Newbie Toad on a Trailer on the Road

[TrevChrizy]

Hi All toad users,
Having just purchased a trailer to fit my toad and about (lockdown permitting) to hit the road, is there any advice I can use, for example arriving at campsite, loading and unloading, driving conditions and what generally to look out for?
Many thanks TrevChrizy

 

[David and Sally]

All I can say is that we bought a trailer for our Aygo and questioned, like you, the practicalities and decided to go for an A Frame after all.

Loading/unloading. Storing the trailer at home or on a pitch, the added weight to tow and so on.

Good questions and I look forward to the replies.

 

[TrevChrizy]

We have in the past travelled throughout Europe and in the past had a scooter rack, once COVID, Brexit or anything else gets thrown at us, we will resume.
I decided and went through various issues, as we will be retired in the next year or stay will be longer, we had thought hiring a car, time we faff around and moving on every 2- 3 days not worth it!. Towing on an A frame, so much uncertainty and I know that it’s hit or miss if you get stopped and I know all the reassurances they give, just don’t want that thought on my mind. I have no problem with storage at home. I have bought a twin axle, further assurance if it gets a puncture, especially driving abroad, but I’m sure other people will have their own take on it, so I would like constructive responses please,
Regards to all, TrevChrizy

 

[Realist]

Love to have a trailer but no place to store it so I myself went for a A frame.

I would myself if I went for a trailer call ahead to each site and ask them direct about trailer, they may have their own policies in place as some sites only allow moho and you have to pay extra for a car, trailer I would ask.

 

[Wikky]

We used to tow a twin axle trailer with a car on it a few years ago. A lot of additional weight to pull. We found that some site pitches were too small to house the trailer. Our travelling friends nicked the trailer so we had the car modified for an A-frame which was much more flexible and lighter to tow. However the A frame was the cable type activating the car's brake pedal and was very heavy to lift. If I was going the A-frame route now I would consider the lighter electronic systems but they are expensive.
We now use a maxi scooter on a side loading trailer which is light to tow and we can get to most places and park easily.

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[TrevChrizy]

Seem that I’ve heard from the A team, that’s the A frame lobby, not many responses from trailer people’s alternative, perhaps with all my analytical reasoning I have made a mistake, trailer for sale

 

[dpsuk999]

Prior to buying my present motorhome I towed a trailer all over Europe and the UK and never had a problem with any campsite the only difference was I fitted motor movers to the trailer so as to make it easier when arriving at a campsite as I didn’t have to first unload the car, unhitch the trailer to then get the motorhome onto the pitch.

I could just unhitch the trailer with the car still on it and move it out of the way, made it a lot quicker.

 

[TrevChrizy]

I had thought of getting some movers fitted later, wanted to see how awkward it would be at first, there was some reservations I had, which was, when I unhitched it, would it fall backwards, ok, but just a thought, I guess that the weight would be to the front onto the jockey wheel? Still the tuggers will get their own back, watching me going to and throw, although most have movers themselves, taken all the fun out of them (tuggers) setting up.
Sounds like you may have given up on the trailer, as you mention it in past tense? In beginning of your sentence Prior to buying my present..... cheers

 

[donkey]

By carrying out nose-weight trials it was obvious that my Smart Car (rear engine) had to loaded rear first.
Whatever car and trailer you decide on, you will have to trial it to achieve a suitable nose-weight, otherwise handling will be compromised, which could have safety implications, especially at higher speeds.
Geoff

 

[donkey]

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[TrevChrizy]

That’s a fare point Geoff, I have a Fiat 500, front engine, but bear the weight in mind,
regards Trevor

 

[Alex and Lesley]

We put a trailer behind us last year with my wife’s new fiat 500 on it and had similar reservations to you regarding sites etc. If you are unsure of the site or pitch you can usually take the car off the trailer at the reception, to be honest we have not yet had any issues at all. The point made about a motor mover is interesting as we had similar thoughts but being a frugal Scotsman I had a local fabricator make up a front towing eye tow hitch which we carry with us but have never needed it yet! Car and trailer are perfectly stable at all speeds btw with the car driven on, trailer is a Brian James twin axle and sits lovely behind us.

 

[TrevChrizy]

Thanks Alex and Lesley, dropping off at reception is a great idea, if room available of coarse and good to hear you haven’t any problems, towing and setting up,
appreciate your comments

 

[Realist]

As I’ve said above trailers are great specially in Europe but with the MoHo, car and trailer that’s three things to try and store on a pitch hence why I said above to call ahead and ask.

This is why I went for a A frame for U.K. use easier to setup and store.

Shame some bright spark can’t design a lightweight foldable space saving trailer like a transformer in disguise lol.

 

[Manic]

Its a shame nobody makes retailers like you can get for the French microcars, where the car sits on the sills.

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[Speve]

Hi TrevChrizy we have been towing our 4x4 Fiat Panda on a twin axle car trailer for five years without problem.
we have twi rear view and reversing camera which is really useful when towing.
we have found most sites in France,Spain & Portugal can accommodate trailers,you will need to research if you choose carefully.
we go birding and wildlife watching so a car is essential for us and as we have two dogs hiring is not an option (there will be folk suggesting that) there is also the benefit that whilst on winter tour the car is not stood up as it is our only car.
just make sure you can reverse well with it as that’s vital should you take a wrong turn?
Also considered electric movers but weight is a consideration and the trailer is well balanced and easy to move around so not needed.
get out and enjoy your travels we do?
good luck

 

[David and Sally]

Seem that I’ve heard from the A team, that’s the A frame lobby, not many responses from trailer people’s alternative, perhaps with all my analytical reasoning I have made a mistake, trailer for sale

I’m not part of an A Team lobby at all. I would prefer a trailer but the sheer practicalities made me decide on an A frame. For the occasional European tour we have a motorcycle trailer presuming better weather. If not, we could hire for probably less than the added costs of taking a trailer.
We think UK travel is more likely for the foreseeable future hence the decision.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Its a shame nobody makes retailers like you can get for the French microcars, where the car sits on the sills.View attachment 467018View attachment 467019

The A-Class camping-cariste on a pitch next to me had one of those with a microcar. Very ingenious.

The same company also makes a folding trailer for a Fiat 500 that might interest the OP.

Remorque et voiture pour camping-car ? La Bissonnette

Découvrez La Bissonnette, ensemble voiture + remorque pour camping car sans permis E. Légère et simple à utiliser, la remorque se replie à la verticale.

www.labissonnette.fr

 

[Speve]

The A-Class camping-cariste on a pitch next to me had one of those with a microcar. Very ingenious.

The same company also makes a folding trailer for a Fiat 500 that might interest the OP.

Remorque et voiture pour camping-car ? La Bissonnette

Découvrez La Bissonnette, ensemble voiture + remorque pour camping car sans permis E. Légère et simple à utiliser, la remorque se replie à la verticale.

www.labissonnette.fr

That’s a neat trailer and very light

 

[Realist]

21k for car and trailer wow.

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[Badknee]

Seem that I’ve heard from the A team, that’s the A frame lobby, not many responses from trailer people’s alternative, perhaps with all my analytical reasoning I have made a mistake, trailer for sale

We’re in Spain at the moment and haven’t had a problem. Use it the same as a car and caravan. Unhitch and park moho up. Take car off trailer and park trailer as you would a car next to a caravan. If tight for room put car back on trailer when not in use. Exactly the same room taken up on a pitch as a car and caravan.

 

[Badknee]

That’s a fare point Geoff, I have a Fiat 500, front engine, but bear the weight in mind,
regards Trevor

Not so important with a twin axle as it is with a single axle trailer. I had nightmares trying to get a single axle trailer loaded correctly when I used to hillclimb a vw beetle.

 

[Badknee]

Shame some bright spark can’t design a lightweight foldable space saving trailer like a transformer in disguise lol.

There’s a French company do but their eyewateringly expensive.

 

[Badknee]

Tows like a dream and fits on our winter quarters pith fine.

 

[TheBig1]

I would class myself as a retired professional trailer tower. Have towed everything from a small box up to triple axle super heavy 11m trailers. We went with a twin axle car trailer, as I don't trust single axles with a 1 tonne car loaded. Even I found it a drag, literally.

When loaded it became very hard to manhandle, even with 4+ men pushing on grass. Even with one axle lifted using the jockey wheel, it was heavy on tarmac. Reversing on a motorhome with a long rear overhang was almost impossible. Bear in mind that I can reverse a 7m twin axle caravan uphill, round bends and into a driveway

On site, if they allow car trailers as many don't, you often have to leave the trailer unattended in the carpark. Or squeeze it onto the pitch and store the car on it. Loading and unloading an uncoupled trailer can be very dangerous.

After 2 seasons towing, I sold the trailer on and we now have an A frame. That too has it's problems though

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[David and Sally]

After 2 seasons towing, I sold the trailer on and we now have an A frame. That too has it's problems though

Interested as we have booked our car in for A Frame fitting. Please advise what problems. Thanks

 

[gus-lopez]

Seem that I’ve heard from the A team, that’s the A frame lobby, not many responses from trailer people’s alternative, perhaps with all my analytical reasoning I have made a mistake, trailer for sale

Would be a twin axle trailer for me every time.

 

[bobandjanie]

Most of the time on campsites we managed to get everything on the pitch, a couple of times we parked back on the trailer once it was detached and positioned.
If your over 12 meters you need long vehicle signs as on our caravan.

We was under 12 meters with the smart trailer, so the only sign was a funster one.

Bob.

 

[TrevChrizy]

Some very interesting points being made, I appreciate all the A framers who have opted for that system, but I’m also encouraged with the remarks on the twin axle people have made, as I put in my original comments, after all considered I have opted for the twin axle trailer route and I will learn with mistakes on the way, few I hope! whatever your transport, let’s get back on the road!

 

[TrevChrizy]

Took delivery of our trailer today, had a trail practice, not easy to manoeuvre on gravel, anyways all went well and fits and now ready for the off!