Modern Vespa

Has anyone used a carry-on trailer from Lowes?
My Passat has a max towing load of 1000 lbs, and I figure
I could get away with one of the smaller trailers and my GTV300ie on weekend trips....

Sure , that will work. I put a small hitch (Class 3) on my Jetta and used it to pull a light utility trailer. I've hauled 1 or 2 scooters at various times with that set up.

I have that, using Condor chocks:

Side-send by rajron, on Flickr

i was planning on buying a trailer but then i realized i was only going to use it a few times a year and it might be better to go the uhaul route. they rent good, big, trailers for about $14 a day. then i dont have to keep up with license plates, tires and place to keep it.

Thanks guys!

Yeah I was thinking of going the UHAUL route, but they seemed more industrial and heavier. I have to watch my overall tow weight. VW USA is very cautious about their towing ability. I think its a litigation thing. Back in Europe Passat's & Jetta's pull caravans all the time....



Maniac

i put a class 3 hitch on my wifes 2014 subaru forester xt. i havent used it to pull yet but the uhaul web site says i can do their trailer and 1700 lbs of cargo with that car and hitch.

Yes, I use the Condor SCC-4000 chocks as well. They work great.

Rajron:

Can you tell me your trailers length?
Wondering if I can get away with 6 ft length for the GTV300 or go with an 8 ft?

Maniac

I have a 5x6 trailer. 6ft length is fine.

And I notice you're hauling it with a CRV.

I've been thinking that the next time I get a new car, it might have to be bigger than my usual subcompact...because i might want to trailer somewhere. But i WANT a SMALL vehicle. I actually spent time last night trying to determine the smallest and least expensive vehicle capable of towing either a Vespa or a Scamp or something.

(apologies for the threadjack)

Try to keep in mind that the tailgate section of that trailer is one HUGE parachute that will kill your gas mileage. Its much better to get something that has storable ramps.

Yea, with all the open spacing in that tailgate, I bet it would really work well as a parachute

Maybe you could jump first?

Harbor Freight trailers are remarkably tough and useful for the price.

I believe I have the 6' trailer, I'm at work and can't measure it right now, won't be home and awake for another 20 hours or so.
Another option would be the Harbor Freight 4' trailer, was able to pull a Buddy, and a Vespa 250. That trailer was so light and small it never felt as if I was pulling a trailer at all - difficult to reverse with because it is so small, quick turns and hard to see.
The trailers are initially inexpensive, but, after modifying it for towing scooters securely it adds up. Initial cost of the trailer was around $250, by the time it was ready for use it totaled around $600, still inexpensive and reliable, and easy to store it can be stored vertically - unlike the Lowe's.
By the way I went to the larger trailer because we ended up with two larger Vespa's and when I got the Harbor freight we had two smaller scooters - it could tow one Vespa and one small scooter, just couldn't tow two large scooters safely.
See attached:

I checked my trailer it is the 8', the 6' wouldn't work for my scooters with trunks and the trailer with attached ramp.

I'm curious if you have to use an external ramp or how exactly you get the scooter on to the trailer. Also, did you cover the bed of the trailer with plywood?

I have used that trailer. Good, light and strong for what it is. Add a wheel chock for the front wheel and with the proper tie downs your set.

This has been my experience as well.

The trailer has three rails that aren't obvious in the picture, two on the outside which are permanent where the scooters reside and a middle one that is removable used as a ramp - the trailer floor is 3/4 plywood