Does anyone have knowledge and experience of using a trailer to carry around kit? I need to replace my Picasso Grand C4 and I'm wondering what the issues are if I use a smaller car with trailer? Thanks for any advice.
In reply to Post #1
You can only tow a certain weight with any given car
So watch what vehicle you buy
You can only tow a certain weight with any given car
So watch what vehicle you buy
In reply to Post #1
get a big roof box instead
get a big roof box instead
In reply to Post #1
Trailers are easier to steal if you're doing overnighters away from the car park...
Trailers are easier to steal if you're doing overnighters away from the car park...
In reply to Post #1
How much gear are you looking at taking?
Me and the Mrs. have a Galaxy and an older model golf mk4 so a small hatchback by todays standards, don't get me wrong the galaxy would be my 1st choice when going for a session but the golf copes well when needed to with fitting everything in, I can get all my tackle in and I don't particularly travel light for a 48hr and that's usually with on of my sons jumping in too.
Over a trailer id defo look at a large roof box if you felt that more space was needed as would be a fraction the cost of a trailer and there's very little upkeep on a roof box like tyres etc., also there's the legality's of towing speed limits on motorway's etc. if your going on a long run.
Don't get me wrong I wouldn't fancy a drive to France in the smaller car but a 2 hour drive isn't that much of an issue if needed.
How much gear are you looking at taking?
Me and the Mrs. have a Galaxy and an older model golf mk4 so a small hatchback by todays standards, don't get me wrong the galaxy would be my 1st choice when going for a session but the golf copes well when needed to with fitting everything in, I can get all my tackle in and I don't particularly travel light for a 48hr and that's usually with on of my sons jumping in too.
Over a trailer id defo look at a large roof box if you felt that more space was needed as would be a fraction the cost of a trailer and there's very little upkeep on a roof box like tyres etc., also there's the legality's of towing speed limits on motorway's etc. if your going on a long run.
Don't get me wrong I wouldn't fancy a drive to France in the smaller car but a 2 hour drive isn't that much of an issue if needed.
Used a smaller covered camping trailer for trips to France fishing (and camping). I also have a long roof box that can take 12ft rods if needed. I wouldn't park up for long in public places and certainly not overnight or someone will no doubt take a liking to it and the security is not great on them.
If you are just going from home to a private secure cark park at the lake then I would happily take it for a longer trip when you might need more stuff.
Regarding weight of the trailer. If you can get a tow bar for the car then it should take 750kg unbraked which is all you will need for a small trailer. My current camping trailer is under 100kg empty and takes 500kg so well under the 750kg limit. 500kg is a LOT of fishing tackle and doubt it would all fit in! You probably won't even notice its towing unless you end up with a very under powered car.
Small trailers are a bugger to learn to reverse with...often quicker to un-hitch push it back and re-hitch
I can reverse my bigger car trailer but the little camping one hides behind me Velar (Discovery before that) and if you can see it then its already starting to jack knife 
If you are just going from home to a private secure cark park at the lake then I would happily take it for a longer trip when you might need more stuff.
Regarding weight of the trailer. If you can get a tow bar for the car then it should take 750kg unbraked which is all you will need for a small trailer. My current camping trailer is under 100kg empty and takes 500kg so well under the 750kg limit. 500kg is a LOT of fishing tackle and doubt it would all fit in! You probably won't even notice its towing unless you end up with a very under powered car.
Small trailers are a bugger to learn to reverse with...often quicker to un-hitch push it back and re-hitch
I can reverse my bigger car trailer but the little camping one hides behind me Velar (Discovery before that) and if you can see it then its already starting to jack knife
In reply to Post #6
You do need to be a bit careful with the unbraked weight. 750 kg is the max and probably fine with something like a disco but for example my focus is limited to something like 670 kg unbraked, 1200kg braked. Always best to check, especially for a smallish car.
I agree a bigger trailer is much easier to reverse. Also the longer it is between the trailer wheels and tow ball means it reacts slower and is more controllable. If you cannot see the rear trailer corners then some sighting sticks going to the required height can help.
A trailer that is a similar width as the tow vehicle is ideal, easy to reverse as it is always visible and will follow you through a small gap even if you forget it's there.
For security look at some of the lockable covers that cover the hitch and prevent uncoupling from the car.
One bonus with a trailer is that you could wheel a loaded barrow straight in if it's of a suitable size and ideally has a rear tailboard that will double as a ramp.
You do need to be a bit careful with the unbraked weight. 750 kg is the max and probably fine with something like a disco but for example my focus is limited to something like 670 kg unbraked, 1200kg braked. Always best to check, especially for a smallish car.
I agree a bigger trailer is much easier to reverse. Also the longer it is between the trailer wheels and tow ball means it reacts slower and is more controllable. If you cannot see the rear trailer corners then some sighting sticks going to the required height can help.
A trailer that is a similar width as the tow vehicle is ideal, easy to reverse as it is always visible and will follow you through a small gap even if you forget it's there.
For security look at some of the lockable covers that cover the hitch and prevent uncoupling from the car.
One bonus with a trailer is that you could wheel a loaded barrow straight in if it's of a suitable size and ideally has a rear tailboard that will double as a ramp.
Thank you for these detailed responses. Much for me to think about. Thanks again.
In reply to Post #1
JESUS your car has a 645 - 704 liters luggage capacity ?
just get a roof box for the big lighter stuff will leave you plenty of room for the heavier smaller stuff
a trailer has a lot more negative points speed restricted a ball ache reversing dodgy stopping at services (heard a few getting robbed)
JESUS your car has a 645 - 704 liters luggage capacity ?
just get a roof box for the big lighter stuff will leave you plenty of room for the heavier smaller stuff
a trailer has a lot more negative points speed restricted a ball ache reversing dodgy stopping at services (heard a few getting robbed)
In reply to Post #9
Thanks for this OG. My car has lots of space as you say. But I need to replace it and I am considering options. The security issue with trailers hadn't crossed my mind until it was posted, and so I'm going off the idea.
Thanks for this OG. My car has lots of space as you say. But I need to replace it and I am considering options. The security issue with trailers hadn't crossed my mind until it was posted, and so I'm going off the idea.
I've used a trailer for years. It's a small 5'x3' galvanised jobby and sometimes doubles up as a boat trailer.
Yes reversing is a pain if you have a vehicle that has restricted rear visibility but like most things in life you just suck it up.
I don't stop on my way to the lake, do all my shopping prior so don't have security worries.
I am retired so do week long trips Mon-Fri, me and the dog, so do like to take a few extra bits and a trailer is handy for bulky items like bait buckets, coldbox for food, coldbox for bait ( doubles up as boatseat) boat motor, oars etc etc that take up a lot of room in a car. Could I get everything in the car - maybe possibly. Would it be safe- probably not with heavy unsecured items being a problem and visibility issues. Once on route the trailer is not noticed as it just obediently follows the car.
Obviously there are the restrictions mentioned but I wouldn't over- complicate the issue. It either works for your situation or not. It's not a big drama in anyway at all
Yes reversing is a pain if you have a vehicle that has restricted rear visibility but like most things in life you just suck it up.
I don't stop on my way to the lake, do all my shopping prior so don't have security worries.
I am retired so do week long trips Mon-Fri, me and the dog, so do like to take a few extra bits and a trailer is handy for bulky items like bait buckets, coldbox for food, coldbox for bait ( doubles up as boatseat) boat motor, oars etc etc that take up a lot of room in a car. Could I get everything in the car - maybe possibly. Would it be safe- probably not with heavy unsecured items being a problem and visibility issues. Once on route the trailer is not noticed as it just obediently follows the car.
Obviously there are the restrictions mentioned but I wouldn't over- complicate the issue. It either works for your situation or not. It's not a big drama in anyway at all
In reply to Post #11
Using a trailer with a smaller car is practical, especially for managing space and convenience. Just be mindful of the towing capacity of your new vehicle and the weight distribution of your gear in the trailer. Also, consider the driving dynamics, as it'll handle differently than your Grand C4, especially when reversing.
If you need some exact details, you can contact different marketplaces or deallers, I got my recent car from https://www.boomandbucket.com/equipment/trucks, and I am sure they will be happy to help you.
Using a trailer with a smaller car is practical, especially for managing space and convenience. Just be mindful of the towing capacity of your new vehicle and the weight distribution of your gear in the trailer. Also, consider the driving dynamics, as it'll handle differently than your Grand C4, especially when reversing.
If you need some exact details, you can contact different marketplaces or deallers, I got my recent car from https://www.boomandbucket.com/equipment/trucks, and I am sure they will be happy to help you.
In reply to Post #1
I know some fellas who use a trailer between them and actually use it like a barrow around the lakes. Both lakes I have seen them on with the trailer have very well kept tracks though.
I know some fellas who use a trailer between them and actually use it like a barrow around the lakes. Both lakes I have seen them on with the trailer have very well kept tracks though.
Trailers have their positives and negatives ... Security is probably the biggest downside .... But the fact you can get everything out of the car is a huge benefit.
I hated turning a nice car into effectively a van, the mud, the crap etc in it .... A trailer stops all that! ..... My advice, If going for a trailer, pick your size and double it .... you will fill it up and the bigger size holds the road better, and is easier to reverse. They really come into their own for longer trips.
I have since bought a seperate vehicle for work/fishing so sold mine on .... but I loved it when i did have mine
I hated turning a nice car into effectively a van, the mud, the crap etc in it .... A trailer stops all that! ..... My advice, If going for a trailer, pick your size and double it .... you will fill it up and the bigger size holds the road better, and is easier to reverse. They really come into their own for longer trips.
I have since bought a seperate vehicle for work/fishing so sold mine on .... but I loved it when i did have mine
When your lake is 90 acres with 50 fish and 4 miles in radius. Keeping mobile is the key. I have just upgraded the bike to an E bike 1000w, I dont even need to peddle as its all on the throttle.
