towing a race car on open car trailer

[024x4]

I plan on towing a dirt track race car with a open trailer, but i'm not sure what type of car trailer my explorer would be able to pull. I have a 02 with 4.0L v6 (5000-5500lbs towing capacity or 02) with a upgraded hitch and is hooked up for electeric brakes. the car is a outlaw compact(chevy cavalier/pontiac sunfire). what type of trailer would be ok to tow with my explorer? suggestions/images greatly appreciated.

would something like this be ok? any ideas on price?
http://www.tritontrailers.com/products/Model.aspx?CatID=26&SubCatID=54&ModelID=480&info=features

 

[MountaineerGreen]

That's a nice looking trailer. Whats the weight of the car modified for racing? Total weight of the trailer? Might check your capacity based on gear ratio- it may be close?

 

[IZwack]

Gives you an idea of what an aluminum trailer will run:
http://www.trailersuperstore.com/trailers-for-sale/atc-8-5-x-18-car-trailer-all-aluminum

One thing to pay attention to with trailers and cars (as opposed to SUVs and rock crawlers which is what we're used to here) is the trailers and fender/tires location - which might prevent you from opening the vehicle's doors (if they are still operational and not welded shut). The previous owner of my trailer screwed down two wide planks of wood onto the deck (which is also makde of wood) to elevate the vehicle just a few inches - allowing him to open the car's doors.

 

[024x4]

That's a nice looking trailer. Whats the weight of the car modified for racing? Total weight of the trailer? Might check your capacity based on gear ratio- it may be close?

The car weights about 2,562 lb (1,162 kg) - 2,784 lb (1,263 kg) stock. but these are completely gutted on the inside with no glass windows, no interior, nothing in trunk, no dash(gauge pod only), A/c removed, roll cage installed, aluminum racing seat, quick disconnect wheel.

Gives you an idea of what an aluminum trailer will run:
http://www.trailersuperstore.com/trailers-for-sale/atc-8-5-x-18-car-trailer-all-aluminum



One thing to pay attention to with trailers and cars (as opposed to SUVs and rock crawlers which is what we're used to here) is the trailers and fender/tires location - which might prevent you from opening the vehicle's doors (if they are still operational and not welded shut). The previous owner of my trailer screwed down two wide planks of wood onto the deck (which is also makde of wood) to elevate the vehicle just a few inches - allowing him to open the car's doors.

The doors are weled shut buy plates and the doors are completely gutted. I also will be using a weight distribution system when towing.

here's what the car looks like after all regulations complete

What the roll cages look like as a example, mine would be different since i'm a bigger guy.

 

[thebrakeman]

The car weights about 2,562 lb (1,162 kg) - 2,784 lb (1,263 kg) stock. but these are completely gutted on the inside with no glass windows, no interior, nothing in trunk, no dash(gauge pod only), A/c removed, roll cage installed, aluminum racing seat, quick disconnect wheel.

Truck probably weighs around 4500 lbs empty.
Trailer weighs 1480 per that link.
Don't know what the car weighs. 2000 lbs ???
That's around 8000 lbs total, right?
Do you carry any passengers? Cargo in the truck or trailer? Like fuel, spare parts, etc. You need to account for everything.
Add it all up, and I'm sure you'll have at least 8500-9000 lbs to move around.

Do you have the 2" receiver? If not, then you only have Class II tow package, limited to 3500 lbs towing and and 8500 combined. You will be overloaded. Do not tow this combo.

But assuming you are correct, you have the larger receiver (which indicates the Class III/IV tow package), then you have 10,000 lbs combined rating.

Should be OK, as long as you add EVERYTHING up, and stay under that 10,000 lbs. Get the truck and car weighed, so you know for sure.

You also want to be sure you load that car on the trailer properly. That light weight aluminum will want to fishtail around if you don't get enough weight on the nose. You always want 10-15% of loaded trailer weight on the ball.

Read this:
2003 Ford Towing Guide
They didn't have the 2002, but this is in the same family (2002-2005) for the 3rd gen trucks.
Read it cover to cover.

 

[024x4]

The car weights about 2,562 lb (1,162 kg) - 2,784 lb (1,263 kg) stock. but these are completely gutted on the inside with no glass windows, no interior, nothing in trunk, no dash(gauge pod only), A/c removed, roll cage installed, aluminum racing seat, quick disconnect wheel.

Truck probably weighs around 4500 lbs empty.
Trailer weighs 1480 per that link.
Don't know what the car weighs. 2000 lbs ???
That's around 8000 lbs total, right?
Do you carry any passengers? Cargo in the truck or trailer? Like fuel, spare parts, etc. You need to account for everything.
Add it all up, and I'm sure you'll have at least 8500-9000 lbs to move around.

Do you have the 2" receiver? If not, then you only have Class II tow package, limited to 3500 lbs towing and and 8500 combined. You will be overloaded. Do not tow this combo.

But assuming you are correct, you have the larger receiver (which indicates the Class III/IV tow package), then you have 10,000 lbs combined rating.

Should be OK, as long as you add EVERYTHING up, and stay under that 10,000 lbs. Get the truck and car weighed, so you know for sure.

You also want to be sure you load that car on the trailer properly. That light weight aluminum will want to fishtail around if you don't get enough weight on the nose. You always want 10-15% of loaded trailer weight on the ball.

Read this:
2003 Ford Towing Guide
They didn't have the 2002, but this is in the same family (2002-2005) for the 3rd gen trucks.
Read it cover to cover.

for a passanger maye one for pit help. for fuel in the car already before race, for parts maybe four spare tires mounted on trailer or in back, for tools just what i necesserely need. I have th upgraded 2" reviever