Model A and a trailer
 

As a kid I remember my father's teardrop trailer that he and my grandfather built in the 30's. He did originally pull it behind his '31 roadster. I would like to build one as a winter project but wonder about a lot of things regarding Model A's and trailers. My tow car is a 29 roadster which is a good stock, restored car. So here goes:
1. What total weight should I limit the trailer to ?
2. What would be a good "tongue weight" ?
3. Electric trailer brakes a must ? Do they come in 6 v ?
4. What are the best methods of fastening the hitch to the A's frame ?
5. I'd like to use a Model A axle for the trailer so I can use 21" wheels
and tires, how does this play into question # 1 ?

I appreciate your help with any thoughts or links to things in this area. Bill

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

I think I have a set of plans for a tear drop trailer if intrusted

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

You might want to consider a Mullins replica. They are made of fiber glass and weigth only about 350 pounds. There is a fellow name Ron Johnson, lives in the Sacramento area and advertises in the Restorer. He can sell you a complete trailer, or kit components, such as the fiber glass shell, the trailer frame, what ever fenders, tail lights, axle, etc, you want.

Any good trailer hitch supply company can install a trailer hitch for you. Just tell them the rules are they cannot drill any new holes in the Model A, and they cannot weld anything to the Model A.

Tom Endy

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Ron Johnson passed on more than a year ago.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Herre is one place that lists them for sale.
http://www.superiorglassworks.com/MULLINS-TRAILERS.html
They look nice with many options.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Here is a picture of a hitch I made for my Coupe although it would fit on almost any body syle. The spare tire clears the hitch easily. I pull my 1100 pound 1935 Bowlus travel trailer with the Coupe. Sronger engine: 5.5 compression ratio, touring cam, insert rods as well as cast iron brake drums. Gar Williams

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Gar, I sure like the looks of your hitch and the apple green wheels. For a wheel color other than black I like the apple green and Marco's blue wheels. That's also a fantastic Bowlus.

For a small trailer I'd go with the Mullins copy, but if you need something big enough to sleep in I'd go with a tear drop. I saw a homebuilt tear drop That collapsed down to about 1/2 height. The top half slid down over the bottom half, for less wind resistence and better rear vision.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

I talked to Ron's son a couple of years ago and he selling his dad's trailers and parts.

His name is:

Michael Johnson
2269 Swainson Way
Sacramento, CA 95833
916-397-9986
www.teardroptrailers.net

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Thanks for the responses guys. I will continue to study this. Bill

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Here is a link to a number of teardrop designs that would be cool to have behind the Model A. I purchased the plans for a "Chummy" which is specifically designed for the A. You might consider contacting the designer for more details on towing with your Ford. He has a lot of experience.

The only problem I had was with my insurance company (Hagerty) who would not insure my Model A with any trailer behind it. I switched to State Farm (more money) and I was covered.

Gar Williams

http://www.teardrops.net/plans01.html

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

One comment about the "Honeymoon" trailer design from the website.

Seems to me that with the wheels so far towards the rear in that design that you might have too much weight on the trailer tongue for good handling (depending upon how the load was distributed)?

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Too little weight on the tongue is when you can get bad handling pulling a trailer. I once pulled home a 29 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck loaded with spare parts, and tires in the heavy wood box. I actually had to have a tractor loader push the tongue down to couple it and couldn't drive home any faster than 23 MPH. Luckily it was all on back roads in S.D.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

OK thanks ... guess I had it backwards!

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

I have a canvas top camp trailer that weighs 670# empty. Maybe another 200# potty, clothes, heater, camp stove, food, etc. With 100# or so on the ball it handles fine, but hills and stopping are an issue even with higher compression, rebuilt engine, brakes, and overdrive. I wouldn't take it on a long trip. You would hold up traffic. A lighter trailer and tent camping would be safer. A 4 X 6 box trailer with 12" rims can be modified to take A wheels.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

I remembered this thread and then saw this at the tresheree and took these pictures it was made on a Harbour Frieght trailer frame, sides were 1/4 plywood and the top was canvas, that opened like a hatch at the back. I got to thinking about it (Dangerous for those near me) that it would look good if the canvas was replaced with Model A top material. Just thought maybe someone might be interested. (in the pics not my opinions)

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

Now you did it Tom,
I have to tell the wife i NEED something else for the car.. Nice pics. I'm hooked.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

This one is up for auction today in Auburn, IN. You can watch the auction live at www.auctionsamerica.com The lot number is 4173 on the East block.

Re: Model A and a trailer
 

:cool: