04-11-2015, 08:46 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Trailer Tramp
Prunella would not qualify as a trailer "queen" - so I guess she's just a solid little tramp that uses an enclosed trailer as a convenience. We like to stay at bed and breakfast facilities where interesting tour possibilities for the Model A are just down the road or around the corner. We'll seldom be more than 50 miles from the trailer and, in the event of a breakdown, all we have to do is go get the trailer and load Prunella in using an electric winch. There are literally hundreds of places of interest within a day's drive, using the truck and trailer, but only a few within reasonable driving distance for the Model A running solo. Too, many of the roads along the way to tour sites pass through boring areas and/or require driving on freeways or through large cities. The trailer also provides overnight security when parked, the protection from hail and other hazards on the road, and a reasonable complement of tools and parts to effect minor repairs - out of the weather. It works for us, but I haven't read too many comments from others about this method of touring?
|
04-11-2015, 09:02 AM | #2 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Centralia Washington
Posts: 11
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
I think that is a great idea, it opens up so many possibilities.
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-11-2015, 09:14 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Yep
Posts: 202
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
I agree!
|
04-11-2015, 09:27 AM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Danbury Ct
Posts: 1,254
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
|
|
04-11-2015, 09:29 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: FRESNO, CA
Posts: 12,560
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
The words "Trailer Queens" have been tossed around & sometimes translated to be something NEGATIVE!!
We should do stuff like we WANT to, or what we can AFFORD to do. IF I had the $$$$$$'s, I'd have a trailer with a Man Cave Lounge, in the front!! Bill W.
__________________
"THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" |
04-11-2015, 09:36 AM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
04-11-2015, 09:47 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Some of the "toy hauler" travel trailers I've been reading about lately could probably handle a Model A - but at $70,000, plus $65,000 for a tow vehicle, they're sure as heck out of my league! The enclosed car hauler could, however, be turned into a fairly decent camper once the A was unloaded. All it takes is a little imagination - but I've given up on camping and I now prefer a plush bed and a good restaurant!
|
04-11-2015, 10:35 AM | #8 |
BANNED
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 11,454
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
i have 2 trailer queens...and do similar as crack39.
you can always uber it back to the trailer |
04-11-2015, 11:28 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 1,013
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
If I had the resourses.......an enclosed trailer would be the ticket.
but a rig to haul it all is also required.......not in the budget.....so, local cruises and events is it for now not that I'm complaining mind you! |
04-11-2015, 01:49 PM | #10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,569
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
Let me start by saying I guess this is one of the few times I actually agree with Bill. The term "trailer queen" --or the term of "stretcher" used in lieu of a trailer (that one courtesy of John Buttera & Gray Baskerville) is typically used as an arrogant & provocative term to antagonize & belittle someone else's vehicle. I have used my Hauler to transport my antique cars to places such as Florida, Savannah, GA, Rutland Vermont, Rochester, MN, Mt. Rushmore, SD, ...and on & on. I don't care if someone makes fun of me or not. I know that my vehicles run like they're suppose to. The bolt truth is just like said above, a trailer just opens up possibilities to do/see more. Getting back to your topic of trailers, there are many hobbyists in the Model-T circles already doing exactly what you have thought about. Many of them have not gone the $70k 'Toy Hauler' route, but instead are building their own for probably ¼ of the 'Toy Hauler' costs. I put on a tour in Crossville a few years ago and belowis some pix of one that came down from Canada. If my memory serves me correctly, the builder/converter put in a 2"x12" high sub-floor in the front 10' of the trailer to house pipes and holding tanks underneath. In the very front of the trailer, there is a Queen sized bed mounted on top of a large wood storage compartment that raised up and housed a 100 gallon water tank, the water heater, and other stuff. On the curbside next to the bed was a full length closet, and moving rearward next to the closet is a small shower/toilet combo. Beside of the shower stall is the trailer's side entrance door. Across from the shower & closet is a kitchen with sink, refrigerator, and stove. Cabinets over that. On the rearward edge of that 10' long platform is a large table on posts. They had two shorter stools for sitting on the platform side, and taller stools for the trailer floor side where four people could eat a meal together. Behind the platform was a 14' area of the trailer for transporting the car. The entire trailer is insulated and there is a roof-top A/C unit. Also with the rear door down, they had a net that snapped onto the rear door opening so friends could sit inside the trailer w/o bugs or mosquitos being a problem. They also had a fold-out awning on the exterior of the trailer (street side). They and many others out of the Michigan/Canada area use these type trailers 10-12 weekends a year for weekend get-togethers with their Model-Ts where they tour during the day and fellowship/camp at night. My personal opinion is if someone spent about $10k on a new properly spec-ed out 24' enclosed trailer, and then had another $7500-8000 budgeted for furnishing the interior themselves, they could build a really nice unit that wouldn't break the bank, --and wouldn't need a $65k truck to pull it. BTW, imagine how impressive a trailer like this would be if it were built with a 'Victorian' theme inside with woodwork, antique lamps converted to 12v LED, covers on the appliances to make them look vintage and such. That way your Bed & Breakfast would be exactly where you wanted it to be! . |
|
04-11-2015, 02:02 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Hi Cracker 39,
Sounds like you are very much enjoying what you are doing, & very kind in sharing how you do it. Always amazing to hear of how people attain their unimaginable goals in life when they think. The computer between all of our ears is most powerful if we would just bypass the Sleep-Mode & press the switch to "ON". Thanks for sharing one way how to not have an excuse for not driving our Model A's. |
04-11-2015, 04:01 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: E Tn.
Posts: 169
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Cracker 39,
The week after I got my roadster, I bought a wedge nose 20' enclosed trailer. I've had it about 3 years now, but not once have I used it to go to a car show. All the shows I've been to have been within about 50 miles, so it's not needed. I drive my 'A' as much as I reasonably can with a 'Antique' plate. The trailer is for convenience, I don't have garage space for my Ram 1500, Ford Taurus and the roadster - so the roadster lives in the trailer. Winter time I crack the overhead vent (for circulation) and leave a small space heater up front when temps are below 30 for extended days. Funny you should post this today - weather's turning nice, so this morning I put the Taurus in the trailer, and the roadster in the garage. Now I can take care of some maintenance items with more garage space than the trailer has. |
04-11-2015, 04:15 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Mr. Bill always makes a good point when he discusses Model A's .... it is only opinions.
Like with arguing Model A whitewalls, Trailer Queens, & non-detergent oil subjects ....... when I was a kid I heard two senior guys in an intense argument in our bar arguing about what was the best fertilizer to put on strawberry plants to grow large, sweet strawberries ...... the entire bar crowd, (like on this forum), was intensely listening ......... hoping to learn something. One swore the best thing to put on your strawberry plants was cow manure; the other snapped back & violently claimed he was dead wrong ...... because it was much better to put chicken manure on your strawberries. Then dead silence ........ until one asked my Dad what would he recommend to put on "his" strawberries ...... if he had strawberries ...... he looked at both and answered "cream & sugar". Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 04-11-2015 at 04:24 PM. Reason: typo |
04-11-2015, 04:33 PM | #14 | |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 84
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
|
|
04-11-2015, 05:52 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
My trailer cost about $6,750 net. It is 16' long with a vee nose (---adds to length,) 8'-6" wide and 7'-6" tall inside, with dual 3,500 lb axles and standard drum brakes, plus a ramp and beaver tail to facilitate easy loading. Its' registered weight is 2,900 lbs, leaving a cargo capacity of 4,100 lbs. The Model A weighs just under 3,000 lbs - for a comfortable 1,200 lbs reserve. This should put about 590 lbs on the hitch at 10% (---or 700 lbs at max trailer capacity.) Using the old towing recommendation of 85% of rated tow vehicle capacity would suggest a tow vehicle with a 8,250 lb towing capacity. This is probably one of the cheapest trailers that would do the job - excluding home-built - but you can certainly pay more! On its' inaugaral trip to pick up the Tudor I towed it 1,200 miles lite going and 1,200 miles full returning. Both trips were made in horrible winter storm conditions and the trailer handled like a dream (i.e. - no swaying.) Granted, I tow with a 2003 GMC 3500 crew cab diesel dually with a long bed - so the 7,000 lb trailer is child's play. On the other hand, a lot of the newer standard pickups can be equipped to handle 8,250 lbs with ease. The 8'-6" width leaves a lot of room inside and the vee nose would even permit a storage console or work bench and porta-potty if so elected. There's even room over the A for a "drop down" bed due to the 7'-6" hgt.
|
04-11-2015, 06:21 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
A guy in our club bought a handicap city bus. That's one of those small buses that drive around to transport people in wheelchairs, etc. It might hold a dozen people. I think he got it for $1200 or so about 15 years ago, then he removed the seats or whatever was install for carrying people. He cut the back into a large door so he can drive his Model A inside. This looks like the ideal way to have enclosed transportation and storage. And it's more fuel efficient than a truck and trailer.
|
04-11-2015, 07:15 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Hi Tom,
In my opinion, your good Model A club member friend just recognized his wonderful & powerful God given Free computer that he already had between his ears; hence, he just switched it to "ON", got it up & running, & did what many may think was impossible. Many goals in life can be achieved in life ........... the minute one begins to think. Thanks for sharing his unique & creative idea. |
04-12-2015, 02:35 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 502
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
I would love to have an enclosed but that requires a larger tow vehicle than I have or need. I still wanted quality so went with the Sundowner Aluminum trailer. #7000 GVAWR electric brakes and built in in floor storage for spare and straps. I am adding a winch. Since it only weights 1,300 lbs that leaves a lot for car and pull great behind an older Explorer with a V8. So far it gives me the flexibility to go to tours hundreds of miles from home in AC comfort and then enjoy the tour with the clubs.
Just makes for a happier experience for me and wife. Especially the wife! I also have a 57 MG and if it needs major repair.... no support with in hundreds of miles so tow and go! |
04-12-2015, 08:51 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Columbus, IN
Posts: 158
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
This is our toy hauler. We had in on the road with the Model A 65 days last year. IMG_2247.JPG
|
04-12-2015, 10:31 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
There is a difference between a trailer queen and a trailer used to move a car distances.
A trailer queen is a car whose engine runs just long enough to get the car from the trailer to the show field and back. You guys that transport your car in a trailer then drive it around like you live in the area and then back to the trailer (garage). Not the same two things to me.
__________________
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
04-13-2015, 07:51 AM | #21 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
Last edited by Cracker39; 04-13-2015 at 07:57 AM. |
|
04-13-2015, 09:48 AM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: California
Posts: 1,753
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Is touring a road in a Model A really THAT much different as to justify the tremendous expense and additional hassle of trailering the Model A to the area and unloading/loading, etc. vs. just doing the whole trip in a more modern car?
If the answer is "yes", then for less money and hassle, you could simply add some hotel stays to your trip's itinerary and drive the Model A for the whole thing. Spend an additional $100 per year and get an AAA card that will get you home on the magic metallic flying carpet if the Model A were to misbehave. Still cheaper than a trailer and big truck. The local Model T club uses their trailers to move the car 20 miles to a tour start point, and all their tours have to be a big loop. The fun to hassle ratio is high. Gets even worse when they get back to their truck/trailer staging area only to find the truck and/or trailers have been vandalized or burglarized. If your Model A is restored and maintained properly, there is no reason it shouldn't be as comfortable and reliable on a long trip as your modern car. Well, minus the radio, heater, etc. |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
04-13-2015, 10:21 AM | #23 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
|
|
04-13-2015, 10:46 AM | #24 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,569
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Quote:
My family would only attend a small fraction of the events/tours TOGETHER with our cars if we were not able to transport our antique cars to the event. The expense of my Hauler and trailers is just part of Model-A ownership ...and no different than the cost of a garage to store it in. For example, for us it was over 1500 miles one way from my home to Rapid City, SD. where we vacationed a few years ago with antique cars. It would take us nearly 6 days to travel there by antique car (250 mile a day) whereas we were there in 2½ days traveling by a modern vehicle. That method however did not stop us once we arrived to drive 180+ miles one day in a Model-T to view the Badlands, --or drive nearly 100 miles R/T to go visit Mt. Rushmore with them. That was half the fun for us driving in antique cars together as a family with our friends!! FWIW, in a 6 day period while on vacation there, we had logged over 400 miles in the antique cars and when we needed to get back home for commitments there, the cars were loaded and we were able to drive 75mph to make time to get back in less than ½ the time it would have taken driving antique cars. It is all about priorities and what someone wants to do with their car. 3 of my Model-Ts at Mount Rushmore State Park. Loading up after a week of touring up in Vermont with 3 cars, 6 passengers and a weeks worth of luggage. Traveling towards South Dakota with 2 adults and 3 teenagers who had a couch & bed to lounge on, and WI-FI to surf the 'net and watch movies while we were rolling up the road. (Everyone was refreshed when we arrived!) . . Below is how we traveled to the Dallas Word Meet in 2008. A '29 Fordor Fine-point vehicle inside the Hauler, a '31 Roadster used for the Youth-Build, and a '30 Tudor to tour with at the meet. This 1100 mile trip was made in 1½ days where it would have been 4 - 4½ traveling on secondary roads in a Model-A. |
|
04-13-2015, 11:33 AM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Brent - you surely represent the epitome of using a trailer and transport for long range travel with an A!
|
04-14-2015, 02:41 PM | #26 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: California
Posts: 1,753
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
My goodness. That is quite a rig! Obviously, for your use, that truck and trailer is necessary. This is apples and oranges here. I merely added the suggestion that an occasional hotel stay is much less expensive than a trailer for the Model A and a suitable truck with which to tow the Model A and trailer. Just adding another idea to the discussion. I certainly did not intend to suggest that a trailer would be of no use to every situation. Switching gears (double clutching, of course)... I have read several articles about the Model T guys that traveled on the Amtrak "car train" along the east coast. Now, THAT looks like some serious fun! Combining the love of trains and horseless carriages. |
|
04-14-2015, 02:47 PM | #27 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,123
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Now that sounds like something that Tom Wessenberg would invent.
__________________
Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club |
04-14-2015, 03:39 PM | #28 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: E Tn.
Posts: 169
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
|
04-14-2015, 04:27 PM | #29 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posts: 2,763
|
Re: Trailer Tramp
Hey if you're got a trailer full of toys nothing wrong with that --enjoy! Hey, before my Model A, I keep a shead full of about 60 collectable Tonka Trucks
__________________
-Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|