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I know that more and more of you guys are buying spare wheels and tires for racing, and that there are some for whom a tire trailer just isn't a valid option. Since race tires do tend to last a bit longer when they aren't used to get your to and from an event, and in the interest of safety (ask qwikag what it's like to get caught in the rain on semi-worn R compounds, even in a car with numerous electronic traction aids!), I thought I'd make you guys aware of another option.
Jon Wagner (blue Miata) recently bought one and is now using it to haul his race tires. It's well made, convenient to use and store (especially in Jon's tiny one-car condo garage), and actually a lot less noticeable out back then we expected it to be. In fact, Jon said driving with it felt almost identical to driving a car with a hitch-mounted bike rack and a pair of bikes - a little more weight than two mountain bikes, but a lot less aero drag, so the freeway feeling was actually very similar. So far, Jon has reported stability at speeds well in excess of your typical interstate speed limit.
Anyway, just thought I'd share this with y'all. Although there isn't a specific S2000 model out there yet, the website offers a 35% discount to someone willing to participate in engineering a prototype. If you don't want the hassle of a dedicated tire trailer, but are still interested in having a way to transport a full set of track tires, you might drop Tire Tail a line.
I have already sent an e-mail to TireTail@cox.net asking if they have future plans for the S2000.
I have more than enough room in my passenger seat, passenger floor and trunk for all my tools, extra parts, jack, jack stands, ramps, chemicals, cooler, clothing and whatever else I need, so I do not need the extra space on the trailer. And I love the idea of not having to go through the hassle of a trailer registration and inspection, and if you live in New York the DMV can make owning a simple trailer way more of a pain than it ought to be!
I am interested in the idea, but this will have a much higher tongue weight than a tire trailer, and the S2000 is not rated for ANY tongue weight. Another concern is that the center of the OEM S2000 wheels extend beyond the sidewall of the tires, so they have to be stacked facing the same direction. This unit requires them to be turned towards each other. That will make for some really beat up wheels.
I just talked to Sean and it is availble. Details should be up on the website soon.
In the mean time here's some pricing info:
Da'Lan Hitch for S2000 - $245.00
TireTail for S2000 - $130.00
Wall Mount Bracket - 14.00 (for storage of TT & Wheels)
FedEx Ground shipping for all items - $36.00
I suspect the only wheels that would have face of wheel to face of wheel would be the two in the center, and a few simple spacers slid onto the bar would not allow the faces of the wheels to touch each other.
As far as the weight is concerned, that might be a valid concern. So much I imagine would depend on the quality of the hitch and how it is attached to the S.
Hi Triple-H and thanks for your interest in TireTail.
The photograph is of Ladies National Champion Ann Vogel's S2000. I just ordered several S2K Hitches and have about ten TireTails for your car, I just haven't had time to add them to the website in the last few days.
Your pricing is:
Da'Lan Hitch for S2K - $245.00 (retail is 263.00)
TireTail for S2K - $130.00
Shipping FedEx Ground for both items is $36.00
Total would be $411.00
The hitches should be in by Friday.
Let me know if you are interested in placing an order.
Originally posted by Triple-H I suspect the only wheels that would have face of wheel to face of wheel would be the two in the center, and a few simple spacers slid onto the bar would not allow the faces of the wheels to touch each other.
As far as the weight is concerned, that might be a valid concern. So much I imagine would depend on the quality of the hitch and how it is attached to the S.
Yeah, I think the wheels would be fine. Especially when you consider a 225 front and 245 rear on OEM wheels. The tires will touch before the wheels.
Not sure about the tounge weight. I'd like to think if the Miata's are up to the task that the S would be as well. Looks like it has been tried and tested though...
Generally, gernby, tongue weight ratings will be determined by the manufacturer of the hitch, not specified by the vehicle manufacturer. For vehicles where there are multiple hitch classes available, the tongue weight will vary, and will usually increase as the rated capacity of the hitch increases. Typical Class 1 (1.25") receiver hitches will be rated for 200 pounds of tongue weight.
If you're talking about towing capacity, don't always believe the US marketing materials, either - the US market Miata isn't rated to tow anything, but the identical Euro market Miata is rated to tow up to 1500 pounds. The same holds true for a lot of cars that are sold in identical forms both here and in the European market. Why the difference? Primarily for marketing & liability reasons - cars towing small, lightweight trailers are a much more common sight in Europe than they are here in the land of the turbodiesel dually crewcab pickup. Also, Europeans are a lot less likely to exceed their rated capacity by 50%, have an accident, then turn around and sue the manufacturer in court for a 100 million dollars.
If you'd feel comfortable hauling a couple of mountain bikes on the back of your S2000, then I wouldn't worry about using this device.
edit - looks like there is already at least one Tire Tail in existence using the OEM S2000 wheels, so there is no need for me to speculate on how it might be accomplished.
Another option for hauling spare wheels/tires to the track
