Trailer – In-line or Low Deck –over? (Long)

[t_man]

I know this has been discussed many times before, but please humor me.

I currently tow a two place tilt clamshell trailer with a 2003 Ford Expedition 5.4L. I live in Cincinnati, so often trailer long distances. 700-900 miles one-way is typical. I need to get a 3-4 place now that my sons are getting older and getting their own sleds, and I need more storage space in the trailer. I hate having to unload my tools, etc., to tilt the trailer.

I’m considering an in-line (never towed one) or a low height deck over such as a Rance Renegade (with 5 foot interior height). And here in Cincinnati there aren’t many sled trailers to take for a test drive!

The weight of the current clamshell is nothing to the truck. However, it often feels like I’m towing a parachute with all the wind drag – especially with a headwind. It really kills my gas mileage, particularly as I go faster, and a couple miles/gallon makes a difference when towing this far.

Positives of an in-line:
• No extension mirrors and rear vision issues. We take some family trips and my wife is really not comfortable driving with the wide trailer.
• Larger tires/wheels – more reliable for both tires and bearings - especially given my travel distances
• Less wind resistance / better gas mileage

Concerns about the in-line:
• Length and ground clearance– A bridge on the rural road to our MN cottage has a steep angle of approach. I’m worried that an in-line would drag the tail or catch the front. Also, is ground clearance for snow an issue? Will the extra length of an in-line be just as challenging for my wife?
• Will I really feel an improvement in wind resistance?
• I would likely be taking many trips using only some of the sleds. How much of a pain will it be jockeying the sleds around since they are staggered?

Pros of deck over:
• More convenient to load/unload
• No ground clearance concerns

Cons of deck over:
• Extension mirrors / rear visibility
• Low ceiling height less convenient
• Would it still have as much or more wind resistance as the clamshell?

So – what are your experiences and what would you do? I've almost pulled the trigger on an in-line several times but have lingering doubts.

Sorry for the long posting. TIA

 

[tyeeman]

Well, I've had an open 8X10 with tall salt shields, after that we had a deck over 8X24' 4place steel enclosed US Cargo, and now we have a 27' 3place Legend In-line, and I will tell you matter of fact that the in-line pulls waaaaayyy better then the previouse mentioned trailers, , even the open trailer from a wind resistance perspective. Having to jockey sleds around when you load a full trailer is a non-factor. Legend says to load front to back, , drive one in and stay close to a wall, scoot the a.. end over, drive the next sled in and favor the opposite wall, scoo the a.. end of the sled over, load the last sled. We put ski tie down loops in the floor for each sled, may be this year we'll put in a few tie down loops for ratchet straps for the few times your either hauling something else or you sleds are loaded slightly different.
Cudos to your wife for towing, not sure mine would, , not sure I'd want her too. Any way, you and she will love the length of the trailer, the length helps it go down the road all the better, not making a sales pitch but with our Legend the wheels are farther back on the trailer which is an added bonus for handling. Think of where the wheels are on your average semi truck.
The only thing with the wheel set so far back you kind of have to be mindful taking corners so you don't run up a curb or what ever with the trailer.
As far as being low to the ground, , the bonus there is loading the sleds, you don't have to get a big run at it, just a easy climb up the ramp doors. To date I havent' run into any problems wit driveways etc, just be mindful of where you are and either pick a different driveway or adjust your angle of attack.
Whatever trailer you get, make sure you get one with AT LEAST a 6 foot interior hieght. I mean think of how many times your inside the trailer having a beer, hanging out, working on sled, getting dressed, etc, etc, you won't regret it. Hieght won't matter much for towing, deck over or in-line will make the difference.
I tow with a GMC 1500HD with a 6.0L and I can to 70mph into a good headwind with out much trouble, tranny isn't shifting half as much and truck isn't working as hard as when we had our deck over or my open trailer.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[mjdeutsch]

In-line all the way, I have towed all three and the inline is by far the best for towing, loading too. The lenght is not a big deal, longer is easier to back up, also in line will have a longer ramp and not as steep as the deck over or tilt. Put your tools/stuff in rubbermaids and slide them in on the floor. Or just leave the sleds at the cabin and not have a trailer at all.

 

[pistons]

I have both, a two place clamshell, and a deck over four place V nose. I think the two place pulls at least as hard as the four. I have not pulled an inline.

 

[t_man]

thanks for the replies so far - keep them coming!

I guess I should have asked "does anyone regret getting an in-line"?

As far as the suggestion to leave the sleds at the cabin, I'd love to but snow hasn't been reliable in north-central MN in a long time and it is too far from home. I like to be able to get away for a weekend if the snow is good closer to home. It's a 15 hour drive to the cottage from here. Last winter I rode in MN, WI, Upper MI, Lower MI, and Ohio. I'll chase the snow wherever I can find it!

I agree my wife is a good sport and does a good job towing, but she's just never gotten comfortable with rear vision to change lanes with the wide trailer. It sure is nice to have a second driver for those 15 hours.

Glad to hear no issues with ground clearance so far. The bridge is about 2.5 miles from the end of the dead end road that the cottage is at the end of.

I'll definitely go for the height if it doesn't make much difference in towing. I'm almost 6'3" without boots and helmet.

Thinking snow!

 

[mvedepo]

I love my inline. I'll never go back. I got my interior height at 6' 6" and can stand up without hitting my head on the florescent lights. I am 6' 2" without gear.

 

[mride460]

I have an all aluminum 4 place deck over. It pulls good, but I pull it with a 3500 diesel. My advise is on the ceiling height. I have a 5' interior height trailer. I am 6'3". I cant tell you how many times I have smashed my forehead on the top of the door opening while loading and unloading. or on a ceiling joist just walking thru the trailer. GET THE TALLER INTERIOR TRAILER!!!!

 

[fredster]

I switched from a 10X10 clamshell to a R&R 3-place inline and do not regret it one bit. All the benefits mentioned above plus. My ceiling height is 5'6" and yes you have to duck. The taller the trailer the more susceptible to crosswinds; otherwise minimal penalty for a higher roof.

Mine does double-duty hauling my small JD 2210 tractor in the off season; it fits but barely. I have also hauled a lot of furniture, and last summer moved an entire marching band's luggage with it.

You won't regret it!

 

[harski]

I too had the clamshell and agree it felt like a parachute on the back of the vehicle (pulled with 1500 Suburban). Last year I bought a new inline and had the same concerns etc as you have now. It pulls really nice (7'5" x 25') for a larger inline with little to now vision issues. The only issue is some sway when passing semi's (my clamshell did it also) and one remedy would be sway bars. I don't regret the decision and as some others mentioned sliding the rear ends over is the pretty much then only moving you have to do. I have had to jockey the sleds in the front when off loading if they were loaded from the rear depending on parking arrangements (a little tweaking of the ski guides may fix that). No biggie as you have plenty of head room (6'6" in my trailer) and no floor obstacles to deal with.

I would go inline again in a heartbeat!

Harski