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MG MGA - Trailer or Dolly trailer for long mga transport

I am considering buying a means of towing my MGA long distances ( 800km or so ) a few times a year from Southern NSW to Melbourne with the wife and self plus two dogs in tow vehicle ( a diesel 4wd Xtrail).
Two options come on the radar..a dolly/gypsy trailer with a turntable taking the front wheels ..or a full single axle car trailer. I am at present favouring the former.... for reasons such as the dolly trailer is smaller ( easy to store ),cost ,and they are low to the ground ( supposedly easier to tow) and easy for car mounting/securing.
I would appreciate any advice on experiences with both types and recommendations for sizes , makes etc ...
Neil Ferguson

I have done both with success. Easier to load the car on/off the dolly, lighter weight, easier to tow, better fuel mileage. However, try real hard not to get into a situation where you have to back up.

The dolly steers like a four wheel wagon, which is quite difficult to back up for any distance, and real tough to back around a corner. Just backing it off the street into your driveway at home would be a royal challenge. Figure on pull straight in and unload the car from the dolly before you try to back up with the empty dolly. The dolly by itself is like a short hitch 2-wheel trailer.

Where I live, if you tow the car with any wheels on the ground the car has to be legally licensed, so an unlicensed car requires a flat bed trailer. But if you just bought a car you have one business day to apply for the registration, so you can tow the unlicensed car home the first day you have it (or over a weekend immediately after purchase).
Barney Gaylord

Neil,
You should check with R.M.S. because I understand that A frame tows & dolly trailers can not be used or registered in N.S.W. Interstate club memebers have experienced problems with these type of tow methods when travelling to Nat Meets in N.S.W.
I Hazeldine

Neil,
You should check with R.M.S. because I understand that A frame tows & dolly trailers can not be used or registered in N.S.W. Interstate club members have experienced problems with these type of tow methods when travelling to Nat Meets in N.S.W.
I Hazeldine

Neil,
The single axle tilt trailer design refined over the years by MGCC (Victoria) members is the way to go. These are purpose built to suit MGA/MGBs. No problem towing long distances, well balanced with around 100 kgs tow bar ball static load, narrow track and you can open the doors of an A when loaded!
More info at http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/trailer/th401.htm
or give me a call.
Mike

Mike Ellsmore

Neil,
A few words in favor of a trailer over a tow dolly. Especially for longer trips, no moving parts with a trailer. At a minimum, consider disconnecting the drive shaft when towing with a dolly. However, rear axle issues are not unknown when towing long distances.
Regards,
GTF
G T Foster

I have fallen for the MGA tailored single axle trailer shown by Mike above and on Barneys site......and Mike has been extremely helpful. Dolly idea is now on the back burner.
Neil Ferguson

does anyone have a drawing/measurements for these trailers including steel sizes?
regards
Mark
Mark Mathiesen

This thread was discussed between 16/09/2012 and 23/09/2012

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