Over the past few months, I have begun to cobble together a race trailer from an amalgamation of parts (a wrecked 20' Featherlite box, Craigslist axles, etc.). Here she is in all her glory:
She came well equipped:
- 20' crunched box and frame featuring a smashed side door and rotting wood ramp.
- Interior is finished with fluorescent light fixtures (110V AC) and breaker box tied to external RV generator plug.
- 3500# craigslist torsion axles.
- 4 junk/free tires that kind of hold air.
- Paint that's kind of there.
- Electrics that would make Lucas look reliable.
- Harbor Freight 3000lb. winch that needs a new cable.
As it stands, I have next to nothing into making this thing into a "roller". However, it still needs some things to even be road worthy (tires/wheels, new brakes, complete re-wire). I could effectively replace every component and come out much cheaper than a new trailer. As a bonus, I can do things in stages depending upon my needs.
Current plan is to get it roadworthy, inspected, and titled. The question, however, is this:
If given carte blanche to spec the (20') trailer of your dreams, what would you do?
This will be primarily used for hauling derelict cars around, ChampCar races, etc. Looking for suggestions/lessons learned in order to make this workable. Specific questions are the following:
- Is it worth upgrading to 16" wheels (if possible)? Goodyear has new Made in USA tires that are supposedly better than the old Marathons.
- Are all electric drums the same? I need all four replaced, should I consider trying to find some 12" drums instead of the 10" normally equipped?
- Needs all new exterior signal lighting, transitioning to LEDs. No provisions for backup lights, can LED cubes serve double duty for backup and night loading/unloading.
- Ditch the 5000#-rated D-Rings for E-Track?
- Cheap 12v interior lighting for times that I don't want to break out a generator?
- Recessed flood lights on left side for times I need more light AND a generator?
- Side door is FUBAR. Ditch the RV lock and go to a conventional door bar and lock for better security?
- How the hell do I anchor a rolling tool cart/chest so it doesn't fall on my car while on the freeway?
- Roof fans/vents: Mandatory upgrade or easy target for hail?
I do understand that it would be cheaper/easier to fix things minimally, but where is the fun in that? I could effectively have a decent trailer for challenge money.