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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Toads -> Car haulers
Post Info TOPIC: Car haulers
Chad


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Car haulers
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Just bought a 30' Class C a month ago and have a few trailer questions.

We'd like to tow our car behind us. Unfortunately, We own a Pontiac Vibe and are not able to tow 4 down. I've looked at dollys, and while it may be the cheapest thing to get, I'm interesting in your thought on getting a car hauler/ trailer.

From what i have estimated, I can buy an aluminum car hauler and put my car on it and be a few hundred pounds under the hitch weight, and still be under gross also.

My main question is, has anyone ever seen, or had a trailer with a single axle (3500lb) and haul a car on it? I am looking at single and double just to make sure i cover my bases.

i'm making a pro's and cons's list FOR the single axle, please feel free to add to it:

PRO'S:
less overall weight
cheaper

CON's
what happens if there is a blowout?
evening out the weight on a single axle



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spokes


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We also have a Pontiac Vibe.  It's front wheel drive.  Is front wheel or AWD?


Since we don't full time and only wanted to pull it a couple of times a year.  So, for costs sake, I went with a dolly, with no brakes that I got for $800.


I think, the Vibe itself weights about 3,000 pounds.  I bet the dolly weighs close to 500 pounds.  So, you're going to be close to your limit with a dolly.


I've never seen a single axle aluminum car hauler. 


I pull it behind a Bounder Diesel, for your information.



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Chad


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Ours is a front wheel drive.

I may still end up getting a dolly, but would love the option of backing up...seeing the 2 times i have taken the RV out, i've had to back up...

The trailer i am looking at is a "utility trailer" but has all the hookups that the dual axle car hauler has..

Our Vibe came in just under 2700 lbs with a full tank of gas.

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Tmcblane


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If you are gonna buy an aluminum, I would go with the tandem axle. The extra axle is not that much more weight considering the safety of it both in weight distribution and support during a blowout.

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ralbert3


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I am presently a 5th wheel guy along with owning a 11'3 lance truckcamper. My wife has had to drive our BMW back north after spending the winter in Fla. She states that this was the last year for driving north alone. Now I am thinking about moving over to a MH and a 22 foot duel axle trailor with electric brakes on both axles. We both love driving the BMW and it can not be towed other than on a trailor. The nice feature of a trailor is the ablity to back it up. I know with the wheel base issue it can be a test.

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RVDude


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Chad, be aware that your towing limit is determined by the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of your camper + load + occupants + water + gas + trailer/dolly/car + everything in the car + everything. You can find this number on a sticker usually in one of the closets/cupboards. The available GCWR for towing will quite often be less than the hitch rating on a class c. Another trouble spot is the load balance. Again, on many class c rigs a trailer adding 300-500 lbs to the hitch will load the rear axle some 500-700 lbs (depending on wheelbase and distance from axel to hitch) meaning you will no doubt overload the rear axle. A dolly will put substantially less load on the hitch and axle.

Just some thoughts to consider in your choice.



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Chad


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thank god i dont have to worry about this anymore...I bought a Liberty and ended my problems right there.

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Howard


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Well allrighty then.  Looks like I can close this thread since the original question is now moot to the original poster.  biggrin

For others with Car Hauler questions, feel free to start a new topic.  smile


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