Buickborn Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 I'm scratching my head over a question that must be fairly common for owners of cars like my '54 Roadmaster 76R, for which specs show a width of just under 80 inches. In looking at possibilities for enclosed car trailers for transporting this Buick (as well as the narrower vehicles among my menagerie of collectibles), I find that the typical maximum interior trilaer width is 96". In light of the considerable thickness of the car's doors, I don't see how would be reasonably possible to enter or exit the car when it's in one of these trailers. Is there some obvious solution to this puzzzle that is eluding me? Since I'm fortunate enough not to be excessively upholstered, I suppose I'm OK with climbing in and out of the car's door window, but I'm wondering if there would be even enough room to do that without undesirably rubbing against the car's finish in the process One possibly helpful scenario that has occurred to me would be to position the car off center in the trailer to allow more entrance/egress room on one side -- in the hope that the effect of the corresponding weight shift would be negligible. But even that approach appears to have its limitations due to the typical intrusion of the trailer's wheel housings into the interior. Suggestions? Thanks! ~ Charlie Manes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billbuickgs Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 You want a trailer that is 102 " wide and has an exit door on the left side of the trailerYou can open your car do almost all the way for easy exit .Most trailer companys have this as an option.Good luckBill 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Role down a window and climb out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 The problem really comes when your car door hits the wheel well because you think cars look good a little lower. Then a side door does no good at all.I have been fighting this problem twice a day for the last week. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 28, 2015 Share Posted June 28, 2015 If you really want and need a trailer, have one custom made in regard to the door locations, height, tie downs to fit your car. Even after all that, I needed to 2" of lumber under the wheels to open the driver door. Now it is well suited for small series 55's and similar cars, but nothing else. Even Mike's lowered wagon would not work.Willie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 At least the bottom paint is rattle can Rustoleum, so I can touch it up when I get home.Still doesn't help with my gut trying to squeeze between door and jamb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Conley Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Get the 102" wide trailer and a road side escape door, measured to fit most autos you will haul. Measure the distance from the bottom of your open drivers door (with you in the car) to the ground then SUBTRACT 2". For example, if your open drivers door with you in the car is 10" above ground level, you want the escape door set @ 8" above the floor of the trailer. Trailer manufactures do this ALL the time. I had my trailer built to my specifications over 10 years ago and did this. It was no big deal for them to set the escape door to my specifications. Oh, if you think you want a 24' long trailer, go ahead and get a 26' long trailer. Like garages, you can never get them big enough... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Drive the Roadmaster. That's why it was built. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Your Roadmaster would fit and ride well in this famous trailer. Pretty sure it is still for sale. I can attest to the fact the side door is situate perfectly for a 54 Roadmaster and is the sweetest pulling trailer I have ever pulled. Not sure what the length is but there is plenty of room up front, built in cabinets etc. Really nice custom trailer. Trailer of course belongs to Bob Coker. PM me if interested and I'll contact Bob and see it is still available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buickborn Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share Posted June 29, 2015 Thanks, guys, for all the expert advice -- plenty here for me to chew on. Ironically, the car for which I specifically want a trailer (a '30 series 44 roadster) is much smaller than my '54; but I'm damned if I'll invest in a trailer unsuitable for the '54 -- or for either of my two other collectibles, both of which are 18-footers, but, fortunately, fairly narrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 While you're making your final decision ; consider placing a winch in the front of any trailer you might choose. I had one in my 24' Haulmark Elite race car trailer for the front engine dragster ….but, that set up proved invaluable in retrieving dead or almost dead full size cars,too.You never know when your runner might stop running! Plus, you can operate it with the remote… making it a one man job.Perfect for retrieving barn finds all by yourself! Plus you don't have to worry about getting out of the car! I once had a dead 76 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (starter). The car was all of 5500 lbs.I had a 5000 lb. Superwinch up front and it pulled it straight in with no issues for the trip tothe garage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 What's wrong with an open trailer?I also agree with John---drive the car--it was made for that and it can certainly keep up with modern traffic.Pete Phillips, BCA #7338 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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