Hey gang - not exactly sure where to post this question. Figured I'd start here. I am considering the purchase of a trailer bed to haul my thirdgen longer distances. Thing is I'm using an '05 Toyota 4Runner which isn't made for major tow weights. (I believe the max tow load is 5000 lbs.) Given that my GTA by itself already weighs probably +/- 3700 lbs, that doesn't give me much wiggle room.

I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion on a quality lightweight trailer that may be worth looking into. Ideally I want the car off the ground (all four wheels on the trailer). Enclosed would be icing on the cake, but with this weight limit, I highly doubt that'll happen. So open trailers look to be my only option at the moment.

Looking forward to your input everyone. Thanks!

 

If you have the money, you can pick up an aluminum trailer.

If not, I like my Texas Bragg...
http://www.texasbraggtrailers.com/tr...ers-custom.htm

I needed to tow my racecar (~3000lbs) with my Ranger and looked for the lightest affordable trailer. One thing I found that most trailers are built with large steel angles or channels making them great for heavy duty work, but adds unnecessary weight if you only use it for lighter duty.

Open deck helps keep the weight down a bit, but not much. I got a 16' due to being in a similar situation as you (looking for as light as possible). Camaro fits perfectly on it, tho I wish now it was an 18'. It just makes strapping down cars easier. I've had a few Third gen camaro's on mine, lowered '00 Mustang, '02 T/A, M3, Thunderbird, Ranger, 1500 regular cab, Xterra with no huge issues. The tie down straps just arn't at the optimum angles.

Weight distributing hitches help stability with such a short wheelbase vehicle. Getting up to speed is easy, stopping can suck with a lighter tow vehicle. I optioned mine with electric brakes on both axles. Also optioned it with the 4" drop axles (no dovetail) with the long ramps that pull out from the rear to make it easy to load without scraping. A friend bought the same trailer with drop axles AND the dovetail... way too low.



If you plan on towing A BUNCH, get a bigger truck. I ended up with a 3/4 ton. Ranger worked for the time while I saved my $, but it's much more relaxing using a proper tow vehicle.

 

Just make sure you get one with good trailer brakes. That is a must when pulling with a light vehicle. Ive seen plenty of cheapo trailers without them.

Had 2 friends almost killed towing too heavy of a vehicle with a ranger with no trailer brakes. A little more caution would have helped them, but trailer brakes would have greatly helped.