C5 Trailer Hitch II

[kedvesh]

ref - http://www.nvcorvetteclub.com/mvnforum/mvnforum/viewthread?thread=1206&offset=20

That thread seemed to get somewhat offtrack.

Question(s) within are good ones. Can anyone add info on installers in the area trusted enough to put a hitch on our 'Vettes?

Thanks in advance for the responses! [=D>]

[Z96LT4]

Since we're asking about hitches, anyone know where to get a good tire trailer? I've found a hitch at Ecklers that states "bolt-on" and the guy there says it truly is. Now I need a trailer for tires and a lock box for misc. stuff. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[urtoslo]

Can anyone add info on installers in the area trusted enough to put a hitch on our 'Vettes?

Thanks in advance for the responses! [=D>]


Take it to High Tech in Chantilly. Tell Bobby I sent you!

[kedvesh]

With a little help from som NVCC members [=D>], here are some hitch prices I've looked into. All are tagged against a C5 and are the Draw-Tite brand (http://www.draw-tite.com/) Class-I Sportframe hitch and related hardware (wiring harness, hitch ball and draw bar) with shipping to my zip code (22309).
http://www.ecklers.com/images/vette/40460.jpghttp://www.reese-hitches-online.com/diff/1__Diameter.gifhttp://www.hitches-forless.com/electrical/18252.jpg


As of 7 Mar 07, they are:http://www.ecklers.com - $201.71
http://www.etrailer.com - $153.79
http://www.hitches-forless.com - $141.27
http://www.drawtite-hitches.com or http://www.hitchfinder.com/ (they seem to both use the same "shopping cart") - $163.48
One thing I'm a mystified on is the wiring harness. Some sites seem to recommend some type of heavy duty thingamajig or whatchamacallit for vehicles with light duty wiring systems or with computers subject to damage from short circuited wiring. Is the above harness all I need for the connection?

Take it to High Tech in Chantilly. Tell Bobby I sent you! [B-)]
Thanks! I assume this is the place - http://www.hightechautoandtruck.com

Another person recommended our resident 'Vette mechanic, Joe @ Koons Chevy.

[kedvesh]

Since we're asking about hitches, anyone know where to get a good tire trailer? I've found a hitch at Ecklers that states "bolt-on" and the guy there says it truly is. Now I need a trailer for tires and a lock box for misc. stuff. Any suggestions? Thanks.
The below is do-it-yourself.
Trailers - One of the models w/ 12" (important) tires from http://www.harborfreight.com seem to be the odds on favorites on most forum discussions I've visited. While the following site is for a Miata ( http://mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php?PHPSESSID=587825a78845161078065f582f5073 2f&topic=5874.msg59051 ), it gives a good set of pics for the owner's setup. Note: some people put the box on the front and the wheels on the back.
http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/DarkSide-MSM/Track_trailer_2.jpg

These are from a few 'Vette drivers -
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/8682/dsc00741ha0.jpg

http://www.z06vette.com/gallery/data/500/1804P5100170.jpg
Boxes - A plastic "toughbox", footlocker or the like from Wal-Mart, CostCo or similar seems to work, bolted down to the bed of the trailer, of course. This one is from Lowes ($49) -
http://images.lowes.com/product/020027/020027003402.jpg
Securing Tires - misc. harware, etc. from your local hardware store.

I would have loved to find this one (see http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/trailer/ ), but I don't think the company is in business anymore. FYI, it seems it was also more expensive than the HF do-it-yourself set-up.
http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/trailer/photos/111_trailer_side_lg.jpeg

[Z96LT4]

Thanks for the pics. I had found these online also in various other forums. Unfortunately, it looks like everyone has built their own as I haven't seen anyone selling a pre-made. South Sport looked promising but they don't have a website, it's just a site to other sites. The quest continues. If anyone knows of someone selling a complete trailer, send them my way. Thanks.
Kris

[kedvesh]

Thanks for the pics. I had found these online also in various other forums. Unfortunately, it looks like everyone has built their own as I haven't seen anyone selling a pre-made. South Sport looked promising but they don't have a website, it's just a site to other sites. The quest continues. If anyone knows of someone selling a complete trailer, send them my way. Thanks.
Kris
How 'bout this company? http://www.sstrailers.com/index.htm

http://www.sstrailers.com/gallery/d/29-2/jc3.jpg

Configuration is diff. than the South Sport. Probably costs mucho moola more than a do-it-yourself HF model. Then again, it's pre-made.

[Z96LT4]

That sure is a nice trailer. Though at the price, $1399, I'd be tempted to find the inner motivation to build one myself.

[kedvesh]

Here's another one...made by Trailex

ref - http://www.trailex.com/viewprod.cfm?id=74&mcat=88&cat_id=88

http://www.trailex.com/photos/full/mustangtires.gif

Again, will have to find the cost. From various links, it looks like it's in the neighborhood of 6 C-notes.

EDIT: Just got a call-back from TrailEx. With one tire rack, the thing lists for $1442. It can be ordered through any TrailEx retailer. It's nice, but let's just say I'd have to think long and hard about the advantages this presents over a HF model.

[kedvesh]

Yet another model. Basic frame is made by http://www.armorrex.com . Looks to be the same kind of starter frame and similar cost as the HF models. You build it from the frame up.

http://images4.fotki.com/v41/photos/3/31796/1278489/TRAILER2-vi.jpg

[Z96LT4]

Thanks for the suggestions. It's looking like everyone either pays $1300-1500 to buy one or builds them themselves. HF might be the way to go, paying $150-200 for the trailer then buy a floor and angle iron or tubes for the tire rack. I might have to pull a Bob Vila and get my hands dirty to get one on the cheap.

[firebird]

Can anyone add info on installers in the area trusted enough to put a hitch on our 'Vettes?

Thanks in advance for the responses! [=D>]


Take it to High Tech in Chantilly. Tell Bobby I sent you!

So I spoke with Bobby down at High tech and he said he never put one on a vette before but they have done it on vipers and whatnot. He said depending on what needs to be done the installation could be at least $300. I'll get a better idea the next time I go down there with the vette and the hitch.

[Black396]

Just to put some prospective on the cost of those "pre-made" trailers.... a good open car hauler starts at around $1400.00

The Harbor Freight trailers don't really lose much when it comes time to sell them.