If you’re in the market for a new race trailer, you need to begin by looking at the type of racing you do and the level of your performance. That will direct you to the trailer best suited to your needs.
For example, a local Saturday night racer will want something around the 30-foot length. A race team carrying more cars and more equipment naturally will need a larger trailer. Haulmark engineered its Pro Line series to accommodate the professional and serious amateur racer with trailers ranging from 28 feet to 53 feet.
Besides determining the number of vehicles and how much gear, such as engines or cylinder heads, you want to haul to the truck, you also need to make an honest assessment of the type of work you will do on your vehicles while at the track.
Your needs will determine the size of trailer. If you want a second level, now is the time to determine the type of lift in the trailer. The Pro Line offers access either by an internal lift or by a nine-foot, hydraulic ramp. The frame, constructed with six-by-six structural I-beams, yields two more inches of headroom without sacrificing frame strength.
The next decision to consider is the cabinets and how the interior is outfitted. For instance, Pro Line has a variety of C-Tech cabinet modules to choose from, as well as its own line of cabinetry. The type of work you intend to perform in the trailer and the equipment you need will help determine what cabinet modules you should choose.
A note of caution here. Hold off on choosing the show options at this point. You want to make sure you have a good working trailer before you start spending money on less necessary options.
Look for standard features that make the trailer more functional. For instance, a large side door that provides access to the racecars. Check out the axles and suspension for the type of handling. Pro Line custom axles lower the trailer’s center of gravity for better handling. An additional advantage of the lower axles is the convenience of a lower step-in height, which reduces strain on anyone making multiple trips in and out of the trailer. This can make your trailer more efficient to use and save your crew members’ energy for more important tasks.
Also, consider the extras you are carrying. If you’re a dirt track racer, you know you’ll need more tires than an asphalt racer, and therefore, you need more tire racks. Additionally, you must secure anything you put in the trailer. Look for a good restraint system, both for your vehicles and for the extras. An unsecured, rolling toolbox can turn into a projectile that can cause a ton of damage in the trailer during an unexpected stop.
Once you are sure you have all of the mandatory items for your type and level of racing, begin to look at the add-ons. While add-ons add to the price, they also affect how your trailer looks and your comfort level. You want your crew and yourself to be as comfortable as possible at the track so that you can concentrate on what really matters — the race. Your look is important because it’s your image at the track and it can make a big impression on potential sponsors.
Matching graphics on your Pro Line trailer and motorcoach gives you a unit that says, “This is a successful racing team,” to someone looking for a racecar to sport his company’s logo.
The trailer you take to the track fills two functions. One, it helps you keep your vehicle on the track. Two, it makes a statement to the race community about you and your team. Carefully choosing your trailer and how it’s outfitted gives you the most in meeting both functions.