Transporting games by trailer; Anyone do this?

GoldenAge

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I'm considering getting an 8' trailer to hitch behind my small SUV. The main purpose isn't for carting arcade games around, but I wonder if such a trailer would work for this task? Does anyone have a similar setup? I would think that with no suspension, the game might be prone to getting launched out on a bump, is this true, or am I just imaging physics that aren't realistic?

Anyone have a trailer they use for games?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
I've hauled driving games hundreds of miles in a Mustang with a shitty trailer. Youll be fine. Just strap 'em in and dont haul more than your car can handle.
 
In small trailers, vibration is a concern. The other issue is distance/speed. Most smaller (utility) trailers are limited to 45 MPH as the tires and/or wheel bearings can't handle highway speed.

My issue is that all of the moves I'd need a trailer for are also far enough that I'd want highway capability. That takes you into the $1000 and up range for a trailer.

The other issue is as trailer size/capability goes up, so does the weight of the trailer. As weight goes up, you become limited on what you can tow it with. For example, because of the option package I have, my GMC Sonoma can only handle the smaller trailers (or become unrealistically limited in the weight that I can carry on the trailer).

Here's a pic from the recent run I did to NY, I opted to borrow a friend's TrailBlazer just due to cargo weight, the weight of the truck took me over what the Sonoma could handle.

 
Trailer

It works fine. I have a few for hauling games.

6 PPs on the trailer.

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16 25" cabs 20' trailer.


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I'm considering getting an 8' trailer to hitch behind my small SUV. The main purpose isn't for carting arcade games around, but I wonder if such a trailer would work for this task? Does anyone have a similar setup? I would think that with no suspension, the game might be prone to getting launched out on a bump, is this true, or am I just imaging physics that aren't realistic?

Anyone have a trailer they use for games?

Thanks,
Ryan
 
I'd like to think my trailer isn't crappy [ :D ], but I have hauled games 100's of mile in it with nary a problem. Its a single-axle fairly heavy duty trailer. Make sure you strp them down tight... over the top of the game too, not just over the CP. Face the front of the game into the trailer to help protect it. Wrap the games in stretch wrap or tarps or something too. If you are packing them in, put something (blanket, cardboard, etc) between them to stop the sides rubbing (if you use cardboard, best to use 2 pieces between them so the cardboard can slide against each other).

go for it!
cheers
/Tim
 
I wouldnt say strap them too tight. I've seen lots of people break cabs by overtightening them. Nintendo cabs are the worst in that regard. I'd say just tight enough so theres no chance of shifting or any other movement.

Also I've never seen a trailer than cant go past 45MPH. just because thats what U-Haul says doesnt make it true. I had a 1500lb axle on 8" wheels, handles just fine on the freeway.
 
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I usually use a trailer that will fit 3 UR's and have hauled games as much as 700 miles that way without any trouble. When I'm just picking up a single game locally I just lay it down on its back in the trailer. I've never had an issue. Just make sure nothing is loose like a marquee bracket, bezel, the board(s), coin door, etc.
 
I use a dinky 4'X8' utility trailer pulled by my minivan. No issues except I turn off overdrive since it rides back and forth on gears if it is on.
 
yes get one w/ a ramp. Hitch is a bunch but Uhaul is cheap at $24 a day.
I used a Honda pilot.

You need to check your tow capability and know what you are lugging around.

trailer%20loaded.jpg
 
Went 1200 miles with the above uhaul trailer hauling an EDOT. Handled it perfect. Lots of moving blankets and tie downs are a good thing to have. I also used shrink wrap.
 
I've hauled driving games hundreds of miles in a Mustang with a shitty trailer. Youll be fine. Just strap 'em in and dont haul more than your car can handle.

A Mustang and a trailer? You are my new hero. Half the time I am terrified to move them in my Pathfinder.
 
A Mustang and a trailer? You are my new hero. Half the time I am terrified to move them in my Pathfinder.

I wish I still had the photos to prove it, but I cleaned out my HD recently. They are lurking around the forums somewhere. We see lots of turned heads every time we bring another one home. We are finally getting a truck this year though (hopefully).
 
I sometimes borrow a huge beautiful car hauler trailer to move games. Usually my games are in rough shape when I put them on the trailer. I did launch one my first time though. Didn't realize it til I got home. I have no idea where that space invaders ended, some country road. It eats at me often.
 
i have a 5x8 utility trailer on 14" wheels.. no 45mph speed restriction on it. it weighs 550lbs empty, but with my wrangler, i can haul probably 6 games or so..

keep your eyes out for a good deal. I got mine for $350 and have used it over 20 times in two years - at the uhaul rate, that wouldve paid for itself already. i do need to recondition it (new wheels, paint and flooring), but even with another $300 or so invested, it will be paid back in no time.
 
Dont get a trailer with the expanded metal floor it acts like a cheese grater on the bottom of a cab get one with wood floors.

Also look at the wheel height some small trailers have tiny tires and when you hook it up you get a awkward angle. You can get a drop down hitch which will help some but at least some 14 inch tires would be nice.

A drop down ramp is nice also when you are loading up, I saw a neat one at a tire shop that was 3 panels that folded out to make a ramp and regular tail gate when folded.

Read up on tongue length and axle placement so when you start looking around you can spot a bad trailer.
 
I borrowed a small utility trailer to do a 392mile round trip from St. Louis to Kansas City. I did 70MPH most of the trip. I liked it so much I bought one a few months later and built up some sides on it to become my official game hauler.

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C'mon Boys, you need to get a big trailer to haul some games :)

I use it for other things as well.
 

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