I'm going to purchase a 20' open car hauler trailer. Bumper pull is most likely, due to the price, but a Gooseneck might happen if it's the better choice.

My concerns are trying to get the most mpg while towing. What modifications can I do to the trailer to increase mileage. Not the truck, but the trailer.

Pros & Cons to the Gooseneck and Bumper Pull?

Steel floor, Wood floor, open deck? And why?

Do the curved front panels help with wind resistance or are they just for rock/debris protection for the cargo?

Tires/Wheels?

Location of the vehicle on the trailer?

Any other tips/tricks?


I've pulled several different types of trailers before, but never really with a concern for fuel useage. I won't be hauling very far, all local/regional. Just want to try to get the best trailer I can, and make it as efficient as I can.

Thanks.

 

You've already made the most important decision: open car hauler! Enclosed trailers are just big sails to catch air and eat mileage.

The next thing is to keep the tires at max pressure - less rolling resistance.

Then, stay on top of bearing maintenance. If you use it a lot, inspect and repack bearings every 12k miles. If you don't use it a lot, then your interval should be once every year or two...your use will dictate the frequency.

Gooseneck: Unless you know someone with a gooseneck hitch, your truck will be the only tow vehicle.

Bumper - almost any truck can tow it.

I wish I had a steel floor - I've had to replace the wood on mine 2x...and soon to be a 3rd.

They are more for protection of cargo...Anything that sticks up is wind resistance.

If you have good mud flaps on your truck, protection on the trailer is not needed.

From firsthand experience, stay away from Carlisle. They seem to last ok...but fail catastrophically. I've used them 2x and damaged the marker lights and rear fenders 2x. Goodyear marathons also have a bad reputation.

Also, be careful that they used passenger car or light truck tires, because they got them cheap. Trailer tires have a stiffer sidewall that takes the abuse better.

Look at how the truck/trailer hitch sags, when the car is loaded. A little (1-2 inches) is OK...more than that, consider moving the vehicle to better load the trailer.

You may also want to consider a weight distributing hitch.

Keep an eye on the tires...look for weather checking.

If you can afford it...Aluminum trailers! The only one I"m aware of...alumacraft.

HTH

Tony

 

I have umpteen trailers of different types and styles. If you are pulling with a dually (I am) then the best bet is a bumper style simply because you aren't taking up the bed of the truck with it and stability is not an issue. You can leave a topper slide in or whatever on/in the bed while pulling. Tires and brakes need to be carefully considered.

 

Thanks guys. Great info.

 

A gooseneck will carry the load higher. You can get bumper pulls that are low and keep the car somewhat down behind the tailgate

 

I have had both for years & need both.

Open car hauler for short trips & cars that can take a few chips

Enclosed for a rolling garage, security & year round storage for an extra vehicle. The enclosed is a place to hide if the weather turns foul & also gets you out of the hot sun if you have towed to a track or car show.

i see 3-5 mpg drop in going from the open to the enclosed with the same cargo depending on terrain & wind.

 

Well, I'm torn. I like how goosenecks pull. They feel good. And none of my friends can ask to use the trailer if I go that route.

But bumper pull is just as easy. The only thing I didn't like about hauling a bumper pull behind my dually was that I couldn't see the **** thing around the dually fenders and I don't like big mirrors hanging off the sides of the truck.

I built my last trailer, a 16' dovetail lowboy open center steel floor. I had about $1000 in it. It was nice, but for $1000 in supplies and alot of labor...I'll probably just buy my next trailer.

Gooseneck lowboy trailers are hard to find, but I've seen some good deals locally. Bumper pull trailers are everywhere, so there's no issue finding one of those.

Thanks for the input fellas.