Little Trailer behind a Model A

[RobKirk]

Who has experience, ideas, recommendations, warnings, stories? We are thinking of doing Route 66 in our 1930 Cabriolet and puzzling over how to do it with more than a toothbrush stashed on the floor of the rumble compartment. I have a trunk on the back but usually count on it for maintenance items, etc. Just exploring ideas. Thanks.

[katy]

A friend (now deceased) had a small trailer he towed w/a Model T, it was designed to be pulled behind a motorcycle.

[Tacoma Bob]

MMM Swivel trailers are pretty cool. I did some research a few years back. Look up Double H. I think they were in New Jersey. They made the swivel mechanism.

Look up swivelwheel.com. Interesting and affordable.

[nkaminar]

You need to talk to Synchro909. Here is what he posted a few months ago:
Coincidently, my longest single trip was also in a 1929 Phaeton when we did a lap of most of the continent. 12,000 miles with a camper trailer behind. That was 2014.
In a few weeks we set off on yet another trip, this time only about 8 or 9 thousand miles in the same car, again with camper in tow. All up, we have done about 40,000 miles like that now.

He sent me a photo of his rig but I deleted it. If I remember correctly, it was a pop up camper with a weight of about 1,000 pounds. His car is more powerful than a stock A.

__________________

[fivefix]

I just pulled this Mullins trailer 1,000 miles to a national Model A event in Oshkosh, WI in June. I had no problems pulling it with a decent load and I rarely could tell it was back there. The worst part is lack of visibility and backing up. Those little trailers turn on a dime.

Like any vehicle pulling a trailer, parking can be an issue with single parking spots in busy locations.

[Jordan]

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We have 2 small trailers we tow behind our cars. If I can find pictures I will. Both cars tow the trailers amazing and you don't even know it's back there. Braking isn't an issue either, but I have brakes that are set up right.

[Jordan]

Hopefully this works

[LeonardS]

Aluma Trailers builds all aluminum trailers that are very light to tow. The AE46 is 4’ wide x 6’ long and about 30” deep. If that’s more room than you need, they also make an MCT and MCT-XL, which are typically pulled behind motorcycles, but many have been sold for pulling behind cars. Good luck!

[henry's 31]

Beautiful trailer, great setup.

[RobKirk]

Some great ideas here already. Thank you!

The next question would be about the hitch arrangement. Is there a period accessory hitch, or a more modern hitch configuration that is commonly used? Thanks!

[mercman from oz]

Looks great and very practical.

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

:Northern Hydraulics sells a small trailer that looks like a Mullins but is a bit smaller and can be towed by motorcycle OR a Model A.

I owned a Mullins and took it on a couple of tours. It's a big problem where to park it, secure it and come up with something to prevent tow away. Maybe take one wheel to your room?

[Pat/Ohio]

I have been towing a small trailer behind my '32 Ford Sedan for over 25 years. It was modeled after 3-wheeled Harley Davidson Police motorcycle. Like those used in Central Park in New York in the early 50's. It was made by Hercules Motor Car Co. in Tampa, Fl. The box is made of steel with glass fenders. He had the bumpers specially made for the trailer either for the Model A, '32-'34 also.

I attached a CB antenna on the bumper of the trailer to aid in backing and to make certain the trailer was still there!

Stay Safe,
Pat

[nkaminar]

I found the photo of Synchro909's rig.

[trulyvintage]

I need a bumper sticker like that !


Jim

[Dale G.]

I have a Mullins copy like the one pictured that I have pulled across America since 1990. It is for sale now $2,400. 904-731-0367.

[nkaminar]

Gallery of Model A trailers:


https://www.mafca.com/gallery_trailers.html

[Bill Cilker]

Robkirk
Here are pictures of the trailer hitch that I made for my 1931 SW Town Sedan. I have towed a fiberglass Mullins Red Cap trailer all over the western US.

[RobKirk]

Nice, Bill - thanks.

[HD Rider]

There's this if you don't want to spend the bucks for something fancy.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Tow-Tag...82T4113G&psc=1

[Keith True]

A few years ago I sold two Heilite single wheel tent campers.All aluminum,and very light.One was in regular use as a camper,and the other had no canvas but the owner had bought it to use as a utility trailer.You DO tend to forget they are behind you on the road.Nobody is going to back up to one and steal it,not too many have two one inch balls spaced 48 inches apart on their cars.I sold mine to a couple of street rod guys,I have been getting reports for years now of them being seen at long meets.They sleep in one,and the other is still used as a utility trailer.There are pictures of them on singlewheel.com.

[ArtimusGordon]

I have noticed commercial ads for trailer hitch for Model A’s.

[Pete]

For several years we towed to races all over the west coast with this rig. Loaded trailer 2500 lb.
Car 2800 lb with roll cage, 4 wheel disc brakes, 8 inch rubber, fairly strong B engine.
3000 lb. home fab receiver hitch. Electric trailer brakes.

[Bruce of MN]

Originally Posted by Pete

For several years we towed to races all over the west coast with this rig. Loaded trailer 2500 lb.
Car 2800 lb with roll cage, 4 wheel disc brakes, 8 inch rubber, fairly strong B engine.
3000 lb. home fab receiver hitch. Electric trailer brakes.

4:11 gears in the Model A for the hills?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

4:11 gears in the Model A for the hills?

Yes and OD.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

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Here’s how I’d do it!

[Dick Carne]

We plan to put one of the reproduction Mullins trailers on our Cabriolet. We purchased ours in two separate transactions from the previous owner (one for the frame and axles - the second for the body), who pulled it behind his 1930 fordor for many a mile back in the 1970's when his children were still living at home. I believe that Superior Glass Works out of Portland may still be making these. They show two phone numbers: 833-829-9634 and/or 503-829-9634. I have also been able to purchase recent lid hinges (it originally came with a piano hinge) and lid locks (the original was just a pair of rubber latches similar to hood latches). I was able to get these from:

Michael Johnson, OD
5777 Greenback Lane St.100 100 S. Harding Blvd. Ste. 1
P: 916-231-0034 P: 916-783-8109
F: 916-231-0038 F: 916-783-8649

Another concern will be finding someone to make you a solid trailer hitch. Ours ties into both of the rear bumper arms on the opposite sides of the cross brace, and also to the rear crossmember. My wife and I have talked about taking some longer trips in the Cabriolet once it is finished (it mainly lacks upholstery and top), and using the trailer will make loading and unloading much easier - also expanding what can be taken. We are thinking that it might also be nice for group tours to carry soft drinks and "supplies" for the group. There just doesn't seem to be enough room in the rumble seat of our roadster, so I appreciate your inquiry. Good luck to you and safe travels.

[Keith True]

I saw one mounted on the rear end like that a long time ago.I thought it was done as a joke,but found he used it for a surfboard,and sometimes a bicycle.Not for a real trailer,and the one I saw was a lot lighter than the one in that picture.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

Here’s how I’d do it!

That works good for a light trailer. You just have to be sure to keep the clamshell and rear motor mount bolts tight. Most of the buff and draft forces are transmitted there with that setup.

[cr1248]

These are two of the trailers that I built and they pull fine behind either of my Model A’s.

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

The trailer mentioned in post #20 is the same that I mentioned in my post #12

[ronn]

an original Mullins needing full restoration is currently on ebay for sale.

fella selling it is a slick auctioneer.........

[AL in NY]

fivefix: did you ever solve your camera problem with your Model A for viewing the trailer? Email me at "[email protected]" if you would like more information.

[fivefix]

Originally Posted by AL in NY

fivefix: did you ever solve your camera problem with your Model A for viewing the trailer? Email me at "[email protected]" if you would like more information.

No, I never could get the reverse facing camera working due to interference. I'll email you.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by fivefix

No, I never could get the reverse facing camera working due to interference. I'll email you.

Was it RF interference from the unshielded high-voltage current in the ignition system?

[fivefix]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

Was it RF interference from the unshielded high-voltage current in the ignition system?

I assume. I tried a modern distributor with multiple ferrite rings placed on the cables, lead tape over cables and aluminum foil. Not separately, ALL AT ONCE and I still had interference that prevented the display from staying on. It would blink on and off. I finally just removed it at Oshkosh.

[katy]

The generator can also be a source of RFI.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by HD Rider

There's this if you don't want to spend the bucks for something fancy.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Tow-Tag...82T4113G&psc=1

Be aware its $505 for shipping as well. Ive seen lightly used motorcycle trailers for sale locally for under $500