Buy a trailer (instead of a pickup truck)

[cosmick]

I have a hitch on my '86 Camaro, because my '91 Camaro had no trouble with a 16' camper trailer. This hitch I have now I custom fabbed for my old '84 trans Am ( same chassis ) and is massive overkill.
This '86 Camaro now has a 2001 4.8L V8, an OD automatic with a 0.696:1 fourth gear, a 3.059:1 low, and the rear axle is pending, but will be messed with until it averages 30 MPG. I'm prepared to go to 2.47:1 if necessary. But this is a turbo build, starting at 540 horses into the trans, and is a ULEV build also. Total investment under $ 5400. Including 14" 4-piston brakes.
No new car has ever been offered, at any price, anywhere on earth, that has 4 seats, 540 HP, 14" brakes, and 30 MPG. I'm building the better mousetrap, now how long until the world beats a path to my door, cash in hand?
The highest factory tow rating for this chassis was 2000#, but experience proves it's good with double that. I have a little utility trailer from Harbor Freight, and a pop-up camper trailer. Next will be an open 16' utility trailer.
But I won't tow that until I get my subframe connectors welded in. This 'maro is a T-top.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by cosmick

I have a hitch on my '86 Camaro, because my '91 Camaro had no trouble with a 16' camper trailer. This hitch I have now I custom fabbed for my old '84 trans Am ( same chassis ) and is massive overkill.
This '86 Camaro now has a 2001 4.8L V8, an OD automatic with a 0.696:1 fourth gear, a 3.059:1 low, and the rear axle is pending, but will be messed with until it averages 30 MPG. I'm prepared to go to 2.47:1 if necessary. But this is a turbo build, starting at 540 horses into the trans, and is a ULEV build also. Total investment under $ 5400. Including 14" 4-piston brakes.
No new car has ever been offered, at any price, anywhere on earth, that has 4 seats, 540 HP, 14" brakes, and 30 MPG. I'm building the better mousetrap, now how long until the world beats a path to my door, cash in hand?
The highest factory tow rating for this chassis was 2000#, but experience proves it's good with double that. I have a little utility trailer from Harbor Freight, and a pop-up camper trailer. Next will be an open 16' utility trailer.
But I won't tow that until I get my subframe connectors welded in. This 'maro is a T-top.

Got any pictures of your tow Camaro?
Or is this the tow Camaro build over on thirdgen.org that pissed every one off so much?

In the US if you look up car towing specs you will see a pretty low number. If the same vehicle is offered over seas they will usually give 2 numbers. The lower unbraked number is usually about the same as the US number. The high with brakes number is usually around double the non-braked rating.
But they have learned something, a concept that no American can seem to grasp, they actually slow down when towing something heavy.

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

But they have learned something, a concept that no American can seem to grasp, they actually slow down when towing something heavy.

Don't you repress me. The TV says we're exceptional here, and I take exception to that.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Don't you repress me. The TV says we're exceptional here, and I take exception to that.

[cosmick]

I have pics on thirdgen.org, same username there as here. I'll try to get some better pics as soon as I hitch up the "new" 16-footer, I may need to alter the tongue height of the trailer to match the fixed height of the car. I had to weld the "stinger" into the receiver platform because of no way to access a removable pin. Means no carrying a bicycle rack, but also serves as anti-theft. Pop-up definitely needs altered, I replaced the car's rear springs, and changed wheels and tires.

[oil pan 4]

I plan on towing with my camaro when I get it back on the road. But I only plan on using it to pull my little 4x8 trailer.

[cosmick]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I plan on towing with my camaro when I get it back on the road. But I only plan on using it to pull my little 4x8 trailer.

That's what mine is, 4'x 8'. But the only remaining hitch, from Curt, is only rated 1000#.

[OITW]

I'd actually reached the conclusion before reading through this thread. I just can't afford a PU right now, but I can afford to drop a grand on adding tow hitch and wiring to the PT Cruiser, and buying a trailer. I just want a 4x8 trailer, something big enough to allow me to haul plywood, wallboard (a 4x6 might do just as well), and even then rarely more than a half-dozen pieces at a time. All my other desired loads are smaller and likely lighter than that.

Now here's where I ask your opinion. The local U-Haul installs trailer hitches and wiring, complete package for about $360, including lifetime warranties on the hitch and wiring. I went to the usual suspects (etrailer, hitchsource) and by the time I buy the kits the only difference is labor. Since I don't have the lift, some tools, and mostly patience to install it, the U-Haul package seems eminently reasonable.

Am I missing something?

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by OITW

Since I don't have the lift, some tools, and mostly patience to install it, the U-Haul package seems eminently reasonable.

Am I missing something?

I'd check some of the other trailer/equipment suppliers in your area. You might pay a little more (or not) but I think it's likely they'll do a better job.

OTHO, I've installed 3 or 4 hitches on various vehicles With the exception a used hitch that had some bending that I had to sort out the installs have been pretty easy (easier than some IKEA furniture) and none have required the use of a lift. If you can find the patience, you could buy the tools needed, spend an hour or so and still be in for less than U-haul.

[Fat Charlie]

Both hitches I've installed were just with ramps. But $360 out the door sounds good.