So many decisions for the truck/trailer combo. Please help...

[SanDiegoZ06]

This is my first post. What a nice forum you've all created and contributed to!

I'm going to give my end goal and would love to get all the opinions possible on various options/suggestions. I've done a lot of RV camping in my day, but don't currently have any equipment, so we have a clean slate to start from.

Trailer:
The trailer needs to hold a 13' long Spec Miata. This is a Mazda Miata converted to a dedicated race car. I would prefer to have a few extra feet inside to hold extra tires etc. The largest internal bay area I've found is 14'. Is that right? I suspect this is going to be about a 40' trailer. Do they come any larger than that?

Truck:
I'm inclined to get a Diesel Ford F350 or F450. Would the F350 be too light for this much trailer/weight? Will it need dual rear wheels?

I realize these are wide open questions and you don't have a lot of facts to work from. I did that on purpose. Please help me with the questions I should be asking to get the right combo.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[2010augusta]

Paul, welcome to the heartland owners forum.

I can't say much as far as trying to put a car in the garage if the toy haulers, But I know that Mike A (from Heartland) has said on other threads that the trailer are toy hauler not car haulers.

For trucks I highly recommend the F-450s. If you can find a custom hauler from Chariot or Utility bodywerks, both are great and have many nice upgrades for the interiors and the 7-doors beds are great for more secure storage. The duallys are great for extra stability and payload that you will need for a big, heavy toy hauler. Many people find used class 6 or class 8 MDT with a couple 100,000 miles, to tow with and they can be found at really good prices.

 

[htneighbors]

Check the width and weight on that Miata. Either the ramp door or the garage - I think one only holds 2500lbs. Yes, 14' max garage length. And go for a Freightliner M2. Sweet trucks! Other than that, definitely larger than a 1-ton. Dual wheels are a must.

 

[lwmcguir]

I have to agree on the TV. Nothing less than a F450. You wont be legal as far as towing weight with a one ton. Way more comfortable with the bigger rigs as well.