Drag Racing Discussions > Tow Vehicles

1974 Chapparal trailer

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dreracecar:
Flat tow ? Or any grades? Just make sure all brakes on both truck an trailer work properly

tcoupekyle:
Dre. I'd say the roads I travel on 98 percent of the time are pretty flat.  I've conquered the ship channel bridges easily with this ol girl but it's nothing like the long hills and mountains of California. 

skydvrbob:
I  currently have a 42 ' chaparral. Sold a 40' a couple of years ago. The axles and hubs are out of date. If one fails buy another complete axle assembly.  Can be rusty on the bottom of the pouches. That's where the water collects. The standard ball for these trailers was 3" see if it has been changed.  double check that your truck will have enough clearance over the back of the bed. As trucks have gotten newer the bed depths have gotten deeper. Keep a spare spring with you. Yes they are heavy, but they are still in use. Not like a lot of them made today. PM me for other questions.

Bentwings:
I had a 34 foot for a number of years but sold it Nov last year.  Loaded with most of my tools. It was a good deal for the new owner as he didn't have much in the line of tools. I got more for my tools than I ever would have otherwise.

I bought the trailer restored. It had new boxes and stainless doors.  The back door had garage door booster spring so it was easier to operate.  Mine was about a 74 vintage. Ex funnycar trailer. These were 8' wide so be aware of the door width and fender well clearance.  As noted newer trucks have deeper beds and are much higher.  It's possible to add an adjustable hitch with 2 1/2, ball. More standard. Mine had the clam shell hitch. It worked great but was tough to back into as I couldn't see it. I used a magnetic antenna thing with a tennis ball on it. HF item. 

The trailer was heavy, right at 6000 empty.  With my Willys streetrod and tools it weighed 9700 the last time I traveled with it.  I have a '99 Dodge Dually diesel with 5 spd manual. It pulled this trailer very well mpg was around 15-17 flat roads. Minus a couple in the mountains. 

As noted the axels are pretty primitive by today's standard. I work part time in a custom trailer shop. We used to build a similar trailer back in the day.  I'd replace them with more up to date ones.  If you use a spring type, carry a spare spring and equipment to change it. Mine had a hydraulic landing gear Jack that could lift the truck and trailer together.  If your trailer has one do not run the motor longer than necessary to raise the trailer. These will quickly drain the battery.

Be sure you have an operating breakaway system and larger SAFTEY chains.  Check your state regulations and FED DOT.  They do stop you for about anything. Generally if the trailer is under 10k loaded and titled you are ok.  Towing these with single rear wheel is very questionable.  Be sure your truck and trailer tires can carry the weight.  If you are over weight you can be parked until you get someone with acceptable capacity to move it. 

What ever you do do not advertise anything on your truck or trailer unless you have a CDL. Then everything needs to be according to FED DOT. REGS. And you need a log book.  Be very careful that your rig and your license meets requirements.  Many will tell you not to worry about it but my advice is do your home work. 

WHAT EVER YOU DO DO NOT GET CAUGHT TEXTING OR EVEN HOLDING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING YOUR RIG.  There are cameras everywhere on the highways.

tcoupekyle:
Thanks for that info. I talked to the seller yesterday and he says he "might" have the trailer sold. But it has a 2 5/8 hitch ball and 16 inch tires.  He claims no rust but, he said he's waiting on someone to buy it. Which is kind of a bummer but it's so far away its commendable he's doing that. 
Thanks for the dot advice. I don't do the cell phone and drive thing so I'm ok there and I don't have any business to actually advertise so I'm ok there.  I checked the towing capacity of my truck and its almost 13000. I think if possible I'll get the trailer and then convert my old truck to a dually axle. But then again it sounds like he may have sold it already.  So back on the hunt for another trailer.  Thank y'all 10 fold for the advice and information.

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