Trailer size to tow a Europa

[TurboFource]

I was wondering if anyone has towed a Europa on a 6' x 12' utility trailer?

Just planning ..... 

[dakazman]

  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

[BDA]

It should theoretically fit but usually utility trailers are pretty flimsy for even a small car like a Europa. Can you find a racer in your area who can lend you a trailer?

[4129R]

Also always tow vehicle head first  or risk a broken windscreen.
Dakazman

If you put the Europa on a trailer backwards, i.e. with the engine nearest the tow car, wind gets under the engine cover and causes it to un-clip and wrap itself over the roof, smashing the engine cover and the windscreen, and probably messing up the hinge locations and the roof.

Therefore make sure the Europa is on the trailer pointing forwards.

[TurboFource]

UHaul has one that looks like it would be up to the task....

[tedtaylor]

Also always tow vehicle head first  or risk a broken windscreen.
Dakazman

If you put the Europa on a trailer backwards, i.e. with the engine nearest the tow car, wind gets under the engine cover and causes it to un-clip and wrap itself over the roof, smashing the engine cover and the windscreen, and probably messing up the hinge locations and the roof.

Therefore make sure the Europa is on the trailer pointing forwards.

easily remedied by an extra tie down strap across the back, wheel well to wheel well.   I have towed them backward many times without issue.   same with doors and front hood...all strapped down or even taped down.   no worries.

[Grumblebuns]

I've done it a few times using a 6-1/2' x 12-1/2' single axle ATV trailer.
The longest trip was from Michigan to So Cal hauling a TCS, the second longest was from Washington state back to So Cal and here were also quite a few local hauls <500 miles round trip.
Both my trailer and tires were rated for 1500#. As long as the trailer you're using is rated for the weight of the Europa, I don't see a problem using a utility trailer for short trips.
If you're hauling the Europa cross country, then more preps are required.

Joji Tokumoto

[andy harwood]

As I'm getting ready to move heavy stuff 650 miles, i've been looking into the trailer options. The Uhaul trailer is a double axle, heavy steel trailer. Heavy being the key word.
I purchased a single axle 6x14 foot trailer, with ramp. It's payload is almost 1800 pounds. Plenty of room for a Europa. Figure I'll sell it after finishing the move.
Have carried one load, about max trailer capacity, truck was loaded also, plus 3 people. Did great. Will say it cut my gas mileage in half on a Toyota Tacoma 4 door.  Think the truck is rated at 6500 pound payload, we were prolly around 4500. Don't think I'd want to be any heavier for a long trip.
With the low drag of the Europa, I figure the gas mileage should rise... lol.

[gideon]

I can confirm that the U-Haul trailer will work.  I rented one to bring my car home.  The U-Haul trailer is about 2200 lbs and will carry over 5200 lbs, so it is total overkill.  The big upside is that they let you do a one way rental. 

[TurboFource]

Thanks for the replies!

Gideon,
Were you able to put the ramp all the way up on the UHaul trailer?

[Arizona]

I've used a UHaul trailer to haul my Europa a total of about 7500 miles over the years and as gideon said it's total overkill, but if you need to go a long distance it's worth it. Plus, you'll have room for an extra engine or two. And yes, the ramp fully retracts.

[Grumblebuns]

The UHaul trailer is heavy. What tow vehicle do you have?

[Arizona]

I was towing it behind a UHaul rental truck. It was a bit too much for my SAAB. I should mention that a friend towed a full size sedan from Flagstaff to Seattle on one behind a standard pickup.

[TurboFource]

I have a 1995 F150 with V8 and frame mounted hitch. It towed my 3500lb camper no problem.

[GavinT]

I think what happens is that people load the Europa backwards on the trailer in order to get some weight on the hitch. The Europa is rear weight biased and depending on the trailer, this makes all the difference. It seems likely that most car trailers have their wheel placement & balance designed around front engined cars.

So, if loading it pointing backwards, be sure to tie down the engine cover. The engine cover catch can and does let go with some wind.

Years ago, I recall my Europa was parked in the company car park and I came out to go home only to discover the engine cover had lifted on this very windy day. The wind had wrapped it over the roof, breaking the windscreen.
Every day is an education . .