Newbie w/ tow vehicle question...

cowgirly wrote:
Awesome, y'all are great. Thanks for suggesting I have it weighed first - and where to do so - that's a smart move before I buy a new vehicle. I feel like I have a much better idea of how to go about this, now... am open to more ideas, and thanks for all!

Use this link - Cat Scale Locator to find a scale near you.

time2roll wrote:
If you are into retro maybe a 1964 Galaxie 500 or Chevrolet Impala :)

Either with the 427 would do nicely!

Ron

also given you are extremely new to this and trailers are not low maintenance I would look long and hard at buying something retro. Either new or old you better get used to the idea of turning wrenches or spending cash hand over fist.

the Jeep WJ (99-04) grand Cherokee would have pulled that all over like it wasent even there. they are all over for cheap if you can find a good one. Loved that jeep

Thanks again, all! I think the "bargain" trailer would end up being a "headache" trailer in no time ;)

I'd suggest to browse Etrailer.com for handy installation videos.

Buying a new axle with brake assemblies included and wiring them into a 7 way plug is probably going to be lest costly than retrofitting brake assemblies onto a vintage trailer. Besides typical clearance issues, finding brake assemblies and drums that will bolt into an old axle will be frustrating.

cowgirly wrote:
Off topic but since you're here... :) There's another vintage trailer I'm considering, it's in the 1-2k pound range but doesn't have brakes installed. How much is it to get trailer brakes installed? This trailer is way less expensive but not sure about brakes...

Edit: or is it fairly straighforward (ie can I learn how to do it from YouTube)?

Look for a flange at each end of the axle to mount the drum backing plate or disk caliper.
Otherwise a new axle fully equipped is just a few $$ more.

check etrailer.com for parts and videos.

It is going to depend on the trailer model. Some are so old, that there are no "brake kits" you can put in one or there is no way to install brakes period. Then there is the cost of the upgrade. No brake kit for it you say? Swap in a newer axle for the old one if possible...but is it worth it?

You may get the other trailer for cheap, but then have to spend 3 or 4 times (or more) what it cost you originally to upgrade it or make it tow-safe.

As for YouTube videos...Yes, there are videos on YouTube that can teach you almost anything, I use them all the time. But if a person has no general experience at mechanic type work (not saying you don't, so please don't take offense), I would NEVER recommend they go there and follow a video to repair or replace something that is SAFETY related in nature.

Sometimes, the people making the videos leave stuff out, because they assume that the people watching already have a basic idea of what is happening. I would hate for you (or someone else) to get injured because the person you watched install a brake package forgot an important step because they thought "Everyone" knows to do that step...

I wish you luck in your endeavors...Have fun!

Off topic but since you're here... :) There's another vintage trailer I'm considering, it's in the 1-2k pound range but doesn't have brakes installed. How much is it to get trailer brakes installed? This trailer is way less expensive but not sure about brakes...

Edit: or is it fairly straighforward (ie can I learn how to do it from YouTube)?

Great input here, thank you all!

Yes, the trailer has brakes (important). The idea of using a Crown Victoria to tow made me laugh, as I grew up driving my parents' Grand Marquis :) (life tends to come full-circle). I LOVE the idea of a Jeep, or a diesel Jetta is a surprising possibility....