Enclosed Trailer Dimensions

[Colonel]

Would appreciate feedback on comfortable trailer size to load and transport a Model A. I am pretty set on 20ft long but need help in determining back door opening size(width and height), ceiling height, inside width and width between wheel wells. Considering raising the height of the trailer but not sure what is best. Any advice on this and other considerations on enclosed trailers would be helpful. I have looked at previous Fordbarn postings but could not find specific dimension recommendations....Thanks

[Roger V]

I think the tallest A passenger car is seventy-two inches so depending on what you own and what you might own in the future, I would add a couple of inches as there could be "jounce" upon entering. Most of the trailers are 102 inches wide so that as well as between wells is somewhat fixed. I'm sure there is some variability in opening width. Twenty feet long is more than enough. Sixteen would work but may not allow ideal centering for weight distribution depending on axle location. I had a sixteen foot long, 96 inch width, 80 inch opening height that worked fine for years. Two years ago I bought a 22 foot long, 102 wide, ramp door, all aluminum(except coupler & axles of course). The extra length is for other than Model A's. To me one of my other concerns is that front edges are rounded, not squared off. Some tests indicated there was a 40+% air drag difference. You live in the "trailer capital" state so you can pick it up from the factory easier than most.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I agree with Roger. Added height just creates aero drag which will affect your tow vehicle's MPGs.

Most rear doors already have a 6½ foot opening which should be adequate for most bodystyles. Because of the header over the rear door creates the least amount of vertical clearance, if the car will drive through the door opening, there is usually sufficient ceiling clearance inside for you to travel with.

[John LaVoy]

I just finish 5800 miles with my Interstate Load-Runner 20' standard unit. I carried a 1929 Town Sedan part way and a 1931 Coupe either had adequate clearance going in and out.

I towed with an F-150 gas engine and got about 12MPG on the trip. We crossed several mountain passes and the trailer towed well and the truck handled the load quite easily.

We did install a Reese load leveling hitch which keeps everything stable. The trailer on the left is the one I used, the other is much smaller but holds a 31 tudor quite well.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

My trailer door is a touch over six feet. However to load A's the ramp door must be on the ground. If straight back from floor, the roofs won't go in. Most T tourings are 6'10". Early ones are 7'2".

[trulyvintage]

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Originally Posted by Colonel

Would appreciate feedback on comfortable trailer size to load and transport a Model A. I am pretty set on 20ft long but need help in determining back door opening size(width and height), ceiling height, inside width and width between wheel wells. Considering raising the height of the trailer but not sure what is best. Any advice on this and other considerations on enclosed trailers would be helpful. I have looked at previous Fordbarn postings but could not find specific dimension recommendations....Thanks

Well ....

I am on the road just about every day

What I have learned I would be glad to share with you over the phone

PM me with a number if you want to discuss trailers ....


Jim

[BLRVT]

Is the Interstate the 8.5' width?

[TerryO]

I would recommend an escape door on the drivers side. It may or may not be necessary with the A but if you haul other cars it can be very handy.


TOB

[31a]

I have a standard Halmark 20 ft trailer that works great I agree with the post about the escape door on the drivers side but it was going to be $1200 more and a 6 month wait the only issue is I cannot haul my Station Wagon in it I recomend not going with a flat top trailer due to leak problems

[trulyvintage]

Reviving a thread from 2012 ?

OK ….

There is a shortage of all used trailers
and there is a waiting list of many months
to buy a new one due to shortages in materials & labor.


Jim

[TerryO]

I have a new, never used 17' Kaufman Deluxe open car trailer I would sell (I found a Featherlite trailer a week after I ordered the Kaufman).


TOB