Is this the right trailor?
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,467
Likes: 3
From: Davie, FL
Track Trailer Construction FAQ by Joshua (CoralDoc) & Ole (Overdrive OP)
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide guidelines for the construction of a small trailer designed to transport 4 wheels and associated equipment for autocross, track days, etc. In addition to the Honda S2000, other small roadsters such as the Porsche Boxster, Mazda Miata, and Toyota MR2 Spyder have been used to pull these trailers. This project was enjoyable and we are very pleased with the final products.
DISCLAIMER - Please note that it specifically states in the owner’s manual that the Honda S2000 is not designed to tow a trailer. Also, keep in mind that we are simply automotive enthusiasts without expert training in construction techniques.
S2Ki members have explored two options for track trailers: 1) Purchase one from South Sport Trailers or 2) Build one from a trailer kit. South Sport Trailers makes a very nice track trailer, complete with welded steel frame, wheel rack and beautiful aluminum storage box with integrated lights and license plate mount. However, the model appropriate for the S2000 (UT 45) is relatively expensive at $820 plus delivery (approx. $150-200). For about $350 you can build your trailer based on a trailer kit and have some fun while you’re at it. The hardest part of building the trailer is obtaining all of the components. If you don’t have the time or the inclination for a project that spans several days, requires several trips to various venders, and takes approximately 20 hours to complete, give South Sport Trailers a call.
The total (loaded) weight of the kit-based trailer is typically less than 500 pounds with a tongue weight that should be around 10-15% of that figure. The completed empty weight of Joshua’s trailer is 210 lbs., the total (loaded) weight is 450 lbs, with a tongue weight of 55 lbs. In addition to the trailer, the total weight includes 4 Kumho V700 tires mounted on stock rims, a 1½ ton floor jack, jack stands, tool box and tools, and other miscellaneous equipment. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer kit is 1000 lbs., so it is well under it’s rated limit. In comparison, the South Sport UT 45 track trailer has an empty weight of 200 pounds with a GVWR of 550 lbs. This lower GVWR is due to a smooth-riding torsion bar independent suspension and lower axle rating than the leaf spring solid axle suspension on the trailer kit.
We each built trailers based on two slightly different trailer kits obtained from Northern Tool (Figs. 1 & 2). The first trailer was built from item #12542; an 8” wheel trailer that was upgraded to 12” wheels and 12” fenders (Fig. 3). This kit and the parts are usually in stock. The second trailer was built from item #125427; a kit that comes with 12” wheels and compatible fenders but usually needs to be special-ordered. The use of 12” wheels improves the highway utility of these trailers since they spin at lower RPM compared to 8” wheels. Another benefit is that the trailer is raised up a bit so that it rides level behind your car. Twelve-inch rims come in four and five bolt versions, so make sure you get the correct ones (our kits are 4-bolt). The South Sport trailer comes standard with a 4.80 x 12” wheel, upgrades to chrome wheels available.
Note that the 12” wheels that come in the #125427 kit were smaller in diameter than the 12” wheels sold as replacements, even though the rim diameters were the same and the tires were marked the same – 4.80 x 12”! This came to light when Joshua purchased a 12” wheel to use as a spare, it was larger than the 12” wheels supplied with the trailer kit. It was possible to talk the salesman into replacing the wheels that come in the kit with wheels the store had in stock so that all 3 wheels, including the spare, would be the same. Also, you may be able to talk the salesman into giving you some credit for the 8” wheels if you upgrade to the 12” wheels from the #12542 kit. In the latter deal, don’t forget that you’ll also need fenders that will work with the larger wheels.
1) Here is the unpacked Northern Tool trailer kit (Fig. 4). Since the kit comes compactly packed in several boxes, it will all fit in the S2000 – with no passenger and the top down. We won’t go into specifics on kit construction, just follow the included instructions, take your time and make sure the frame is square when assembled. Also, make sure that there is sufficient grease in your hubs. Both of our kits had a minimal amount. Now comes the fun part – customizing your kit for its intended purpose.
2) Think of the trailer as being broken down into two sections, fore and aft. The forward section will support the tires and the aft section will support your toolbox and any other accessories you may wish to bring. By some miracle, a set of 4 S2000 wheels with stock rims and 225/50/16 and 245/45/16 Kumho Victoracer 700 tires fit perfectly between the trailer side frame members when stacked side-by-side. If your wheels are wider, it will be more difficult to design a system for supporting them.
3) To make wheel supports, cut the 2 x 8” board to a length of 39 7/8”. Next, cut the board lengthwise with the saw blade set at a 45° angle, creating one piece 5 5/16” wide and the other 2 15/16” wide.
4) Front Wheel Support (Figs. 5 & 6) – Trim the length of the narrower piece to 38 1/16” so that it fits on top of the trailer front frame member within the lips of each side frame member. Align the front edge of the wood with the front edge of the trailer frame. Holes were drilled in the front wheel support to align with existing holes in the front frame member. These holes were counter-sunk approximately ½” so that the bolt heads would not indent the tire.
5) Rear Wheel Support (Fig. 5 & 6) – The tires must clear the center draw bar to fit properly. You may need to adjust the location of the rear wheel support foreward or backward to accomplish this. In Joshua’s trailer, the back edge of the rear wheel support lined up along the front of the trailer middle transverse frame member, 23” behind the front edge of the front wheel support. Place the rear wheel support in the proper position and drill one hole on each side that align with existing holes in the trailer side frame members. Drill one additional hole on each side of the rear wheel support through the wood and the metal trailer frame material. Fabricate a wooden brace for the rear wheel support that just fits between the trailer center draw bar and the center of the rear wheel support. This can be constructed out of scrap pieces of 2x4 and plywood. Drill a hole through the rear wheel support and brace to align with an existing hole in the trailer draw bar.
6) To make the platform onto which you mount the tool box, cut a piece of ½” or 5/8” thick plywood to cover the aft portion of the trailer deck (25” x 39 7/8”). Holes were drilled in the wood to align with existing holes in the trailer frame members, 4 on the front and back of the deck and one on each side (Fig. 7).
7) Paint the wood. By yet another miracle, Ole found a can of Glidden paint on sale at Home Depot that closely matches the trailer frame color that also is a close match to Honda New Formula Red! Joshua used exterior primer for the first coat, followed by two topcoats. Be sure to allow sufficient drying time.
8) Bolt the wood onto the trailer frame using 3/8” hardware of appropriate lengths. Washers were used between bolt heads and wood or plastic surfaces. Since the transverse middle and rear trailer frame members are slightly lower than the side frame members, ½” cut washers were inserted between the plywood and the transverse members so that the wood would lie flat. These were used instead of 3/8” fender washers because the cut washers are the proper thickness.
• Front Tire Support – 4 3/8”x 2 ½” bolts, 4 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 4 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
• Rear Tire Support – 4 3/8”x 2 ½” bolts, 1 3/8”x 4 ½” bolt 5 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 5 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
• Plywood Deck – 10 3/8”x 1 ½” bolts, 10 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 10 nylon-insert nuts, 8 ½” cut washers (1½” dia.)
9) Bolt the box to the wood deck. I placed the box in the center of the deck making sure that it cleared the mounted tires even with the lid open. You may want to offset the position to allow the mounting of additional items like Ole did. It’s easiest to drill holes through the box and plywood all at once. Just be sure that the box does not shift during the process. We drilled 8 holes. Washers were used under all bolts and nuts in the box attachment since the bolt heads are against plastic and the nuts are against wood.
• Box to Deck – 8 3/8”x 1½” bolts, 16 3/8” washers (1” dia.), 8 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
10) Bolt the nylon strap to the outside of the trailer right side frame member and drill a hole on the left side to accommodate the hook (Figs. 5 & 8).
• Strap to Frame – 1 3/8”x 1½” bolt, 2 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 1 ½” cut washer (1½” dia.), 1 3/8” nylon-insert nut
11) If desired, you may wish to construct a spare tire carrier (Figs. 9 & 10). Joshua constructed one from scrap pieces of wood that were attached together and to the underside of the trailer platform with deck screws. Two bolts were positioned within the assembly so that they protruded out the bottom of the mount and function as studs for mounting the spare.
12) We have found that the S2000 wheels mount on the trailer best when the rear wheels are in the outboard position with their finished surface facing inward and with the front when mounted inboard with their finished surface facing outward. You will need to reach between the tires to help thread the nylon strap through the center holes of the wheels (Figs. 8 & 11).
13) Have a little fun and affix Honda and S2000 badges to your creation (Fig. 12).
14) Lastly, don’t forget that you have to register the trailer and obtain a license plate. In Florida the tag fee including a new plate was about $26.
Parts List:
From Northern Tools
Item # 125427 - 1 Trailer Kit, 40” x 48” frame, 1 7/8” coupler, 12” wheels 200.00
OR
Item # 12542 - 1 Trailer Kit, 40” x 48” frame, 1 7/8” coupler, 8” wheels 160.00
Item #1216 - 2 Trailer Tires, 4-hole, 4.80” x 12” @ 35.00 ea 70.00
Item #1264 - 2 Trailer Fenders @ 19.00 ea. 38.00
From WalMart or Home Depot
1 Contico 37” x 21” x 20” Tuff Bin Truck Box 35.00
OR
1 Contico 37” x 21” x 20” Pro Tuff Bin Truck Box with latch & lock 50.00
From Home Depot
½” or 5/8” Plywood, 4’ x 8’ sheet – makes 3 trailer platforms 18.00
2 x 8 x 10’ pine board – makes 3 sets of trailer wheel supports 7.50
Kryptonite Cable Lock 7’ 8.00
1 set of 4 brass Masterlock “Magnum” brass padlocks, keyed alike #240Q 11.00
Keeper H.D. 12’ Ratcheting tie-down, 12,000 lb. Rated, part #05517 16.00
Paint (Glidden Evermore Bright Red trim #HD 7120 is close to the S2000 red) 4.00
The hardware used in this project is 3/8” zinc-plated 32.00
• 19 1½” bolts
• 8 2½” bolts
• 1 4½” bolt
• 28 Nylon-insert lock nuts (“Nylocs”)
• 37 3/8” Cut Washers (1” diameter)
• 9 ½” Cut Washers (1 ½” diameter)
TOTAL COSTS approximately $335 – 400
Resources:
Northern Tool & Equipment Co. VOICE (800) 221-0516
Internet: http://www.northerntool.com
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide guidelines for the construction of a small trailer designed to transport 4 wheels and associated equipment for autocross, track days, etc. In addition to the Honda S2000, other small roadsters such as the Porsche Boxster, Mazda Miata, and Toyota MR2 Spyder have been used to pull these trailers. This project was enjoyable and we are very pleased with the final products.
DISCLAIMER - Please note that it specifically states in the owner’s manual that the Honda S2000 is not designed to tow a trailer. Also, keep in mind that we are simply automotive enthusiasts without expert training in construction techniques.
S2Ki members have explored two options for track trailers: 1) Purchase one from South Sport Trailers or 2) Build one from a trailer kit. South Sport Trailers makes a very nice track trailer, complete with welded steel frame, wheel rack and beautiful aluminum storage box with integrated lights and license plate mount. However, the model appropriate for the S2000 (UT 45) is relatively expensive at $820 plus delivery (approx. $150-200). For about $350 you can build your trailer based on a trailer kit and have some fun while you’re at it. The hardest part of building the trailer is obtaining all of the components. If you don’t have the time or the inclination for a project that spans several days, requires several trips to various venders, and takes approximately 20 hours to complete, give South Sport Trailers a call.
The total (loaded) weight of the kit-based trailer is typically less than 500 pounds with a tongue weight that should be around 10-15% of that figure. The completed empty weight of Joshua’s trailer is 210 lbs., the total (loaded) weight is 450 lbs, with a tongue weight of 55 lbs. In addition to the trailer, the total weight includes 4 Kumho V700 tires mounted on stock rims, a 1½ ton floor jack, jack stands, tool box and tools, and other miscellaneous equipment. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer kit is 1000 lbs., so it is well under it’s rated limit. In comparison, the South Sport UT 45 track trailer has an empty weight of 200 pounds with a GVWR of 550 lbs. This lower GVWR is due to a smooth-riding torsion bar independent suspension and lower axle rating than the leaf spring solid axle suspension on the trailer kit.
We each built trailers based on two slightly different trailer kits obtained from Northern Tool (Figs. 1 & 2). The first trailer was built from item #12542; an 8” wheel trailer that was upgraded to 12” wheels and 12” fenders (Fig. 3). This kit and the parts are usually in stock. The second trailer was built from item #125427; a kit that comes with 12” wheels and compatible fenders but usually needs to be special-ordered. The use of 12” wheels improves the highway utility of these trailers since they spin at lower RPM compared to 8” wheels. Another benefit is that the trailer is raised up a bit so that it rides level behind your car. Twelve-inch rims come in four and five bolt versions, so make sure you get the correct ones (our kits are 4-bolt). The South Sport trailer comes standard with a 4.80 x 12” wheel, upgrades to chrome wheels available.
Note that the 12” wheels that come in the #125427 kit were smaller in diameter than the 12” wheels sold as replacements, even though the rim diameters were the same and the tires were marked the same – 4.80 x 12”! This came to light when Joshua purchased a 12” wheel to use as a spare, it was larger than the 12” wheels supplied with the trailer kit. It was possible to talk the salesman into replacing the wheels that come in the kit with wheels the store had in stock so that all 3 wheels, including the spare, would be the same. Also, you may be able to talk the salesman into giving you some credit for the 8” wheels if you upgrade to the 12” wheels from the #12542 kit. In the latter deal, don’t forget that you’ll also need fenders that will work with the larger wheels.
1) Here is the unpacked Northern Tool trailer kit (Fig. 4). Since the kit comes compactly packed in several boxes, it will all fit in the S2000 – with no passenger and the top down. We won’t go into specifics on kit construction, just follow the included instructions, take your time and make sure the frame is square when assembled. Also, make sure that there is sufficient grease in your hubs. Both of our kits had a minimal amount. Now comes the fun part – customizing your kit for its intended purpose.
2) Think of the trailer as being broken down into two sections, fore and aft. The forward section will support the tires and the aft section will support your toolbox and any other accessories you may wish to bring. By some miracle, a set of 4 S2000 wheels with stock rims and 225/50/16 and 245/45/16 Kumho Victoracer 700 tires fit perfectly between the trailer side frame members when stacked side-by-side. If your wheels are wider, it will be more difficult to design a system for supporting them.
3) To make wheel supports, cut the 2 x 8” board to a length of 39 7/8”. Next, cut the board lengthwise with the saw blade set at a 45° angle, creating one piece 5 5/16” wide and the other 2 15/16” wide.
4) Front Wheel Support (Figs. 5 & 6) – Trim the length of the narrower piece to 38 1/16” so that it fits on top of the trailer front frame member within the lips of each side frame member. Align the front edge of the wood with the front edge of the trailer frame. Holes were drilled in the front wheel support to align with existing holes in the front frame member. These holes were counter-sunk approximately ½” so that the bolt heads would not indent the tire.
5) Rear Wheel Support (Fig. 5 & 6) – The tires must clear the center draw bar to fit properly. You may need to adjust the location of the rear wheel support foreward or backward to accomplish this. In Joshua’s trailer, the back edge of the rear wheel support lined up along the front of the trailer middle transverse frame member, 23” behind the front edge of the front wheel support. Place the rear wheel support in the proper position and drill one hole on each side that align with existing holes in the trailer side frame members. Drill one additional hole on each side of the rear wheel support through the wood and the metal trailer frame material. Fabricate a wooden brace for the rear wheel support that just fits between the trailer center draw bar and the center of the rear wheel support. This can be constructed out of scrap pieces of 2x4 and plywood. Drill a hole through the rear wheel support and brace to align with an existing hole in the trailer draw bar.
6) To make the platform onto which you mount the tool box, cut a piece of ½” or 5/8” thick plywood to cover the aft portion of the trailer deck (25” x 39 7/8”). Holes were drilled in the wood to align with existing holes in the trailer frame members, 4 on the front and back of the deck and one on each side (Fig. 7).
7) Paint the wood. By yet another miracle, Ole found a can of Glidden paint on sale at Home Depot that closely matches the trailer frame color that also is a close match to Honda New Formula Red! Joshua used exterior primer for the first coat, followed by two topcoats. Be sure to allow sufficient drying time.
8) Bolt the wood onto the trailer frame using 3/8” hardware of appropriate lengths. Washers were used between bolt heads and wood or plastic surfaces. Since the transverse middle and rear trailer frame members are slightly lower than the side frame members, ½” cut washers were inserted between the plywood and the transverse members so that the wood would lie flat. These were used instead of 3/8” fender washers because the cut washers are the proper thickness.
• Front Tire Support – 4 3/8”x 2 ½” bolts, 4 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 4 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
• Rear Tire Support – 4 3/8”x 2 ½” bolts, 1 3/8”x 4 ½” bolt 5 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 5 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
• Plywood Deck – 10 3/8”x 1 ½” bolts, 10 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 10 nylon-insert nuts, 8 ½” cut washers (1½” dia.)
9) Bolt the box to the wood deck. I placed the box in the center of the deck making sure that it cleared the mounted tires even with the lid open. You may want to offset the position to allow the mounting of additional items like Ole did. It’s easiest to drill holes through the box and plywood all at once. Just be sure that the box does not shift during the process. We drilled 8 holes. Washers were used under all bolts and nuts in the box attachment since the bolt heads are against plastic and the nuts are against wood.
• Box to Deck – 8 3/8”x 1½” bolts, 16 3/8” washers (1” dia.), 8 3/8” nylon-insert nuts
10) Bolt the nylon strap to the outside of the trailer right side frame member and drill a hole on the left side to accommodate the hook (Figs. 5 & 8).
• Strap to Frame – 1 3/8”x 1½” bolt, 2 3/8” cut washers (1” dia.), 1 ½” cut washer (1½” dia.), 1 3/8” nylon-insert nut
11) If desired, you may wish to construct a spare tire carrier (Figs. 9 & 10). Joshua constructed one from scrap pieces of wood that were attached together and to the underside of the trailer platform with deck screws. Two bolts were positioned within the assembly so that they protruded out the bottom of the mount and function as studs for mounting the spare.
12) We have found that the S2000 wheels mount on the trailer best when the rear wheels are in the outboard position with their finished surface facing inward and with the front when mounted inboard with their finished surface facing outward. You will need to reach between the tires to help thread the nylon strap through the center holes of the wheels (Figs. 8 & 11).
13) Have a little fun and affix Honda and S2000 badges to your creation (Fig. 12).
14) Lastly, don’t forget that you have to register the trailer and obtain a license plate. In Florida the tag fee including a new plate was about $26.
Parts List:
From Northern Tools
Item # 125427 - 1 Trailer Kit, 40” x 48” frame, 1 7/8” coupler, 12” wheels 200.00
OR
Item # 12542 - 1 Trailer Kit, 40” x 48” frame, 1 7/8” coupler, 8” wheels 160.00
Item #1216 - 2 Trailer Tires, 4-hole, 4.80” x 12” @ 35.00 ea 70.00
Item #1264 - 2 Trailer Fenders @ 19.00 ea. 38.00
From WalMart or Home Depot
1 Contico 37” x 21” x 20” Tuff Bin Truck Box 35.00
OR
1 Contico 37” x 21” x 20” Pro Tuff Bin Truck Box with latch & lock 50.00
From Home Depot
½” or 5/8” Plywood, 4’ x 8’ sheet – makes 3 trailer platforms 18.00
2 x 8 x 10’ pine board – makes 3 sets of trailer wheel supports 7.50
Kryptonite Cable Lock 7’ 8.00
1 set of 4 brass Masterlock “Magnum” brass padlocks, keyed alike #240Q 11.00
Keeper H.D. 12’ Ratcheting tie-down, 12,000 lb. Rated, part #05517 16.00
Paint (Glidden Evermore Bright Red trim #HD 7120 is close to the S2000 red) 4.00
The hardware used in this project is 3/8” zinc-plated 32.00
• 19 1½” bolts
• 8 2½” bolts
• 1 4½” bolt
• 28 Nylon-insert lock nuts (“Nylocs”)
• 37 3/8” Cut Washers (1” diameter)
• 9 ½” Cut Washers (1 ½” diameter)
TOTAL COSTS approximately $335 – 400
Resources:
Northern Tool & Equipment Co. VOICE (800) 221-0516
Internet: http://www.northerntool.com
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 0
From: WASTED in Margaritaville
Doc's trailer is very good. I've seen it and used its storage capabilities at the track MANY time! 
If I could only get a hitch that would be completely hidden when not in use I'd build one in a second.
If I could only get a hitch that would be completely hidden when not in use I'd build one in a second.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Foster, RI
I noticed this thread and thought that someone might be interested in buying the turn-key trailer I ended up buying, which is explained in the following thread (about dedicated and not-so-dedicated race cars):
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...49&pagenumber=2
I have no relationship with the maker.
Kind Regards, Chris
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...49&pagenumber=2
I have no relationship with the maker.
Kind Regards, Chris
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 588
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham
After building and using two HF trailers, here are some observations:
225/245 - 16 Hoosiers A3S03s on stock wheels will not fit between the frame rails of the trailer without a little trimming to the tops of the frame rails (about 3/8" per side).
225/255 - 17 Kumho Victoracers on 17x7/8 wheels will fit between the rails.
I would highly recomend the upgraded 12" wheel option as shown on the link in the first post.
This trailer has a leaf spring and a helper spring bolted to it on each side. Assuming you are only hauling 4 wheels/tires, a jack, air tank, and a few other track supplies, the spring rate is way overkill and will bounce around on rough roads. I recommend removing the helper spring (one bolt per side).
225/245 - 16 Hoosiers A3S03s on stock wheels will not fit between the frame rails of the trailer without a little trimming to the tops of the frame rails (about 3/8" per side).
225/255 - 17 Kumho Victoracers on 17x7/8 wheels will fit between the rails.
I would highly recomend the upgraded 12" wheel option as shown on the link in the first post.
This trailer has a leaf spring and a helper spring bolted to it on each side. Assuming you are only hauling 4 wheels/tires, a jack, air tank, and a few other track supplies, the spring rate is way overkill and will bounce around on rough roads. I recommend removing the helper spring (one bolt per side).
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
In CA, it's a $20 initial registration fee and then renewed every 5 years for $10. If you're a AAA member, you can get the visual inspection and registration taken care of at one of their offices. Beats waiting in line at the DMV.