Towing / Trailer

You will spend a significant time towing to go to events and the towing equipment requires some organization and also a lot of maintenance!

Neglected trailers will often lead to bearing failures and lost wheels/hubs as well as seized or non-working brakes. Don't underestimate the amount of maintenance required on trailers.

If you are not racing in a region where winter weather is not an issue, a 2WD towing vehicle like a Sprinter van could be a good option. Pickup trucks are pretty versatile and will have usually a better towing capability but they will be limited in storage space.

We are currently towing a 27ft aluminum enclosed trailer with a 2017 Chevy 2500HD Duramax for all the tools/spares and one race car.

We tow the 2nd car on an aluminum Aluma tilt open trailer with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi v8 Summit with air suspension. 

Our Amazon storefront with the trailer essential list can be found here: https://amzn.to/4uvInd9 

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made from the links we provide. (at no cost to you, you still enjoy the same discounts and prices as usual)

Towing and loading the trailer with tow straps

Tilt trailers don't require ramps but they can make it more difficult to load a disabled car and you need to maintain the tilt mechanism which is not an easy task in climates with harsh weather.  We now use loop style Car Tie Down Straps (https://amzn.to/47bOr1d). We use the tie down through the spokes which is much easier than going through the wheel, just make sure you secure the strap at the proper height so that it is not going to pull on the wheel and make it rotate which would result in a loose strap. We use the diagonal method for the straps as it prevents the car from moving sideways on the trailer and ending up at an angle which can be an issue with straps at a straight angle.  Here are videos of our setup below. 

Trailer TPMS

To monitor your tire pressure and temperature while towing, there are inexpensive trailer TPMS that also monitor temperatures. Check the video below and find all the product links on our Amazon storefront at https://amzn.to/4uvInd9 

Trailer cameras

To monitor both inside and behind the enclosed trailer, we are using these wireless cameras: https://amzn.to/3QM38CV 

The video below show the install, tapping the power from the marker lights.

Trailer electric tongue jack

In this video we are reviewing the 2 electric tongue jacks that we have been using for many years:

• Enclosed trailer: Husky HB4500 4500 lbs. Brute Power Jack: https://amzn.to/4v44us5 

• Open trailer: Quick Products JQ-3500SMB - 3,650 lbs. Capacity: https://amzn.to/3Qk040c  

The plug guard mentioned in the video is this one: https://amzn.to/4fccba5 

Our Amazon storefront with the trailer essential list can be found here: https://amzn.to/4uvInd9 

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made from the links we provide. (at no cost to you, you still enjoy the same discounts and prices as usual)

Hitch receiver

Your tow vehicle hitch receiver will never be at the correct height with your trailer as the ride height will vary depending on load. Having an adjustable drop hitch receiver is usually a must. We have used the Weigh Safe aluminum drop hitch receivers with great success, excellent resistance to corrosion compared to steel receivers. Here are the links for the 2" (on our Jeep) and 2.5" (on the 2500HD) shank versions:

• • Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - 6" Adjustable Drop Hitch for 2" Receiver: https://amzn.to/41N7lrW 

  • Weigh Safe 180-Degree Trailer Hitch - Compatible with 2.5" Receivers - 6" Drop adjustable: https://amzn.to/4dthEIY 

Locks

Coupler locks

Coupler locks don't do much, most of them are really weak and cause more issues rusting in the coupler than they are effective (see video below). 

We have had more luck with a simple pad lock like this one that we have used since 2020 on our enclosed trailer: https://amzn.to/4tY3DIq 

HItch receiver locks

For the hitch receiver, we use this lock: https://amzn.to/4nnrWxi 

For the slider lock in the Weigh Safe hitch, use this lock: https://amzn.to/4tlBzxC 

MAKE SURE YOU LUBE YOUR LOCKS REGULARLY OR THEY WILL SEIZE!

Door locks

We used these keyed alike locks for the doors of the enclosed trailer: https://amzn.to/4ffRgD0 

Trailer setup

Here is how we are organizing tools and spare parts in the Frog Racing enclosed trailer:

Trailer tires

Trailer tires use a different load rating specification as shown on the chart below. The load rating (LR) correspond to a ply rating (PR) that describes how many layers of fabric (such as polyester or nylon) and steel cords are embedded in the rubber that provide the tire structure, strength, and load-carrying capacity. For example, our open trailer comes stock with C load rating tires (6 ply) that are only rated 1760lbs, so 2 of them meet the spec for the 3500lbs axles of the trailer but we have upgrades to D rated tires that are rated to 2040lbs or 4080lbs per axle for additional safety.

Similarly our enclosed trailer uses 225/75R15 tires that we upgraded from D load range to E to have an extra cussion of safety over the  5000lbs rating of the axle.

We have had blow outs on all sorts of tires (brand name or not) and we switched to a schedule where we don't keep the tires for more than 2 full racing seasons. 

Currently we use these tires on our open trailer: Suntek HD Trail 2 Trailer Radial Tires-ST205/75R14 105/101M Load Range D: https://amzn.to/3OSB8wR 

Trailer maintenance

In this video we look at the regular maintenance procedure for trailers with typical Dexter-like axles equipped with electric brakes. We show the common cleanup and regrease procedure as well as brake adjusting.

We address common issues like stuck rotors, broken shoe pads and frozen adjuster wheels.

Parts:

• Brake Assembly, 10" x 2-1/4" (open trailer 3500lbs axles): https://amzn.to/4bBrtBR 

• Brake Assembly 12" X 2" (enclosed trailer 5k lbs axles): https://amzn.to/4njrRdT 

• Trailer Breakaway Kit with battery: https://amzn.to/48S4MZP 

• Trailer Breakaway switch: https://amzn.to/4tobDS4 

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made from the links we provide. (at no cost to you, you still enjoy the same discounts and prices as usual)