Car trailer question

[Curly]

For those in the know whats the shortest bed length of car trailer that I can safely use for moving an e21 . Have another use for the same trailer but needs to be as short as poss but still be able to move an e21 .
Thanks

[uwbuurman]

Well, best is the full length of an e21, but at least frontbumper till rear wheels. More important is the position of the axle of the trailer irt the weight of the e21. The weight on the trailer coupling should be in the 30 pound range.

[Curly]

Thanks for the reply I think an e21 is about 14ft long so Ideally a trailer with a bed length the same I suppose , however this is too long with the frame etc as it totals about 18ft 6ins . I will need to go to a trailer dealer with my e21 when it's running and see how much overhang I can get away with at the back to see if I can find anything shorter .
Cheers

[pandemonium001]

Noseweight needs to be between 5% - 7% of the trailer MTPLM for stability. If the cars drawbar noseweight is 75kg then that is what you have to adjust to. Any heavy items could go in the car boot, or move heavy items to just behind the trailer axle, low down. It is all about balancing the load, you should get 75kg by moving a few things about if your are measuring it the right way.
Caravan hitches have a load limit of 100kg, you go by the lowest, car or trailer.
When hitched on the noseweight then becomes part of the cars payload. watch your MAM if you passed your test after November 98.

To balance it you could have a short trailer, bed only the length of the wheel base, with a adjustable drawbar for other uses and storage then counter weight the rear to achieve the nose weight limit, keeping within the MAM of the car and your license.

Also remember insurance needs to be notified of any drawbar installation.
Twin axle is far more stable, but heavier.

[pandemonium001]

according to wiki:
Wheelbase 2,563 mm (100.9 in)
Length 4,355 mm (171.5 in)
4,508 mm (177.5 in) (US bumpers)
Width 1,610 mm (63.4 in)
Height 1,380 mm (54.3 in)

[pandemonium001]

just another note.
any trailer now home built in the uk are subject to an inspection similar to SVA. trailers made before a certain date are exempt.

Using a caravan chassis is classed as a conversion and not subject to inspection.

But if buying new or approved by someone like Ifor williams, that doesn't really matter.

[Curly]

Cheers Pandy
I was going to buy a twin axle factory made trailer like an Ifor williams with a GVW of 2700kg to 3500kg . Interesting about the loading . Problem I have is that it will only be moving cars occasionaly and moving 1800kg machine daily so it's a juggling act , thanks for your input .

[pandemonium001]

I would prob just get a trailer for the bobcat specific and hire a car trailer when needed. Its quite cheap.

[pandemonium001]

if the trailer is wide enough, you could use a rear trailer removable extension. we used to have one for hay bales large but light items.
looked exactly like this for an 80's trailer 2 bolts and installed.


like this kind of idea when in place.


food for thought.