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Posted by: GTPatrick Dec 10 2007, 12:54 AM

Folks , I came across a website titled " Lotus Europa Central " the other night . And while checking it out , because Europa owners have to be creative in maintaining their cars too like 914 owners . I came across some simple plans in their tech article area for a homebuilt trailer . Several photos and 3 pages of plans someone came up with for towing hiw Europa around .

This maybe useful for 914 owners in towing to from local track events or maybe around town while taking it to another shop to be worked on . You guys may want to check it out .

Lotus Europa Central at Lotus-Europa.com .

Ciao for now .

GTP

Posted by: jimkelly Dec 10 2007, 07:37 AM

thanks - direct link is

http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/files/trailer_for_europa/trailer.html

Posted by: blitZ Dec 10 2007, 08:07 AM

Looks like an old boat trailer. Not sure if i would put a car on it.

Posted by: GTPatrick Dec 10 2007, 01:11 PM

blitZ , . . . . you're right about it being lightly built but taking into consideration that the Europa is a little bit smaller than a 914 and is lighter too . Well it probably does a good job for towing a Europa around town or whatever .

But looking at the design and adding some crossbracing from corner to corner on the main frame and/or adding some gussetting at some corners schould beef it up enough for 914 towing use .

Any other ideas or opinions about this ? It could be a cheaper alternative for those who want to tow to an autoX site near them .

Just another crazy idea .

GTP

Posted by: jd74914 Dec 10 2007, 01:27 PM

If it was double axle it would be a lot nice IMHO. I have towed 914's on single and double axle trailers and the doubles are much better. They are easier for the truck to pull (typically less tongue weight, and have more room on the trailer for extras.

That said, I would not hesitate to tow with a single axle provided that it was built strongly enough. On this thought it might just be easier to construct a custom frame than retrofit a boat trailer. It is still a great idea though for those who need a cheap and safe towing mechanism.

Posted by: alpha434 Dec 10 2007, 02:20 PM

Wow.

You guys are cautious.

You should see what I've hauled RSRs on. That looks built much sturdier.

Posted by: jimkelly Dec 10 2007, 03:10 PM

the problem with dual/double axle trailers is that in some states they are effected by annual inspections and the need for brake systems. jim

Posted by: jd74914 Dec 10 2007, 03:46 PM

Double axles with a GVW of over 3000lbs need brakes hear. My [18ft] trailer only hauls lawnmowers.

Posted by: smg914 Dec 10 2007, 08:00 PM

QUOTE(GTPatrick @ Dec 10 2007, 11:11 AM)

blitZ , . . . . you're right about it being lightly built but taking into consideration that the Europa is a little bit smaller than a 914 and is lighter too . Well it probably does a good job for towing a Europa around town or whatever .

But looking at the design and adding some crossbracing from corner to corner on the main frame and/or adding some gussetting at some corners schould beef it up enough for 914 towing use .

Any other ideas or opinions about this ? It could be a cheaper alternative for those who want to tow to an autoX site near them .

Just another crazy idea .

GTP

Posted by: shoguneagle Dec 11 2007, 04:48 AM

I like the trailer plans. Nice looking Lotus Europa. Besides 914's, I like and have had Alfa's and Lotus'. Still consider myself an "Alfisti" and a "Loti".

A few years ago Barry Spencer (from San Francisco East Bay) won SCCA Championship in an Europa powered by a Mazda Rotary. Hopefully I got the organization right.

Anyway, car looks great.

Steve Hurt

Posted by: carr914 Dec 11 2007, 05:03 AM

Steve, I knew it wouldn't take too long for the gratitious JPS picture. HeHe

T.C.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Dec 11 2007, 08:13 AM

Mmmmmmmmm JPS, GT, Pristine -6. I'm not liking you much this morning!