GREETINGS TO ALL!

[Black Rabbit]

New member and future owner.
Car is on order, and I'd like to thank Jim Lorimer at Revitup my local Rush Dealer for all his guidance and counsel on my purchase.
My first of many questions as I swim in my sea of ignorance on all matters race car related.
Sooooo I'm trailer shopping and it occurred to me that I would definitely want to winch the car in backwards.
How exactly do you line up a car to winch on a trailer that has no reverse?

 

[JChapman]

I don't winch in backwards but still need to adjust alignment with the trailer's e-track regularly. I leave the car in neutral and push it around while turning the steering wheel to position where I need it. The car is very light and easy to move on a flat surface.

 

[davidharvey95]

JChapman is right. I winch in backwards, but it is the same thing.
Put the car in neutral, push it around until it is lined up with you ramps and winch in.
The key is to have a winch with a wireless remote so you can walk the car in, adjusting the steering wheel to get it lined up to your E-track.

 

[Black Rabbit]

Thx to all....kinda what I thought but knowing my luck I'll hop out of the car go to spool out the cable and hear "Hey dude your cars rolling away".
Thinking a drop deck and just drive it on and spool it out backwards is going to be my plan

 

[JChapman]

A piece of 2x4 will take care of that rolling away concern. I haven't had an issue in any of the paddocks I've been in so I stopped using it. The drop decks are convenient for loading and unloading but I like all the tools and spares storage plus weather protection an enclosed trailer provides.

 

[Black Rabbit]

Hear ya on the enclosed trailer and completely agree. First, I gotta remember to put the 2x4 down But for the remainder of the year, I'll just be learning at a local track that has a membership program. Its only 40 minutes away and I'm retired, so I'll have it all loaded up the nite before and get my fix in the next day, home by nap time!
Not even sure I'll ever race......the sanctioning bodies requirements I find a little odd, if I do race it will definitely be an enclosed trailer with some living space and just stay at the track all weekend. But after 10yrs motocross and 10yrs of triathlons that whole itch has been well scratched.

 

[DrPyro2k]

You can load forward or backwards, no real issue. It is more of a matter of getting your weight distribution correct on the trailer/truck. I believe you want 10 - 15% of the total weight of your loaded trailer on the hitch. I have no issue with pulling the car a little further forward on my trailer to get the right balance, but each trailer is different.

I love winches... fudge pushing a car or driving it onto a trailer!!! It is simple, one person, and very easy operation. It also protects you from those times when you are leaving at 5am and there is no help or no drivable car. Just do it!

Enclosed trailers are nice. They let you store things for races, protect you and your car from rain/hail, and can protect the car from prying eyes on long hauls. The problem is they are more expensive and the sky can be the limit on costs. I use an open trailer since that is what I used before I got the Rush. It is a drop load, so loading cars is sooooo easy. I have learned to remove the steering wheel, cover my cameras in Ziplocks, and cover the AIM in a plastic grocery bag and I have zero issues with driving in thunderstorms with the Rush. Yes, I have to dry out the seat as it holds A LOT of water, but nothing is worse for wear. Would I prefer an enclosed trailer.? Yes... mostly to hold my spare tires, spare body panels, and tool boxes when I go to races. I just need to sell my current trailers, but I'm disappointed with their costs...

 

[Sam Reed]

Small thing: if you load backward on an open trailer, take the wing off. It could crack at high speeds going backwards.

 

[Black Rabbit]

I'm looking into having a custom toolbox made for the trailer tongue which would include a rock guard. Hoping that will negate the need to remove the wing if I back it in.
Which brings me to my next questions,
How tall is the wing and how high off the ground is the rear tow hook?

 

[TimG]

I'm looking into having a custom toolbox made for the trailer tongue which would include a rock guard. Hoping that will negate the need to remove the wing if I back it in.
Which brings me to my next questions,
How tall is the wing and how high off the ground is the rear tow hook?

41 inches and 12 inches, respectively, give or take a ¼ inch.

 

[Black Rabbit]

41 inches and 12 inches, respectively, give or take a ¼ inch.

Thank you sir!