My track trailer was shipped yesterday

[Raffi]

I ordered this trailer over a month ago from Harbor Freight, and it had been on national back-order ever since...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2575

Here is the Euro Tow Kit I will use to tow the trailer:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24551

Can't wait to get it and assemble it before the Vegas trip in mid-May. It will definitely be a lot more convenient and cleaner to transport my track wheels and tools!

:D

[JonW]

Raffi,

That looks excellent. Should make track outings much easier.

So far, I can fit everything in my car without a problem. But I don't know how the little Porsche people do it without a trailer. (Maybe they don't, I've never seen them.)

Enjoy it!

[scottn2retro]

What kind of mods do you intend to do (if any) to mount the tool box and tires? Or just strap down real good?

[TGray5]

Excellent job on the hitch....I noticed at BF when you were driving away. Very clean install.



Originally posted by JonW
Raffi,

That looks excellent. Should make track outings much easier.

So far, I can fit everything in my car without a problem. But I don't know how the little Porsche people do it without a trailer. (Maybe they don't, I've never seen them.)

Enjoy it!

I've seen Boxsters with trailers...they have a very easy solution. They pull off the two black bumper covers and bolt a hitch to it. Very clean and easy to do. Now if someone could find an easy solution for M3s.

[Akakubi]

Looks great! :thumbup: That's a cool way to transport tyres.

[Raffi]

Thanks guys. :D

I could also fit everything in my car, but getting wheels in and out of the back seat got really tiresome - and stank the car and left marks on the interior trim, which is a pain to clean.

Scott, I plan on bolting down a huge tool container, and having my machinist cousin make some sort of a rack to hold down and lock the wheels. :D

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

When I trade in the Barge, I will have to do that.

:thumbup:

[The HACK]

Are those tires on the trailer Z rated? :D

[Kaz]

Originally posted by The HACK
Are those tires on the trailer Z rated? :D

We'll need to find some extra M3 wheels+tires and bolt them on. :D

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Originally posted by The HACK
Are those tires on the trailer Z rated? :D

He should have gone for the BMW trailer. :tsk:

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Hey!

Have the bodyshop paint it powder...no, steel blue too. :bigpimp:

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
He should have gone for the BMW trailer. :tsk:

I think I saw a quote once for $6k with all the accessories. :yikes: :tsk: :thumbdwn:

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Originally posted by Kaz
I think I saw a quote once for $6k with all the accessories. :yikes: :tsk: :thumbdwn:

Yep... It's really too bad.

[Andre Yew]

Does anyone remember the Buttonwillow school a year or two ago in which someone showed up with:

1. Cadillac Escalade with 24-inch chrome wheels and Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

2. Trailer with 20-inch chrome wheels and Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

3. Brand new Porsche 911 Turbo barely broken in on the trailer with 20-inch chrome wheels and ... Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

--Andre

[Raffi]

Originally posted by Andre Yew
Does anyone remember the Buttonwillow school a year or two ago in which someone showed up with:

1. Cadillac Escalade with 24-inch chrome wheels and Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

2. Trailer with 20-inch chrome wheels and Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

3. Brand new Porsche 911 Turbo barely broken in on the trailer with 20-inch chrome wheels and ... Z-rated Toyos :str8pimpi

--Andre

Yup, I know the dude. He and his friend Raffi H., who club races an E36 M3, both showed up with matching Escalades and trailers... Raffi H. had his Testarossa that week-end! By the way, the guy you're referring too owns the company which makes those bling-bling dub-dubs! :bigpimp:

[Raffi]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
Hey!

Have the bodyshop paint it powder...no, steel blue too. :bigpimp:

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Heck, just to p!ss you off, I will get it painted Alpina blue! :rofl: :rofl:

[Raffi]

Originally posted by The HACK
Are those tires on the trailer Z rated? :D

HACK and Kaz, I have actually thought about such a retrofit! :angel: An acquaintance of mine, who autocrosses his M coupe, got a similar trailer and put on 17 inch M Coupe wheels. :D :D

[The HACK]

Originally posted by Raffi
HACK and Kaz, I have actually thought about such a retrofit! :angel: An acquaintance of mine, who autocrosses his M coupe, got a similar trailer and put on 17 inch M Coupe wheels. :D :D

Heck, after this weekend ScottN2Retro should have FOUR prestine M Roady wheels he can sell you for CHEAP. :thumbup:

[scottn2retro]

Originally posted by The HACK
Heck, after this weekend ScottN2Retro should have FOUR prestine M Roady wheels he can sell you for CHEAP. :thumbup:

:nono:

alee should have plenty of 68s. :D

or better yet AF330 might have some wheels to unload :)

[Raffi]

Originally posted by DougDogs
Is it the kind that "folds up" in center for easier storage when not in use??


best of luck :thumbup:

No, just has a flat bed, 3 foot by 4 foot.

[Raffi]

Originally posted by scottn2retro
:nono:

alee should have plenty of 68s. :D

or better yet AF330 might have some wheels to unload :)

Can't imagine the shipping on those suckers... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[mola]

Originally posted by Raffi
Can't imagine the shipping on those suckers... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


yeah I think I've read a few Miata guys w/ track trailers saying some trailers ship in a box.
It seems like a ton of work to put a hitch on ... I'm sure it'll be worth it once the trailer is all setup.

It would be nice if someone has an arc welder to customize for the track wheels to sit perfectly.
Take a look at the links from the Miata guys to get some ideas of the trailer setup.


http://www.mainstreet-data.com/trailer/

http://www.codrus.com/cars/trailer/

As for the BMW wheels on the trailer :D ... that is too funny.
Would be nice if it would fit. Maybe you could Paint an M3 rim design look on the trailer wheels :D ? You know black background with WURTH wheel paint painted on like real rims :D :confused:

[JonW]

The trailer that my instructor used actually had wheels mounted on the outside frame of the trailer. So he was carrying 4 wheels before even starting to take up space on the trailer surface. A great idea. Although his trailor was bigger than yours will be. Just something to think about.

[Andre Yew]

Raffi,

"Yup, I know the dude. He and his friend Raffi H., who club races an E36 M3, both showed up with matching Escalades and trailers... Raffi H. had his Testarossa that week-end! By the way, the guy you're referring too owns the company which makes those bling-bling dub-dubs! :bigpimp:"

Yes, I remember that Ferrari, and his mini motorcycle, too, and the one time ("There was this one time at driving school ...") he destroyed his clutch getting the thing onto the trailer. I remembered looking at the V12 engine which had some scraggly red foam attached to the intakes, and I asked him about an air intake or filter or something, and Raffi H. kind of laughed and pointed to the ratty foam. You meet the most interesting people at these events.

I think the wheel company was Giovanna Wheels, because he had big stickers everywhere including the front shield of his trailer with that name:

Giovanna Wheels (http://www.giovannawheels.com/)

--Andre

[TGray5]

Raffi, may I suggest some chrome wheel covers from Pep Boys for the trailer! On a more practical note, a can of fix a flat could come in handy to keep in the tool box or perhaps even a spare wheel/tire bolted to the frame of the trailer.

Also, does the trailer have a place for a lock on the part that clamps to the hitch? A small cable with padlock can also provide additional theft detterant while doubling as a security chain between trailer and hitch, which I think is required by Calif. law.

[JonW]

Originally posted by Andre Yew
I think the wheel company was Giovanna Wheels, because he had big stickers everywhere including the front shield of his trailer with that name:

Giovanna Wheels (http://www.giovannawheels.com/)

--Andre

OMG, did you see those 26" wheels on the Escalade?! Bling doesn't even begin to describe it! :yikes: :bigpimp: :bigpimp: :bigpimp: :str8pimpi :str8pimpi :str8pimpi

[Raffi]

Originally posted by StahlGrauM3


Also, does the trailer have a place for a lock on the part that clamps to the hitch? A small cable with padlock can also provide additional theft detterant while doubling as a security chain between trailer and hitch, which I think is required by Calif. law.

I'll have to figure those things out when I get it, but I know it comes with the chain.

[biodan]

Originally posted by Raffi
I ordered this trailer over a month ago from Harbor Freight, and it had been on national back-order ever since...


Hi Raffi, StahlGrauM mentioned that since you got this trailer, that you're abandoning your 'plywood on the rear deck' solution.

Do you have pix of that installation- i'm considering removing the rear seats for an extended period of time for better clearance when loaded with track rubber.

[Raffi]

Originally posted by biodan
Hi Raffi, StahlGrauM mentioned that since you got this trailer, that you're abandoning your 'plywood on the rear deck' solution.

Do you have pix of that installation- i'm considering removing the rear seats for an extended period of time for better clearance when loaded with track rubber.

No pics, sorry, I don't have a digicam yet, but am planning to get one soon.

The plywood solution is pretty simple - remove the rear seats (back and lower cushion), then get a piece of plywood from the local hardware store, cut it up to size (need to make a notch to accomodate the hinge that the seat backs are anchored to in the middle, and then strap the wheels and tires to the anchor points in the trunk with a ratcheting strap. I kept 3 wheels inside, and one in the spare tire well, so the plywood doesn't have to be the whole width of the seat cushion.

The drawbacks to this "solution" are the stink of the wheels and tires after a day at the track, and the dirt that will inevitably accumulate everywhere (including horrible tire marks that are very hard to remove).

[biodan]

Originally posted by Raffi

The drawbacks to this "solution" are the stink of the wheels and tires after a day at the track, and the dirt that will inevitably accumulate everywhere (including horrible tire marks that are very hard to remove).

I realize the stink is hard to avoid, even when double wrapped in big trash bags. But at least one can avoid the tire marks.

[Raffi]

Originally posted by biodan
I realize the stink is hard to avoid, even when double wrapped in big trash bags. But at least one can avoid the tire marks.

Except that you then have to tear up/cut up the bags to get the strap through the wheels - I don't think you could strp the tires down strongly enough by running the strap(s) on the outside of the wheels - again, unless you lay the tires down flat... :D

[Raffi]

Hehehe, got a call from the shipping company: the trailer will be delivered on Monday! Woohoo! I guess I know Monday afternoon's project... :D :D

[in_d_haus]

Originally posted by Raffi
Hehehe, got a call from the shipping company: the trailer will be delivered on Monday! Woohoo! I guess I know Monday afternoon's project... :D :D

Psst Raffi...hate ta tell ya this but ya can't haul an E36 on that trailer...:D

[Raffi]

Originally posted by in_d_haus
Psst Raffi...hate ta tell ya this but ya can't haul an E36 on that trailer...:D

Damnit, and Scott got me convinced I could.... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

so...did you get that trailer or not? :p

[TGray5]

Yea, we want pics! BTW, where's everyone staying in Vegas? Raffi, you get a free room at HQ, so I'm sure you're staying there, but what about others?

[Raffi]

I got it yesterday. :D I started assembling it today, and I can say it is a pain in the @ss. BMWs have tight assembly tolerances, but the trailer pieces have absolutely no tolerances whatsoever. 95% of the pieces are not clearly marked and most of them have to be jiggled around a dozen times to fit properly. What I've found out so far is that the frame has to be assembled, but the bolts should not be tightened until ALL of the pieces are in place, then every bolt must be tightened. Otherwise, everything is out of whack and does not fit. :mad:

The coupler head is the proper size for the Euro tow hitch ball, but the electrical connector is completely off the mark. This will require another HACK/Kaz/Vince/Raffi job... :D :D

I should have it assembled by this week-end, and I might even drive it to HACK's shack when I go to get my brake fluid and coolant flushed on Saturday. We'll see if we can make heads or tailes of the electrical connections.

Another minus: I could not find any spots on the Euro tow hitch to hook up the freakin' safety chain... it looks like another HACK job is in the making! :D

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Raffi

I should have it assembled by this week-end, and I might even drive it to HACK's shack when I go to get my brake fluid and coolant flushed on Saturday. We'll see if we can make heads or tailes of the electrical connections.

Another minus: I could not find any spots on the Euro tow hitch to hook up the freakin' safety chain... it looks like another HACK job is in the making! :D

You do realize that it's forecasted to rain on Saturday. Not exactly good conditions for a brake bleed.

[Mr Paddle.Shift]

Raffi,

The tribesman are at your disposal. :bow: :bow:

Take pictures for us!

[Raffi]

Originally posted by Kaz
You do realize that it's forecasted to rain on Saturday. Not exactly good conditions for a brake bleed.

Damn, I did not know it! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Raffi]

Originally posted by VinceTopasBlau3
Raffi,

The tribesman are at your disposal. :bow: :bow:

Take pictures for us!

Thanks Vince. I have to borrow Katie's camera for the pics.

[The HACK]

Originally posted by StahlGrauM3
Yea, we want pics! BTW, where's everyone staying in Vegas? Raffi, you get a free room at HQ, so I'm sure you're staying there, but what about others?

Eric, you're not on the Tribe email distribution list? I thought I sent you an invitation...

We're staying at Motel 6 near the track since the sessions start 1 hour earlier to accomodate Neckcar. Check with Sergio for Hotel information, I'm crashing with him.

[TGray5]

Hey...no I dont' know anything about Tribe list...can you send the invite or put me on it? StahlGrauM3@bmwtips.com
thanks

and may be a stupid question, but what is Neckcar?:dunno:

[The HACK]

Originally posted by StahlGrauM3
Hey...no I dont' know anything about Tribe list...can you send the invite or put me on it? StahlGrauM3@bmwtips.com
thanks

and may be a stupid question, but what is Neckcar?:dunno:

Hm...I coulda swore I send you an invite. :dunno:

Oh well, be on the look out for an invitation to join the email list. Neckcar is NASCAR, they have the track for testing after we do at 5:00 pm I think.

[Raffi]

Damn freakin' crappy instructions! The trailer was apparently redesigned at some point, and the instructions have not changed. They are unclear as could be... :banghead: :banghead: Oh well, it should be done tomorrow, about an hour more work needed!