Suggestions for a team trailer?

[Jon Stratis]

It's definitely possible to tow a team trailer with a minivan - if the trailer isn't too big. I've seen team trailers that are huge, and ones that aren't.

The real question is what are your requirements? There are typical sizes for trailers:


Using this as a guide, collect together all of the stuff you want in your pit, get a nice open area, and tape out the dimensions. Then you can try arranging things and see what size you need to accommodate your stuff, then do some more detailed investigation into trailers around that size.

When looking at features, consider loading and unloading. Some trailers have a door that drops down to form a ramp, which makes loading and unloading a little easier, while others open like doors, forcing you to either bring a separate ramp or lift everything into the trailer. For my team's trailer, we made sure to get the ramp kind, and then added a couple of small sections of diamond plate on hinges to help bridge the gaps and make wheeling things up easier. It works really well!

Also consider lighting - you'll want some light in there. You can do that two ways - trailers can come with built in dome lights, wired up to the trailer connection to provide power, or you can get some relatively cheap, battery powered LED lights and stick them in places. You've probably seen the infomercials for such products

[Chris Fultz]

Some things to consider -

3500 pounds includes the weight of the trailer and the stuff you put in it. Determine what you expect to haul (robots, tools, carts and batteries add up quickly).

Check the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGVW) limit of the mini-van. That limit includes the vehicle, passengers, cargo, plus the trailer and everything in it. You may not be able to load the trailer and then put several students and other gear in the mini-van and be under this rating. Being above this limit can cause safety issues with handling, starting and stopping.

Determine if you have to have trailer brakes and then what type the trailer has and if the mini-van can support them. Different states have different requirements for trailer brakes. Some trailers have surge brakes that are independent of the tow vehicle, some have electric brakes that require connection and control to the tow vehicle.

A team trailer is a great investment and really helpful, just make sure you can get there and back safely.

[dsherw00d]

I see you are in MI - probably some hills. A minivan for #3500 is probably on the edge of being comfortable on hills and at highway speeds. I always like to have more then needed just in case of bad weather, high winds, etc. We have a 6x12 and we usually have it pretty full. It's a single axle #3500 trailer and we tow with a Suburban which tows it easily, but have ran into snow and wind where I'm glad we had it. Especially on those 8-9hr trips. I think this is a case of no matter what size you pick, you will find stuff to fill it

Recommend one with brakes even at the lighter weight. Ramp doors and shelving definitely help. Make sure not to put to much weight at the rear - they can sway out of control if there isn't enough tongue weight. Also things like tie down hooks on the floor, places to hang items of the walls, interior lights all help. We've been considering installing solar panels - enough to charge robot and tool batteries while on longer trips.