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MG TD TF 1500 - Looking for a trailer

I'm looking to get a trailer for towing our TF. It has to be a single axel due to the weight restrictions of my tow vehicle. Advice on what look for and accessories needed would be very much appreciated. Thanks much and we'll see you in Reno! Photos of yours would be great see.

Steve K.
1955 mgtf - The Black Pearl
SKellogg

A "single axel" auto trailer?
IMHO : If there is such an animal, I don't think I would want to use it. For sure not with my TF on it.
David Sheward

Steve,

What is the tow vehicle? I'd stay away from a single axle setup, as well, assuming that was David's point. You'll find from research that trailer tires have a tendency to explode at the most inopportune time. Especially if they are overloaded.

A single axle trailer will tend to have overloaded tires and one exploding could create a catastrophe. Better to go with a light double axle. There are aluminum trailers available that are quite light, though they tend to be expensive.

Another option is to have a trailer custom built. It sounds expensive, but really isn't. If you specify one just big enough for the TF and with ramps instead of a full floor you can keep the weight down.

David
David Littlefield

Actually, same question from me. I'm looking for a trailer somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, or Idaho. 18 or 20 foot flatbed with ramps, 7000 pound capacity, dual axle, ST225/75/15's. I have a feeling that American prices on such a beast are way more reasonable than Canadian prices.

The further question is: Can I show up at an MGT GOF with the TD being pulled behind an Escalade, or will I be burned upon a pile of Dunlop tire carcasses? Do I maybe have to trade the Esky in on a Morris lorry?

Thanks for any help and insight,

Dave


Dave Jorgensen

Steve,

As one who has had tires blow out on his tandem axle trailer I can only say don't even think of getting a single axle trailer.

Trailex makes an excellent tandem axle trailer with either electric or surge brakes...expensive but only weighs 875 lbs. I'm sure there are other ones out there too but I'm familiar with Trailex and can recommend them as a satisfied owner.

Gene


Gene Gillam

Guess I didn't make that real clear ...others did.
I have towed a lot of things over the years, including dragging a 53' TV production trailer around the country for a couple years with a cab-over Peterbuilt. (still have kidney damage from that!) LOL
One I have never done...signal axel car trailer...and never will.
Personallly I would feel safer towing my TF with a good dolly. Been there, done that. Bit of a pain dropping the drive shaft...but not too bad.
Getting the "load right" on a single axel very tricky.
David Sheward

I'm kinda curious just what your tow vehicle is? I'd also be curious where the idea came from that a single axle trailer is safer to pull than a duel axle one. I use an equalizer hitch on my trailers, with a sway bar and never had a problem. Also, if a trailer that has two 3500 lb axles on it, you must deduct the weight of the trailer from the 7,000 lbs to get your true carrying capacity. My open car trailer weighs 1200 lbs, so my load carrying capacity is 5,800 lbs. If you buy a used trailer, 3,500 lb axles require tires with at least 1,750 lbs carrying capacity each! I've seen some local manufactures use cheap Chinese tires and their junk, so be careful on that end also. PJ
Paul J

I have been using a light weight single axle trailer quite happily for nearly two decades, mostly towing my TF across eastern Australia on our fairly average (read bumpy and potholed) highways to MG meetings that are often two days drive from home.
The trailer is a single axle tilt-top (no ramps) and has an aluminium stone guard panel across the front and tapering down the sides. The front panel is hinged to access the the tilt-top bolts and the front wheels of the car for lashing to the trailer. The one time I had a flat tyre I did not finish up as burning pile of wreckage at the bottom of a mountain, I just felt some feedback through the steering and pulled off the road and changed the tyre in the usual way. I run light truck tyres on common Ford wheels and they take a lot of punishment without compaint.
My tow car used to be a 4 cyl Toyota Camry, now it is a V6 Camry wagon and I only notice the trailer on hills where I may slow from 60 to 50 MPH. Going to one of our National Meetings Dad used his MGB GT to tow a J2 midget on the notorious (and flooded) Newell Hwy. I have never felt the need to buy an SUV/4WD.

Matthew.
Matthew Magilton

Good Morning,
Thanks for all the advice and point of views. My tow vehicle is a 2010 Ford Explorer (not the V8)I've been told that a single axle steel frame is light enough to safely tow as long as I stay at the 55 mph speed limit and brake with the understanding I have 2k plus behind me. I fully expect to also get a spare tire with it and hook up a power winch to easily get the car on and off. (Special request from my wife who is the real owner of the car)

Gene - I really like the looks of your trailex, especially the rock guard in the front. Very nice.

Dave J - Too funny - Let's park our trailers next to each other and watch for the angry mob with pitchforks and torches together. B-{)

Steve K.
SKellogg

Matthew,
You are a braver man than I!
I'm just not a big fan of single axle trailers.
Steve,
Whatever you use ...the most common mistake I see people make towing a car on a trailer is not getting the rear tied down securely. I see guys all the time with the front strapped down to the hilt but little holding the rear. Just keep in mind that when / if you have to slam on the brakes that 2000 lbs behind you needs to stay behind you! Two quality HD straps on the back, around the axle...just like Gene's picture.
I'm sure you know this ...but I saw another one the other day with heavy chain comealong's on the front and 1 of those little cargo straps wrapped around the back bumper so I had to say it.
Safe travells to you sir,
David
David Sheward

What's wrong with a tow dolly? I have one and also have a "A" shaped device that bolts to the dumb irons with the front bumper removed. Works very nicely with a car, less well with a rolling chassis.

John Redman
John Redman

This thread was discussed between 17/04/2011 and 18/04/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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