Author Topic: Trailer size to tow a Europa  (Read 3087 times)

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Offline Nockenwelle

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #15 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 01:17:59 AM »
When I collected my Europa in the UK I used this trailer: https://www.unsinn.de/de/anhaenger/motorradanhaenger-typ/1837-13-1800
The internal dimensions are 3.750 × 1.800 mm which is just about right to fit the Europa. The smart thing on this trailer is that the whole platform can be lowered to the ground and you just drive on it.



Offline TurboFource

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #16 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 04:57:23 AM »
Nice Europa Nockenwelle!
The more I do the more I find I need to do....remember your ABC’s …anything but chinesium!

Offline BDA

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #17 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 09:03:15 AM »
 :I-agree:

Offline dakazman

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #18 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 11:32:44 AM »

Offline SilverBeast

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #19 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 12:21:49 PM »
The more I see (pictures of) the S1 the better they look, particularly the front end and the single door window.

Offline literarymadness

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #20 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 01:12:00 PM »
Looking at your S1, it is easy to see how much thought went into achieving that .29 drag coefficient. Beautiful example.

Offline Nockenwelle

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #21 on: Saturday,August 01, 2020, 03:29:16 PM »
Thank's for the nice comments :)
I'm very happy I found that example as it is very difficult find a good and original S1. Either they are in a very bad state or they have been heavily modified.
The underside of the S1 is totally flat and undisturbed due to the bonded in chassis. That may be one of the reasons for the low drag coefficient.

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #22 on: Sunday,August 02, 2020, 07:04:18 AM »
I love my S1 and yours is drop dead gorgeous, thanks for the pictures.

The drag coefficient was not accurate.  The designers of the TC complained bitterly about this as they had to match it as part of the design brief.  The only way they could do it was to add a front spoiler.

Offline Nisswa Collision

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #23 on: Monday,September 21, 2020, 11:37:44 PM »
  Here is another idea!
  http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/files/trailer_for_europa/trailer.html
 
Also always tow vehicle head first  or risk a broken windscreen.

Dakazman
I have one of those trailers. I got it with a series 2 that i bought and sold. I kept it for 2603R that is just now nearing completion of the full restoration. I didn't see the plans until after I had owned the trailer for a while. I always felt it was unbalanced until reading that the trailer was designed for the car to ride backwards. Now it works fine. I suppose the open back on the earlier cars would make them want to baloon a little.

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #24 on: Tuesday,September 22, 2020, 03:04:56 PM »
I would never tow a Europa backwards.  It's way too common for the engine lid to blow up and over, smashing the lid, roof and the windshield.

Offline Lotuswins

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #25 on: Tuesday,September 22, 2020, 04:33:28 PM »
Another reason for installing struts?

I've towed mine backwards since I've had it, to maybe 20 track days?  Never an issue, but then I make sure the latch is secure every time, and I do have the struts.... My trailer is very low too, and Its a TCS, so no rear opening like on an S2 or S1, which would make a difference....

Jerry Rude
4005R

Offline Chuck Nukem

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #26 on: Tuesday,September 22, 2020, 10:41:22 PM »
I am in complete agreement with everyone here when I say Nockenwelle you have a gorgeous S1!! Please share more pictures of it!!! I want to paint one of mine red so badly...

Offline TurboFource

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #27 on: Wednesday,September 23, 2020, 04:57:23 AM »
Gideon and Arizona,
Did you use the UHaul 6 x 12 utility trailer or the auto transport trailer?

Trying to figure out if it will fit on the utility trailer because the sides are kinda high on it....


Kraig
The more I do the more I find I need to do....remember your ABC’s …anything but chinesium!

Offline gideon

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #28 on: Wednesday,September 23, 2020, 08:31:25 AM »
I used the auto transport trailer, and that worked fine.  One thing I would point out about that trailer is that it is designed to secure just the front wheels to the trailer.  I also used ratchet straps to secure the rear wheels to the trailer, but then my car had a damaged frame and one front wheel wasn't attached to the car as well as it should be.  Even without that problem I would still use something to secure the rear wheels, just to be on the safe side. 

Offline TurboFource

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Re: Trailer size to tow a Europa
« Reply #29 on: Wednesday,September 23, 2020, 12:22:58 PM »
Measured the UHaul utility trailer today......it won't work....there is only about 56-3/4"
Of opening at the back of the trailer....the ramp is not the full width of the trailer either  :blowup:
Guess it will be the transport trailer but not sure they will let me use my 1995 F150 to tow it so I might have to rent a truck too :(
The more I do the more I find I need to do....remember your ABC’s …anything but chinesium!