Door height off ground, Trying to buy a trailer Options

[North Coast Jim]

Looking to buy a trailer to haul the 914 long distances. I'm new to this venture. The 914 will handle the drive but my old body couldn't do it hence the need to trailer in air conditioned, cruise controlled, comfort.

The trailer I'm interested in is a 2 axle design for safety. It has fenders over the wheels that are removable. Am concerned about the ability of an open 914 door to clear the fender/wheels after driving the car onto the trailer.

Since my car is 1000 miles North from my present location I'm asking for some help. What is the height from the bottom of an open door to the ground ?? Investigated the 914 Body Dimension drawing but that was of no help.

Thanks All.

[Lucky9146]

Being as my car has basically been on jack stands for the majority of the last 8 years that I know of, and I just got it down for hopefully the last time yesterday, I am happy to report that my door to floor measures 10 1/8". My car may not be stock and may be lower than usual. Hopefully others will chime in. Keep in mind the door will/ may be lower with you in the car as you drive it onto the trailer so leave some clearance. Best of luck!
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/white914.jpg)

[mepstein]

Drive onto the trailer with the top off.

[GaroldShaffer]

You state the trailer has removable fenders, just take the fender off the trailer before you load the car. My trailer is the same style (removable fenders) and that is what I do when I used to load my old racecar on it.

Also if your car sits lower than stock, you might have to make yourself some ramp extenders so you have less of an angle to the ramps. I have to do this plus raise the nose of the trailer about 6 inches to load my current 914 racer.

[Mike Bellis]

Park the car on a piece of 2x8 to raise it 1.5" to clear the fender.

[aharder]

Mine sits a little higher, right at 13"

[North Coast Jim]

Thanks all got what I need.

Buying either a Featherlite or an ATC 17' or 18' Aluminum trailer. Immediate availability being the operative word.

Hershey here we come

[Amphicar770]

I have a featherlite dual axle. Great trailer, exceptionally well built.

I do remove fenders to get in / out of 914. Fast and easy, they are very light.

I also added a cargo box with winch mounted inside. Comes in handy if you need to trailer a dead car home.

[Dave_Darling]

Remember that 914s with different size tires will sit different distances off the ground.

As will 914s with adjustments made to the front suspension, or modifications to the front or rear suspensions.

And, of course, ones on jackstands tend to be a little higher up... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

--DD

[mepstein]

I have a featherlite dual axle. Great trailer, exceptionally well built.

I do remove fenders to get in / out of 914. Fast and easy, they are very light.

I also added a cargo box with winch mounted inside. Comes in handy if you need to trailer a dead car home.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) big time on the winch. Let’s me load and unload a dead car by myself.

[Maltese Falcon]

I have a featherlite dual axle. Great trailer, exceptionally well built.

I do remove fenders to get in / out of 914. Fast and easy, they are very light.

I also added a cargo box with winch mounted inside. Comes in handy if you need to trailer a dead car home.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) big time on the winch. Let’s me load and unload a dead car by myself.

Any particular brand winch...or is a Harbor Freight unit good enough ? / approx 2,300 lbs

[mepstein]

I have a featherlite dual axle. Great trailer, exceptionally well built.

I do remove fenders to get in / out of 914. Fast and easy, they are very light.

I also added a cargo box with winch mounted inside. Comes in handy if you need to trailer a dead car home.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) big time on the winch. Let’s me load and unload a dead car by myself.

Any particular brand winch...or is a Harbor Freight unit good enough ? / approx 2,300 lbs

I don't know whats in the trailer but it let me load a dead 928. That was a heavy car. Rotors were rusty so it didn't roll easily.

[North Coast Jim]

Pulling the trigger on an ATC 18' trailer from Aluminum Trailer Corp. Haven't actually eyeballed it yet and won't be able to see it until April 10th. Was told that the height of the non-removable fender from the bed is only 7". Looks promising. Won't know until I see it with my own eyes. Should work with my std height 914 with only the front ride height modified lower. Will do actual measurement when we get home

On the topic of going to Hershey I've had to change my plans. Won't be going. Forgot we were asked by neighbors to go to a concert on Sat night. Tickets purchased so were going.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

Octeenerfest ??????

[914forme]

So if you don't mind me asking, what does the ATC cost? I'm in the market for a new trailer for the 914s and would like something a bit nicer than my old one.

[North Coast Jim]

So if you don't mind me asking, what does the ATC cost? I'm in the market for a new trailer for the 914s and would like something a bit nicer than my old one.

Last years model. Paying $4500. Still don't understand about the 3% reduction if I pay cash. Of course I will negotiate that price down. Was told that the price for new stock has increased from the Mfg by 7% but that was probably a sales tactic. The fender is not removable so the issue of open door height was a concern. Was told this trailer has a 7" fender height off the bed. That's good but adds to the ramp angle in getting the car on and off.

Also looked at the Cadillac of trailers, Featherlight, and a 17' version was around $7000.

Will let you know how the car fits when I get all the pieces together. Have to get the gauges reinstalled in the 914 after having them rebuilt/refurbished over the winter. 4/15 or so for an update as we have to drive home from Florida first.

[Amphicar770]

Yes, HF. Badland 9000 I believe. It has effortlessly pulled up the 914, a minivan, a 68 Oldsmobile, an SUV, etc.

To get the height I mounted it on top of a steel I-beam.

I have a featherlite dual axle. Great trailer, exceptionally well built.

I do remove fenders to get in / out of 914. Fast and easy, they are very light.

I also added a cargo box with winch mounted inside. Comes in handy if you need to trailer a dead car home.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) big time on the winch. Let’s me load and unload a dead car by myself.

Any particular brand winch...or is a Harbor Freight unit good enough ? / approx 2,300 lbs

[Triaddave]

I agree with DD. It depends on the set up.

[914forme]

So if you don't mind me asking, what does the ATC cost? I'm in the market for a new trailer for the 914s and would like something a bit nicer than my old one.

Last years model. Paying $4500. Still don't understand about the 3% reduction if I pay cash. Of course I will negotiate that price down. Was told that the price for new stock has increased from the Mfg by 7% but that was probably a sales tactic. The fender is not removable so the issue of open door height was a concern. Was told this trailer has a 7" fender height off the bed. That's good but adds to the ramp angle in getting the car on and off.

Also looked at the Cadillac of trailers, Featherlight, and a 17' version was around $7000.

Will let you know how the car fits when I get all the pieces together. Have to get the gauges reinstalled in the 914 after having them rebuilt/refurbished over the winter. 4/15 or so for an update as we have to drive home from Florida first.

Not a bad price BTW the Cadillac of trailers is this one.



And well it makes the Featherlights look cheap in comparison. Futura Trailers

[914Sixer]

Side bar information. You can used a lawn tractor battery for the electric winch, get the one with the most power. Half the size and weight. Using 3K winch from Tractor Supply.

[EdwardBlume]

3% reduction for cash forgoes the credit card merchant fee.

You have two key variables for the 914 and a trailer 1) getting it on the trailer, and 2) getting a door open if needed.

First, 914s are low. I used trailers for race cars that were further lowered. I always had 2 inch drop axels that lowered the bed 2 inches that made it unavoidable to hit the fender to open the door. However, I could drive anything on.

Second, I got good enough to still be able to open a door and get out with a 102 inch wide trailer. Get the wide trailer. Other cars will fit and you may need it since once you get a trailer, everyone will want to use it.

Third, get a winch. Your 914 will die, you will have a trailer, and if you can't drive 1000 miles in a 914 (don't worry thats a tall order), you probably can't push a car up a ramp without help. Get a winch.

Lastly, maintain your trailer. Its not that hard and you can get back a lot of what you paid if you take good care of it.

Good luck!