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08-11-2012, 06:38 PM | #1 |
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Location: Central Maine
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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 |
08-11-2012, 07:15 PM | #2 |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
I think I have a set of plans for a tear drop trailer if intrusted
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08-11-2012, 08:23 PM | #3 |
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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 |
08-11-2012, 09:19 PM | #4 |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
Ron Johnson passed on more than a year ago.
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08-11-2012, 09:23 PM | #5 |
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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.
__________________
Jon "If you choose to not decide, you still have made a choice!" RUSH Don't tell me what you know..... Tell me what you have done. |
08-11-2012, 09:23 PM | #6 |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
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08-11-2012, 10:13 PM | #7 |
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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. |
08-12-2012, 12:49 AM | #8 | |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
Quote:
His name is: Michael Johnson 2269 Swainson Way Sacramento, CA 95833 916-397-9986 www.teardroptrailers.net |
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08-12-2012, 06:13 AM | #9 |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
Thanks for the responses guys. I will continue to study this. Bill
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08-12-2012, 06:27 AM | #10 |
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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 |
08-12-2012, 06:45 AM | #11 | |
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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)? Quote:
Last edited by Benson; 08-12-2012 at 06:52 AM. |
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08-12-2012, 08:54 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
Quote:
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08-12-2012, 04:17 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
Quote:
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08-12-2012, 07:36 PM | #14 |
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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.
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09-01-2012, 06:51 AM | #15 |
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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)
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09-01-2012, 08:49 AM | #16 |
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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. |
09-01-2012, 12:08 PM | #17 |
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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.
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09-01-2012, 12:15 PM | #18 |
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Re: Model A and a trailer
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