So, I bought this trailer two years ago thinking it'd be handy to haul the roadster around, or fetch a project, whatever. Since then we now winter in Florida, haven't had an opportunity to use the trailer at all, but TODAY, it's all loaded up and ready to go to the Gilmore for a weekend show, and hanging out with our old camper friends. Move 'em out!
My problem is when someone uses a trailer to go to a local show. If it is a race car, that's different. I don't know how far you are from the Gilmore Museum, but yes, you get a p*** with your rig. We use a trailer when we go to far away shows behind the Motor Home. We are in Kentucky now for the Tri-5 Nationals with the wife's 57 Nomad. In September and October, I'll be using my trailer (behind MH) to take my '40 Ford Coupe to Mt. Airy, N.C., Lloydfest in Ky and then Moonshine Festival in Georgia. If I was going alone, I would probably drive it, but my wife wants the comfort of the MH. Lol. I do understand that there are times when a trailer needs to be used. I hope I made sense with my rambling. Ron
Waaaaait a minute! It's 16.6 miles from the center of K'zoo to the Gilmore. Has there been some mechanical mishap with the roadster rendering it incapable of making the trip on its own?
The Gilmore is less than 20 miles from Kalamazoo, and is one of my favorite venue’s for a car event. The museum is a treasure, the grounds are perfect. If it wasn’t that I would have to drive through the Chicago area and around the bottom of Lake Michigan I would visit Gilmore more often.
I don't know...?...? That trailer looks way too new........ needs more 40s Art Deco or somesuch. What!? No vintage Ford wheels? No 85-year-old trailer taillights? Just Kidding. Nice bunch of vehicles there. ........But do some pinstripes on the trailer or som'tin.
The Gilmore is on my list of must visit car places. If I was that close I wouldn't be trailering anything, but I do understand that you probably want to take everything. Your tow rig is sweet!
There's a ferry as well to cross Lake Michigan. Couple of options, but I hear you on running through Chicago.
Ron we drove my flathead coupe down to the Mt Airy show about six years ago. Good show. We’ll see you at Lloydfest!!! Rick.
I thought there were a couple of ferry locations; I was reminded of these last weekend a a fellow from down-state Michigan said they were planning a trip that way. Hope he double checks!
www.lake-express.com for information. My advice would be to book early. It's a little spendy but saves a lot of time and headaches. There are additional minor fees for fuel surcharges and port fees.
It's 2 miles for us. And, no issues with the roadster, other than I didn't want to make 2 trips. But hey, I needed an excuse to use the trailer. My wife drove the wagon/trailer roadster, I drove the Diamond T with the Spartan trailer. She must have felt comfortable driving it, I had to do 60 to keep her in sight!
Be careful. Pay attention. Not mine. Guy said it started swaying. Then I guess it broke loose. Swaying because of weight issues? Did the hitch breaking save the truck from flipping? Don’t know. But pay attention.
Yowch! Never seen a hitch bust off like that. looks like aluminum (mines aluminum, hmmm). Also, if you tow, don't hook the emergency break away cable to the chains or the hitch, it should go the frame of the truck in case the hitch comes off the frame.
Whoever decided that aluminum hitches were okay to sell needs a severe *** whipping? Makes about as much sense as wanting to put an aluminum fifth wheel on a road tractor. Of course, it you don't want that trailer attached to the tow vehicle when the aluminum hitch breaks, you could always do like a friend of mine did. He ran aluminum chain. Safe? Hell no, but the trailer never got into his El Camino when it came off the ball.
Looking at the safety chain it looks like it's half worn through from constantly dragging on speed humps and dips in driveways. That chain shouldn't have broken.