Thread: How big of a trailer can I pull...realistically

I think with 1 bike how much crap are you bringing to the track? you should be able to throw all that in the back with no problem. In my Tacoma I can fit my bike, front and rear stands, 5gallon fuel jug, a couple of milk crates with tools and spare parts, a couple of wooden ramps and still have plenty of room for more stuff. since I have an extended cab the cooler, one suitcase, butterfly chair and all my riding gear plus other shit all fits in the back but could easily go in the bed.

it would be a lot easier with a trailer but its still manageable without one.


and with his truck I bet it'd be fine. if he's really worried just throw a tranny cooler on there and call it a day.

As far as pulling an 18' trailer with an S-10.......I would not do it! Too big and if you got into a sway situation it would throw you off the road along with all of your shit.

I have pulled my 6X12 with a Ranger 4.05 speed, even through Chicago following Depo fully loaded down too. It did well, but with 160,000 miles the motor was tired and would struggle on hills of any size. I even hauled 25 squares of dimensional shingles from Kokomo to Martinsville between the tariler and truck (6,500lbs). That was a load I should have not put onthere as I was WAYYYYYYY over the weight limit. But it did pull it.

I upgraded, to a 2007 Quad cab chevy 2 wd with the 5.3 and it will pull the hitch off the trailer, literally. No issues what so ever in the truck being able to handle even an 18 footer, just so long as it is loaded correctly.

I'm thinking a Chevy S10 6 cyl will struggle with the 7x14 dual axle enclosed, if it'll pull it at all. Probably same issues as Hammer mentioned with the 18'. I wouldn't recommend it

My Ford F150 5.4L V8 pulls my 7x14 dual axle with absolutely no problems, but I have the towing package on it, extra oil cooler, 3.73 limited slip differential, etc. Does your Dad's half-ton have the towing package, etc.?

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Does your Dad's half-ton have the towing package, etc.?

His dad has seen the way he drives. He could have a dually with a 7.3 liter diesel and he would say the same thing.

My trailer is a 7x12 with my toolbox up front and I can pull it with two bikes pretty good. Before I put the sway on that was a small issue but if you keep the speed at 65 not to big a thing (with the bar it is like butter ) The truck is a 2000 GMC Sierra with a 292 (4.8L). The engine works a bit to hard but that is also with the 3.42 gearing (3.73 would be a lot better) Oh and while I can understand Dad's worry on a new truck with his crazy son I went from Alabama to Utah and up and down the west with that load.

The S10 pulling a 18" trailer is likely fine but pull a 18' and kiss the engine and transmission good bye before you start as you won't want near the glowing puddle they will become.

No no.. I wouldn't consider pulling an 18 with my truck. That was with my buddies 3/4 ton. What I'm considering is my truck with the 12". Brett.. I have my bike, front/rear stands, cooler, 3 gas cans, generator, small air compressor, board, suitcase, gear bag, and tool box. I was hoping to take my big tool chest, but can take a smaller box instead if I need to. My dad is one of the most anal people alive. His truck will sit in the driveway for 4 years until he trades it in for a new one. That’s just the way he's always been. He’s entitled to that, but when he’s old paybacks.. I am by far the responsible son, and fix vehicles for a living so...

My gearing is 3:73, but the tires are 31" so it pretty much figures out to be a 3:23 I'm thinking. Also I could tone it down a bit and drive "normal". Without a trailer overnight tracks are somewhat of a problem.

I read the manual on my truck and I know what the rating is, but it also says I will get 23 MPG, and that’s never been close. I'm also unsure of the trailer weight. That’s really not “real world” stuff.

Get a small open trailer and put a cap on the bed of the truck.

Originally Posted by Hammer

I have pulled my 6X12 with a Ranger 4.05 speed, even through Chicago following Depo fully loaded down too. It did well, but with 160,000 miles the motor was tired and would struggle on hills of any size. I even hauled 25 squares of dimensional shingles from Kokomo to Martinsville between the tariler and truck (6,500lbs). That was a load I should have not put onthere as I was WAYYYYYYY over the weight limit. But it did pull it.

Originally Posted by Hammer

I upgraded, to a 2007 Quad cab chevy 2 wd with the 5.3 and it will pull the hitch off the trailer, literally. No issues what so ever in the truck being able to handle even an 18 footer, just so long as it is loaded correctly.

My dad's truck is the same as yours except for 08', 4wd, and regular cab. Pull wise should be about the same. He swears he wouldn't pull a 4 place snowmobile trailer himself. He's nutts I know. If I had your truck I wouldn't hesitate to pull a 14'.

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

I'm thinking a Chevy S10 6 cyl will struggle with the 7x14 dual axle enclosed, if it'll pull it at all. Probably same issues as Hammer mentioned with the 18'. I wouldn't recommend it

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

My Ford F150 5.4L V8 pulls my 7x14 dual axle with absolutely no problems, but I have the towing package on it, extra oil cooler, 3.73 limited slip differential, etc. Does your Dad's half-ton have the towing package, etc.?

Although I've never been a Ford guy (nor aren't much of a Chevy guy these days either ) Fords do pull better then Chevy's. Not sure if my dad’s has the package. Probably not. At this point it’s not an option anyway.

Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue

My trailer is a 7x12 with my toolbox up front and I can pull it with two bikes pretty good. Before I put the sway on that was a small issue but if you keep the speed at 65 not to big a thing (with the bar it is like butter ) The truck is a 2000 GMC Sierra with a 292 (4.8L). The engine works a bit to hard but that is also with the 3.42 gearing (3.73 would be a lot better) Oh and while I can understand Dad's worry on a new truck with his crazy son I went from Alabama to Utah and up and down the west with that load.

If your truck hesitates with a 12 a bit, a 14' is probably really pushing it. Maybe I could get away with the 14' just jumping over to Grattan since its close and 55 mph all the way. I'm thinking 12' would be borderline though. A new tranny would probably cost almost as much as buying a smaller enclosed trailer in the first place. I could probably do a 10' but 8' ..not so much. The bed of my truck was packed to the rim last year and that was without a generator, compressor, and stands. Plus it’s so nice for storage. Every evening last year in the dark and tired after riding all day, I had to unload everything. I would be nice to leave it until I had time to properly unpack.

Anyone know a rough guess on a 10' used enclosed off the top of their head?

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Get a small open trailer and put a cap on the bed of the truck.

Maybe, but really I need a real trailer anyway. I wouldn't be able to sleep overnight with my stuff out in the open. I did price something like that at one point, and thought I might as well spend a little more and get what I really want.

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

Anyone know a rough guess on a 10' used enclosed off the top of their head?

Wells Cargo Enclosed Trailer


also look on the WERA board, some decent deals can be found over there as well.

Mine strains a bit with a 7x12 and has the little engine (compared to your Dad's) the part you will destroy on the S10 is likely the transmission. Unless it has a 4L60 pulling that load is meltdown. I would recommend open for a S10 and a cap as others have. But my advice is worth less than

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

Maybe, but really I need a real trailer anyway. I wouldn't be able to sleep overnight with my stuff out in the open. I did price something like that at one point, and thought I might as well spend a little more and get what I really want.

That's what the cap is for.

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

That's what the cap is for.

Cap as in topper, or like a snowmobile trailer style where the lid thing that flips forward? Cost of an open trailer and topper would basically be the same as an enclosed trailer wouldn't it? For the record my bike doesn't like being left out in the cold.. or rain . The bike would find a place inside... (I'm so busted, but she knows how I feel about this )

I'm not sure what a 4L60 is sheep.

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

That's what the cap is for.

but you can't put the bike in under the cap. although its not really something I'd worry about. if you're camping at a track I think someone stealing your bike is highly unlikely.

Originally Posted by Hammer

Wells Cargo Enclosed Trailer


also look on the WERA board, some decent deals can be found over there as well.

That's pretty much the going price for that size you think? Ooh 'someone's' not going to like this...

FWIW, my 6X12 haulmark brand new was over $2k, then i added painted walls, rhino lining to floor, e track, painted ramp.


Trailers hold their value pretty good. You may check with a dealer, you may end up better off with a new one if you went that direction.

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

That's pretty much the going price for that size you think? Ooh 'someone's' not going to like this...

In today's economy dollars that's probably about right because it actually seems low to me. At that price I'd buy it if I had something that would tow it (here in Iowa).

I really should have brought my old Chevy out here with me. With the current gas prices I've been considering a trip to go get it.

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

but you can't put the bike in under the cap. although its not really something I'd worry about. if you're camping at a track I think someone stealing your bike is highly unlikely.

I've came to terms on the camping thing. Since the Mrssilver will be coming along she has informed me that camping will no longer be an option. I wouldn't worry about it at all at Grattan. I'm thinking more for Bluegrass, and long term.

Originally Posted by Hammer

FWIW, my 6X12 haulmark brand new was over $2k, then i added painted walls, rhino lining to floor, e track, painted ramp.


Trailers hold their value pretty good. You may check with a dealer, you may end up better off with a new one if you went that direction.

I honestly did not know new ones ran that much bare bones. E track is absolutely the way to go though. Maybe I need to contact my people, that know some people, that rob some people. (kidding)

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

I've came to terms on the camping thing. Since the Mrssilver will be tagging along she has informed me that camping will no longer be an option. I wouldn't worry about it at all at Grattan. I'm thinking more for Bluegrass, and long term.

do people steal stuff in Kentucky?

if it were me I probably still wouldn't worry much about it being in the back of a truckbed or open trailer. if it really worries you just get some big ass chain and a good lock and lock the wheels to the trailer. and always make sure to back up to a wall if possible.

when I was at Calabogie I took my bike back to the motel the first night and left it in back of my truck. second night I let it under an ez up that belonged to a friend I had just met. I guess I'm too trusting a person.

you definitely won't have a problem at the org event at Grattan. there's always gonna be a place to you can leave it when you go back to the hotel at night.

My 6x12 Pace tows well behind the Avalanche or the Tahoe as might be expected, so I have no real useful info for your situation. It easily fits my bike along with all the extras, and we will try two bikes and a keg this year! (Don't ask because I'm not telling!)

However, there might be one concern not brought up and that would be size. If you plan to ferry across Lake Michigan for any reason, both ferry companies have size limitations. Mine barely passes on width. (They measure fender to fender)

You may never have a need to take a ferry from where you are to Miller, but you might if traveling to Banff. Of course driving around the Lake means no size concerns for you other than can your tow vehicle handle it.

On a side note, I have to relate something your thread reminded me. We got hit with another 5 inches of snow Thursday. I closed the office early so my out of town employees could get home safely. It was plenty slippery, but I got home okay. The snow plows got things cleaned up on the roads by the next day, but left the usual extra two feet of snow at the end of the drive. No problem, I went to work and came home for lunch just fine. A few minutes after I got home, my neighbor across the street called the house to find out if anyone could help her. She has a PT Cruiser and got high centered trying to leave home!

My son (no college class for an hour) and I pushed her out easily. All the time I thought if she had a 'real' car she would not have gotten stuck as her drive slopes downhill and could have gotten a good run to get into the street!

That's a roundabout story to perhaps suggest you could look into a bigger truck...they have to be fire sale priced these days!!!

(Also, no offense intended to PT fans. It really should have had a hemi.)

edit: mine was $2500 new in 2006. Have used it to move college son a few times and haul stuff where needed, as well as the motorcycle to Grattan! I consider it a good investment. UHaul has disappointed me more than once.

edit edit: It's not the trailer that costs, it's all the farkles you put into it.

Originally Posted by 08silvercbr

I honestly did not know new ones ran that much bare bones. E track is absolutely the way to go though.
Now keep in mind, that was 2006 when I purchased it, now they may be up around the $2,800 mark.


Maybe I need to contact my people, that know some people, that rob some people. (kidding)

I cannot stop them from trying, but I bet they will not do it again.

Originally Posted by Bagger

FWIW... the last couple years I've been pulling my 14ft enclosed V-nose (16ft nose to tail not including tongue) 7ft ceiling height and 8.5ft wide tandem axles, dual brakes with a 98 GMC Envoy (4.3L V6 190hp & 250ft/lb)

Wow.. I thought those were inline 6's? An Envoy should be close to mine in comparison I'd think.

Originally Posted by maxib

On a side note, I have to relate something your thread reminded me. We got hit with another 5 inches of snow Thursday. I closed the office early so my out of town employees could get home safely. It was plenty slippery, but I got home okay. The snow plows got things cleaned up on the roads by the next day, but left the usual extra two feet of snow at the end of the drive. No problem, I went to work and came home for lunch just fine. A few minutes after I got home, my neighbor across the street called the house to find out if anyone could help her. She has a PT Cruiser and got high centered trying to leave home!

Originally Posted by maxib

That's a roundabout story to perhaps suggest you could look into a bigger truck...they have to be fire sale priced these days!!!

Dude.. I can't believe you guys are still getting snow like that. I guess you are probably use to it, but for what it’s worth ours all melted today as it was decent outside. One more month to go!

I really like my truck. It’s my daily driver and I bought it new in 03'. With the exception of stone chips in the hood it’s pretty much flawless. The best part.. it’s been paid for, for a good while now. I agree that big trucks are dirt cheap. The owner of my company has a dealer’s license and have been telling me what they are going for at the dealer auctions. The thing is.. other then my bike I really don't have anything else to have a need for a bigger truck, and I like the smaller trucks for around town.

Originally Posted by G-ForceJunkie

Whats the towing capacity of your truck? I would guess around 3500. Not hard to do safely with a 5x8 or 6x10 single axle. You get up to the bigger, dual axle trailers and the weight of the trailer itself is going to eat up alot of that 3500. That being said, towing at max capacity is usualy pretty sketchy and not recommended.

All good points. My truck is rated at 3700 lbs. It doesn't say the tongue weight. GVAW or whatever.. (I'm assuming overall weight of everything including the truck and passengers)is 9000 lbs. One thing I'd have going for me is the weight of the stuff inside the trailer wouldn't add up to more then 650 lbs without my big tool box. (that thing weighs the same as a small car)

Realistically I need a trailer. Realistically I'm not going to get one. Maybe next year. I've always had access to trailers at will. My dad's got a snowmobile trailer, my friends got an 18', my boss has a 14' and up until a month ago I had access to an 8' as well. I pulled a Uhaul (5x10?) to Arizona twice completely packed floor to the ceiling and did 80 mph in overdrive the whole way with no problems. There is a big difference between that and a 14' though. Maybe if I use my truck and ditch some crap someone will let me park my bike in their trailer at Bluegrass overnight.

I towed everything on my wife's Murano and a 5x7', 500.00 US$, open trailer, and I tied the bike with chewing gum and snots.
Made it there and back. About 2400 miles all together. I slept in the car though.

i bought this 6x12 interstate used last spring for $1600, its an 03..the dude left 2 wheel chocks, a leathers rack and a custom shelf in it.. i pull it with my 01 burban with a towing package.. last june i had 3 bikes, camping gear,big ol' toolbox,gascans,etc....pulled it no prob.. nice used trailers are out there, ya just gotta look a lil bit..

Originally Posted by RR_MIKE

i bought this 6x12 interstate used last spring for $1600, its an 03..the dude left 2 wheel chocks, a leathers rack and a custom shelf in it.. i pull it with my 01 burban with a towing package.. last june i had 3 bikes, camping gear,big ol' toolbox,gascans,etc....pulled it no prob.. nice used trailers are out there, ya just gotta look a lil bit..

Looks good. You got the whole color thing going on and everything. That’s the setup I need, except I won't be getting a Suburban any time soon. I traded the Suburban for Suburbia...