hotdram

Just found out from the folks that my mother is finally joining my dad in retirement. They now want to get out of the snow for 3 months out of the year. My dad has a sort of rare late '70s Lincoln Town Car convertible (a brick with wheels ) that he would like to have at his disposal here in Texas. The thing is a tank and they do not want to drive it half way across the country. I volunteered to drag his car down (wooo whooo, I might finally be able to justify the diesel after all ). I have been looking at buying an enclosed car hauler. It comes down to the bumper pull or gooseneck (probably one of the "A-frame" type GN's as I have a short box). I do not have any experience with a trailer that large. What are ya'lls thoughts and opinions on the bumper pull versus a GN for stability, ease of use and the many other things that I probably have not even thought about?
Thanks.

Shovelhead

If 'ya don't really want to buy a trailer, check your local U-haul for a transporter (All wheels up) trailer.<br>I've used them on several occasions. <br>They've always towed very well behind the truck.<br>Check the trailer out real close, double check behind the guy who hooks it up to your truck and go.<br>Drop it off when you're done. ;D

hotdram

Thanks Ed,<br>The first time we bring the &quot;brick down&quot;, it probably will be on a rental trailer (if they make one that will hold approx. 3 tons). We used Ryder when we moved here from PA. They said they did not offer a trailer heavy duty enough to haul my '97 1500 4x4 on (about 3 ton, I think). <br>I really would like to buy one though. My hobby is off-road motorcycling, and although a car hauler is overkill for hauling the bikes around, it would be very handy. Where I ride, I see people pull up in enclosed trailers with air conditioners, beds, motorcycles, picnic tables all their gear etc. etc. etc. This would be my &quot;camper&quot; as well. <br>

hotdram

Called U-Haul and Budget, neither of them have a hauler that will tow the Lincoln. Guess they just don't make 'em like they used to.

Dieseldude4x4

GN all the way baby. I got a dump trailer that is BP and I am going to get it converted to GN also. I hate to even hook up to it any more.

hotdram

DD4X4,<br>Thanks for the input, I kind of assumed that most people would say GN.

Rob_OBX

where do they live? PA? When do they plan on coming down? I have to make a trip down there later this month or very early August, I'll have an empty trailer for the trip down.

hotdram

Rob,<br>Thank you for the offer. However, they won't be coming here until Jan '04. They want to be winter Texans for about 3 months out of the year.<br>BTW, they live outside Erie (Far NW corner, I call it southern Canada). <br><br>Thanks again,<br>Rob

TXRAM2

The gn will be a lot more stable and easier to pull. Just be careful when turning sharp with the short box

redramnc

If you are thinking of popping for a hauler/camper for your bikes there are some that are exactly that - a camper with a clamshell rear for loading bikes, ATVs, etc. Don't know brands but I have seen them and they look like a neat trick. Only seen BP ones though, and like DD4X4, I will not haul weight unless it is strapped to my GN.<br><br>You can customize a car hauler with all kinds of extra side doors, cabinets, gensets, water tanks, etc. All it takes is $$$$. <br><br>I helped restore a 66 Lincoln Convertible - 4 door with suicide rear doors. Completely filled our booth for too many months. You will need a minimum 22' enclosed - 24' would be better. 20' flat deck would probably work with the rear hanging out. Just be careful of the balance on the trailer. Them things weigh a bunch (probably closer to 7K) and are not as front-loaded as they look. Balance is tricky with that much weight and that much wheelbase. Good luck....

hotdram

Thanks redramnc,
After thinking about this for a while, I have decided not to get a GN big enough to haul his car. The vehicle is almost 20' long. I figure I need a trailer that has about 24' interior length. That puts me in a 28-30' GN. That is too much trailer to buy to only really need twice a year.
The wiser choices here are to A) buy a trailer tailored to my hobby and B) rent a flatbed for towing his car.
Those trailers that combine a &quot;garage&quot; in the back and living quarters up front are awesome. They might be the same overall length as an empty car hauler, but it is a better use of space for my needs.
Some links to those types of trailers:

Pace Explorer

Weekend Warrior
The Weekendwarrior brand has a 5er in their lineup.

Roadmaster Campmaster

Tiny

Hotdram,<br> I am about an hour from Erie, if you need the Lincoln hauled give me a shout. I have an 18' flatbed we could throw the car on and get it to Texas for your parents. Some food for thought.<br><br>Tiny

hotdram

Tiny,<br>Thanks for the offer. I'll keep it in mind as one of our options. Appreciate it.<br><br>Rob

y-knot

I've pulled both, and I have to say I love the gooseneck's. they track so much better, and are much easier to back into tight places. They are heavier, and cost more, so it might be a case of what can you afford? My first couple trailers were tags, so I've been there. But it kind of like getting a dodge, gas or diesel?

Srigs

A flat bed gooseneck is what you want. You can find used ones cheap and will meet your needs.