Pretty sure I will be replacing my Trimline Mesh Panels with a full set of ProPanels
When you figure the space they will take up, along with my 10 x 10 Trimline and then add anywhere from 25 - 35 framed prints, mostly 20 x 30, I don't think there is even a small chance I can travel to an out of state show and fit all that into my 4-door Jeep Rubicon
Looks like I may have to purchase a Trailer to make this work
I would appreciate any suggestions about the type and size and make of trailer that other artists have had success with
Thanks,
Bob
Replies
I dragged a 4X6' trailer behind a 4-door Wrangler for the last two years. The trailer is packed tight with my photos and panels, I barely get everything in but I keep the weight under the limit. It pulls fine and I haven't made any modifications to the Jeep and the trailer doesn't have brakes. A bigger trailer would be great but the weight is a consideration. Don't even think about pulling more than your Jeep's limit, it is extremely dangerous.
Another thing to look at is renting a van when you do a show. It really depends on how many and how far the shows are, but I did just that for some shows that I kinda knew my old Nissan (300,000 miles) just wasn't going to make it. Enterprise was my friend.
Or you can look into an older used mini or cargo van as a dedicated show vehicle.
I have a little Chevy Equinox LTZ so it has a towing capacity of 3,000lbs. I had the dealership install the hitch.
It is sometimes inconvenient at shows because you can't get as close as vans can so there are several disadvantages. All of my stuff is on wheels so it's not that big of a deal if I'm not real close. I don't have to lift anything or ever unload my trailer when I'm home, just hook to it and go. I also have a much smaller vehicle once unhooked at the shows to run around in.
I use Propanel 38.5 Knock Down panels, desk, track lights, canopy, 10x10 rug, and lots of accessories. I only sell framed originals so I probably carry somewhere around 150-200 framed pieces of various sizes. I have a system worked out that's a lot like a jigsaw puzzle in my trailer, everything has it's place. My trailer & all items is right around the 2,000lb mark.
I personally couldn't use smaller than a 5x8, but I don't want to haul anything inside my vehicle cause I'm bad to scratch up things.. I have seen others pull a trailer that was the size of a dog box (thought a 4x6 was the smallest they made) & they split things among the trailer & vehicle so they had plenty of room.
I would look around for a used tailer. Lots of people buy them that size then after having it outgrow it and buy a bigger one. Two days after I bought mine I found a used one in perfect condition that was only $1,000 and was 2 months old. A church group had bought it to pull behind the bus when taking kids to camp to haul their luggage. After using it a few times they realized it would be easier to have a bigger one.
Good luck
As pointed out on another forum, the first thing you need to know is how much your tow vehicle can handle. According to Jeep's website, the Wrangler has a towing capacity of only 2,000 pounds. That's not very much at all.
You're going to be limited by the vehicle towing capacity, and the size of the engine.
If you absolutely must tow with your existing vehicle, aluminum trailers weigh less, and cost more. The base weight of the trailer is going to range anywhere from 800-1100 pounds. With a tow capacity of only 2000 pounds, that's not going to leave you a whole lot of leeway.
Torsion axles ride better than spring axles, but are more expensive, and harder to fix if they break.
Trailer brakes are safer, but you'll need a brake controller in the tow vehicle, and a 7-pin hitch connector instead of a 4-pin hitch connector. Trailer brakes take some of the heat off the tow vehicle when going up and down big hills.
When looking at the specs for your Rubicon, look at the gross vehicle weight it can tow, as well as the tongue weight. If it doesn't have a hitch, you'll need to add one. They come in 2" and 2 3/4" sizes. The Jeep probably can only handle a Class III hitch. U-Haul can install them, they usually do a decent job, if you don't have a trailer place locally that can do it.
Featherlite makes good trailers. So does Wells Cargo, and others. If you buy one locally, you'll save the shipping costs to get it to you from the factory -- typically a couple hundred bucks. Even the Featherlite 1609 weighs 1000 pounds.
Trailers are cheap to insure. Get a separate policy. It'll cost you about $60/year.
If you simply can't go with another tow vehicle, and you only need a bit more space, the mini trailers like Wells Cargo's Mini Wagon (4' wide by about 6' long) might work for you. But you may find that you outgrow it pretty quick.
http://wellscargo.com/wellscargo-trailers/cargo-trailers/mini-wagon...
Jim, thanks for the thoughtful response
Can you give me an idea what a new trailer might set me back?
Man, the prices on those pictures are really beginning to skyrocket :-)
Have you considered a van?
Several years ago I had a trailer and ended up selling it and buying a van. The van is so much easier to maneuver around in many locations..especially at some of the shows with restricted tight space.
Hi Greg,
The Rubicon is brand new.
Gotta make it work!
Bob