough to haul a mustang? Years back I remember seeing something like that to haul an AC Cobra.