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Race Car Trailers
Millennium Trailers provides several convenient ways for you to begin shopping for a new trailer. Design-Your-Own-Trailer and build to your specs or purchase from our large existing inventory. You can engage with us through any of these methods.
Race Car Trailers Information
For information about our models, visit our Enclosed Trailer information page.
To view pictures of our race trailers, visit our image gallery.
For general information about buying race trailers, visit our Race Trailer Buying Guide.
Millennium Silver Gooseneck Race Trailer
Customizing Race Trailers
There are hundreds of different issues to consider when designing a race trailer. These are the top most important considerations:
- Size
- Weight
- Living Quarters
- Flooring
- Car Loading
This article will take some of the most popular and important selections when designing a race car trailer.
Size
The size of race trailers is normally 2 dimensional. The maximum width for any vehicle in the United States is 102″. Most race trailers are 102″ wide therefore the two dimensions that need consideration are the height and the length.
Height
The trailer must be able to accommodate the height of any type of vehicle, in this case, we are writing about race car trailers. Normally race cars are lower to the ground and not very tall. A race trailer can be configured to be a Stacker Trailer which allows cars to be on two levels in the trailer. In this case, the trailer must be tall enough to load two cars plus some buffer space in between the roof of one car and the trailers of another. Standard interior height for a race trailer is normally 6’6″. If any person that will be in the trailer is taller than 6’6″ raise the trailer height. Taller trailers naturally feel bigger, because they are and this gives a better feeling in a living quarters. If the trailer use is for another purpose you should also consider the height of anything loaded. An 11′ interior is normally the maximum height. Finally, consider the ramp door height.
Ramp Door Opening Height
Vehicles are rolled into the trailer so the door must be tall enough to accomplish this. Raising the height does not mean that the ramp door opening has increased. When loading you must also consider the angled approach so do not keep a low tolerance in this area.
Exterior Trailer Height
Major factors impact exterior trailer height. The interior height and the tire size raise the trailer. Increasing axle size can increase exterior trailer height. Two important considerations of exterior height are the resting place of the trailer and the path needed to travel. Some people like to keep their trailer indoors, if you are one of these people ensure the trailer will fit. If you have an air conditioner or other option on the roof, do not forget the clearance for these items. In some cases, you may need to pass under a low bridge or other areas with minimum clearance. Consider this in your purchase.
Overall Length
Many other items are loaded in a race car trailer, other than the car itself. Consider all the items that you may take to the track. 5 of the most popular items are:
- Fuel
- Tools
- Air Compressor
- Golf Cart
- Camping Equipment
Loading Fuel
Race teams carry two types of fuel. Specialized race fuel is used by the team. Race fuel is stored in fuel jug holders. This holder can be a stainless-steel holder with the jugs sitting on the ground.
Tools Needed to Maintain the Car at the Track
Almost without exception race teams need to work on their car inside the race trailer. Maximizing race results require a wide variety of tookls. Tool chests added to a trailer similar to the ones in the garage. These chests are bolted to the race trailer floor so they do not move during transport. Some teams provide their tool chest while others have them installed by the factory.
Air Compressor with Air Lines
Many of the tools operate on air power. Impact wrenches, air ratchets, and more make any manual job easier and faster. A trailer with an air compressor and air lines running in the trailer can facilitate this need
Transportation Around the Track: The Golf Cart
The team needs transportation around the track quickly and almost all teams have a golf cart so that they can move about the track with ease. Loading golf carts into race trailers can be a tricky job. Most people drive it in and park its cart nose to the wall but others include a golf cart ramp
Camping Equipment
When at the track you may need basic camping gear if you are staying onsite. Storing that gear for easy access and out of the way is important. Trailer cabinets can be ideal for this.
Pulling it all Together
Graph paper or CAD system to place all your items loaded into the trailer. Consider unloading as well as such items as tie-downs. It is not feasible to change the length of the trailer so once you buy the trailer. Buying a longer trailer in stock may achieve the best price. Keep in mind when shopping for a gooseneck trailer, the floor length is generally 8 feet less than the overall trailer length due to the eight-foot overhang that is over the truck bed.
Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Tally the weight or appoximate weight of all items in trailer This calculation is the payload. Every trailer built is given a GVWR, which is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the maximum amount the payload plus the trailer can weigh. For example, a trailer with triple 7,000# axles would have a GVWR of 21,000#, therefore if the trailer weighed 8,000# the payload capacity would be 13,000# so all the items loaded in the trailer cannot exceed 13,000#. The tow vehicle rating will be in the GCWR or Gross Combined Weight Rating is the weight of the trailer loaded plus the weight of the tow vehicle. If the GCWR is 19,000# and weighs 7,000# the loaded trailer including the trailer itself cannot exceed 12,000#. This information provided as-is and may not be correct. Consult your tow vehicle dealer for specific numbers. Aluminum trailers lower the weight of the trailer slightly.
Living Quarters and Other Household Comforts
Amenities can be added to race car trailers. The top five amenities are:
- Bathroom
- Bed
- Refrigerator
- Sink
- Microwave
- Entertainment
Items are available a la carte or in a complete package. Bumper Pull Living Quarters floor plans are available and the contents of the packages displayed. Custom floor plans use a la carte items and packages for bathrooms and kitchens. Added partition walls keep the garage and living area separate. Consult with your Millennium Trailers design specialist for details at 800-978-7223. A bathroom can be a critical need for a family spending the day or days at the track.
Bathroom
Generally, there are two classifications of bathrooms, wet bat and dry bath. A wet bath enclosed the shower and toilet in one area, while a dry bathroom has a separate shower and toilet. There are many other considerations in the bathroom, such as the size of the shower.
Bed to Sleep On
A gooseneck trailer often offers the best solution for a bed. The area in the gooseneck offers a perfect location for 1 large bed or two small beds. A couches and dinettes convert into a bed. In the garage area, you can also consider a fold-down bench/bed combo or a bed that stores near the ceiling when not in use.
Refrigerator Requirements
There are several sizes of trailer refrigerators, the most common are between 3 and 8. A properly vented refrigerator is ran on electricity or propane.
Sink
Consider the use of a sink. Some people just want a place to wash their hands, while others are looking to wash dishes or more. A sink installed in the bathroom provides a minimal solution.
Entertainment Systems
There can be a good amount of downtime at the track. Trailers offer virtually any entertainment that a home can. TV, radios, and satellite dishes are all very popular.
Floor Coverings
The top types of floors for race car trailers are:
- Thermo Polyolefin: Black Coin TPO
- Vinyl
- Aluminum Tread Plate
- Extruded Aluminum Plank
- Carpet
- Standard Flooring: Engineered Plywood
Each flooring type offers different advantages, but the most popular type of flooring is black coin. Black coin offers durability and a more slip-resistant texture. Black Coin is a thin, hard plastic-type material that is very durable. Aluminum tread plate offers a very durable surface but when fluids are spilled it becomes slippery. Think about your situation and what works best.
Loading Race Car Trailers
The two most popular ways to load a race trailer are driving the car into the trailer or using a winch to pull the car into the garage area. The advantage of driving the car into the trailer is a lower cost without a winch. The two drawbacks are getting out of the car and a non-running car cannot driven. Ground clearance is a key factor when loading. The approach loading angle can be altered by increasing the ramp length with race car trailer accessories known as ramp extensions and raising the ramp door with bumpers. Most car trailers are equipped with a beaver tail which is a slight incline leading up to the floor of the trailer which is flat. Beaver tails can also be extended to accommodate very low cars. The bottom line is that you are buying this trailer to take your race car to the track. If it is too low to the ground and the bottom rubs the trailer damage can occur to both the trailer and the car.
Work with your Millennium Design specialist to get all the features that are required. Call 800-978-7223 to work with a specialist we have the best price to value in the industry.
Final Thoughts and Important Buying Considerations
Normally enclosed car trailers can be used for a race trailer, but to get the most out of the race car trailer the considerations above are crucial. Most of the time a custom trailer will be more expensive than a trailer on the lot, but this is because you get many more features that you want. If your needs are minimal a custom trailer may be less expensive because unwanted options are not in the price.
| Race Car Trailers - Additional Topics |
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| Enclosed Race Car Trailers | Stacker Trailers |
| Building Custom Trailer Guide | |
