Trailers

[PETE_CAGE@hpatc1.desk.hp.com]

Fellow Hammond-ers,

Having had some experience with enclosed trailers for racing, I offer
the following advice (free, and worth every penny.)

1)  Buy a good one.  The cheap ones fall apart, are hard to find parts
    for, and don't tow well.

2)  Buy one new.  They hold their value quite well, so a used one won't
    save you much.  Besides, the used ones typically need work, and trailer
    parts are expensive.  Soon, you've paid more than a new one would cost.

3)  Do a proper job with the hitch, wiring, etc.  Get hold of one of the
    articles on towing in one of the enthusiast magazines (e.g. Grassroots
    Motorsports, Circle Track, et al) and learn how to properly load it,
    adjust tongue weight, set up safety chains, etc.  It's a bitch to see
    your race car/tools/B-3/Leslie/PA cabinets pass you on the interstate a
    and get hit by an oncoming semi.  Worse yet, someone could get hurt.

Rest assured that you and your trailer will soon be hauling _all of the
big stuff for the group.  Buy good tie-downs, too.

Happy towing,
Pete Cage