What size enclosed trailer works for a Roadster?

[SteveWorth]

I am considering buying an enclosed trailer to transport my 289 for longer trips and was wondering what size others use?
Is a 16'x8.5' enough or is it better to go to 20'?
Thanks,
Steve

[Jphoenix]

I have both 16' and 20' trailers. The 20' is for the Coupe (and its wing that requires another foot on the back end) and the 16' is for the 289 USRRC Cobra and it fits just fine. I also have tire storage and tool boxes in the front of both trailers.

However, I'd recommend you go with a 20' - because you can never have a trailer that's too big for all your stuff!

This is the Cobra inside the 16' trailer:

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[Jeff Kleiner]

Sixteen will do for the car but won't leave room for much more.

Jeff

[cv2065]

I used a 20’ trailer and it had plenty of room for things that I brought along like the windshield in a box, floor jack, etc.

[SteveWorth]

Thanks everyone for the practical feedback.
Steve

[Rebostar]

I did the 20 ft trailer. It was purchased for my 64 Fairlane Thunderbolt. With room for a winch at the front It now works perfect for the Cobra. Go bigger, you may end up with Thunderbolt!

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[FLPBFoot]

Another with a 20' trailer. I recommend going with a V-nose as it will help with aerodynamics and the manufacturer of mine offered cabinets with work bench for the nose area. Very handy.

[Cobra roadster]

I have a 20 foot V-nose for my 1996 impala SS. I get my Msrkn5 in March so I am good for both cars.
Paul

[Duke66]

I have a 20' + v nose with a beaver tail (definitely a plus because these cars are so low). It's plenty big but the extra room is good for extra wheels / tires, cabinets, tool boxes, jacks, chairs / event tent, etc.

[RogerRoger88]

I need to transport my roadster about 75 miles. Will a 16’ x 7’ enclosed trailer work? I know it’ll be tight, but has anyone gone that narrow? Since the weather will be nice, would an open trailer be okay? I’ll put the body on and put the doors, hood, and trunk in the bed of my covered truck. (I’ll be renting or borrowing. Not many options for larger enclosed trailers where I am.)

[Wizbangdoodle]

Hey Roger, at 7' wide, you'll have to crawl over the back of the car to get out.

I also did the 20' V nose with a beavertail. Makes life so much easier. Just got it last month.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The roadster body is 72" at it's widest point over the rear wheels. If you use the 84" wide trailer check the door width and if the ramp/door has cables running to the overhead counterbalance spring watch their width. I had one picked up with that trailer door arrangement and we had to have a person on each side pulling the cables outward so that they didn't contact the car.

Jeff

[RogerRoger88]

Yeah, 7' is sounding a little too tight for comfort. Since the weather is going to be nice, any issues using an open trailer? I'm thinking it'll be fine.

[Wizbangdoodle]

Yeah, 7' is sounding a little too tight for comfort. Since the weather is going to be nice, any issues using an open trailer? I'm thinking it'll be fine.

Only if you throw rocks off the tires of the tow vehicle.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Open trailer will be fine.

Jeff

[rickster991]

I switched from open to enclosed after 5 years hauling a race car around. I haul my Cobra 12 hrs from South Florida to NC. Couple of times i couldn’t transport my car because of weather and had to leave it.

Enclosed trailer is a big difference. Had to get a Hensley hitch because of the sway. Still gets scary sometimes. Speed is limited because the faster the more sway. Heavy winds = lower MPH. Gas mileage is much worse. I am going to rent a bigger truck to see if it helps. That means buying a new tow vehicle if it does.

If you are not concerned with weather go open with a big guard in the front. My $.02…

BTW, if you are not doing a lot of towing U-Haul car trailers are a great option. Some locations even have aluminum now.

[Waterman]

Since you mention Open trailers I researched that a bunch to help cart my MK4 around during the build. And it has been used to get to the London show by others. Perfect size for the Mk4, low tilt angle, light weight, reasonable cost and used for my UTV and tractor too. A Mission trailers MU6.5X14FA-TILT-2.0-5K. Tilt bed aluminum, 14' with 3,600 lb payload, and weight is less than 1,000 lbs. Drive on, when it tilts stop and tie it down, to frame on the front and thru the wheels on the back.
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