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Hi,
This is Michael, sorry if I created another account. Couldn't remember the other one. Please keep this one and delete the other if necessary.
Can anyone recommend a trailer hitch for the Miata that is durable? Basically, I'd like to get a small enclosed trailer for a variety of purposes. But one of those purposes would be to haul a set of tires and tools and such to Hallett later this year. And I need a hitch that's lightweight but strong. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Michael
For what generation Miata? I have an NA hitch (Curt) I'd sell if you're interested. Like this one...
http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewPr...FeZj7AodRyEAiw
I think that is the former strathound. If so, it's an NC.
If that's the case, then I recommend duct tape.Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
:clap:Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
FM and Boss Frog both have hitches too (if you're shopping new).
Which Michael? There were no less than 5 in a row at Kellers.
Wow, this got odd. I like it!
Does anyone have any negative experiences with either of these? I know Nails was trying to use one brand, forget which one, and it flexed under load and eventually failed? I don't remember the details.Quote:
Originally Posted by cwisenheimer
Anyways, I'll check those out. Thanks.
Michael Schaefer. I have a red NC, usually #98. I was not at Keller's this Wednesday, but I've been there quite often in the past. I used to be a member here under the id 'strathound', and as you can see ... I've been away for a while for a reason. I'm trying to start 2015 turning over a new leaf by trying to be less confrontational. I'm hopeful others around here will do the same.Quote:
Which Michael? There were no less than 5 in a row at Kellers.
Anyways, thanks for the information.
I could pull the FM off my car. It's not sturdy enough for my application, but should work great for pulling a trailer.
After looking at the FM website, I think that's the one that Nails has. And I don't think it would be durable enough for my application either. I like that it's lightweight. But I want to be able to pull something like a small enclosed trailer.Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
I used both the hard dog and the curt. The HD hidden hitch was cool, but mounted to weak metal and damaged the trunk and bumper mounts. The curt mounted to stronger areas and worked great, but is not hidden.
how small of a trailer? If it's over 500 lbs total and taller than the car, I think it's beyond the limits of the NC when you factor in air resistance at speed. Maybe a short teardrop made of Al, but not a typical 4x6x4 steel or wood trailer.
What the heck are you pullilng? When that hitch was developed, the FEA math showed you could lift the entire car with it (although that wasn't tested empirically).Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
Static loads (or semi-static like a trailer) shouldn't be a problem... Two full-boing mountain bikes on Thule hitch rack get into resonance and create way too much torque on the mounting points. Not the thing you want to watch in your rear-view.Quote:
Originally Posted by cwisenheimer
Ahh, this is the feedback I was looking for. Thanks Mike. Yeah, I'm looking at a host of trailer options, some of which are used by the motorcycling community. In a nutshell, I'm looking for something that I can use for track days and for extending my trunk space in the unusual cases where I need to carry more than my Miata can carry. My daughter takes her driving test tomorrow. If she passes, she'll inherit the Honda Element. I'd rather not have to purchase a bigger vehicle and I feel like I could get by if I just had a little extra storage space from time to time. This may be flawed thinking and I might just need to bite the bullet and purchase a tow vehicle for a track vehicle and get a dedicated NA or something. But ... trying not to take on that extra expense right now if I can.Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
A decently-spec'd HF 4'x4' trailer is plenty big for tires, equipment and extra luggage. Put a good-size bin on the back and wheel mounts on the front (I prefer vertical poles w/ pvc sleeves) and you've got everything out of the car itself. My bin had room for a couple carry-on sized duffel bags on top of my jack, tool box, rain gear, impact driver, air pump/tank, etc. Codriver and I did several long-distance events with plenty of room in the car and trunk for all our personal stuff, and a small cooler strapped to the tongue of the trailer.
And we still plan to mess with you, just like everyone else on this board. That's how baseball do.::BaHump::
FM hidden hitch nearly sheared my bumper. Harbor frieght trailers are good. I have a convertible one with side rails you can buy. It's like this one that stores vertically. You can come by and look at it if you want.
For clarification, the trailer Nails was towing with that caused the hitch issue was not the one pictured above.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nails
I've had a D'Lan hidden hitch on my NB for 13 years. No problems. Are the NCs that much weaker?
The HF 4x4 is plenty big for track days and such. I have a 4x8 like Nails posted that hauled 4 filled ice chests and all my AX stuff to every event for the last couple of years. It hauled a treadmill last weekend, it has hauled fire wood since Christmas, and a ton of lumber over the years. The only problem I have with the 4x8 is it will not fold up if you put a floor on it (poor design). It will tilt for easier loading.
::Whisp::POS has a 4x4 trailer I might sell you. :rolleyes: It has diamond plate aluminum deck, the standard box on the back and posts for tires and wheels. Or I actually own one with all that and a custom air tank mounted underneath with quick disconnect for the air hose.
The hidden-hitch designs for the NC sandwich the hitch mounts between the bumper support and the trunk, but the sheet metal there is very thin and apparently of a brittle variety. It doesn't spread the load sufficiently and fails. The other NC designs mount similarly to NA/NB hitches (under the "frame rails") which is substantially stronger. No issues with those that I've seen, other than muffler clearance.
My trailer has a plywood floor in two pieces so it can fold up fine.
How thick is your floor, Nails? I think mine was messed up from the start. Without a deck, the frame had less than 1/4" gap when folded. I tried 3/8 plywood for the first deck and there was no way it would fold. Good to know it was just mine. It now has a 3/4 solid deck.