Transporting tires and gear to track with NSX

I've been doing some research on ways to transport gear with an NSX, in particular, track tires. I did come across an old thread on the topic, but no good solution was determined.

I first thought of finding a small two wheel trailer to tow with my NSX. So far, I could not find such an item. Then, I looked into finding a hitch arrangement for towing my NSX with my DD, a 3 series BMW. Pulling limits and no off-the-shelf tow rig hurt that idea so far.

Then, I looked into a roof rack option. Not sure if a rack can be mounted on an NSX. I found no units made for an NSX. I attached a few links to some pictures of interest, but have still not found a good solution. Anyone have any ideas I have not thought of or found yet?

PS. Bribing a friend to drive his/her dual cab pick-up carrying all my stuff is not an option. A practical solution is appreciated. Gracias!


http://www.lumenique.com/Cars/mcoupe/modifications/roofrack.htm
http://www.lumenique.com/images/mcoupe/roofrack1.jpg
http://www.lumenique.com/images/mcoupe/roofrack2.jpg

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/i/k/15.png

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj291/jwells27/95 E36 M3/Ofest2008002.jpg

http://www.caymanclub.net/gallery/files/3/0/6/1/1816.jpg

I think it goes one tire in trunk. 2 tires on front seat, one tire behind front seat.

There's a video with Ken Sax demonstrating lol. He's a big (roundish) guy too lol and he managed to shove alot of gear into his car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGIkHzJ1fQE

Stolen from Batman's forum lol:

Maximum roof load for the M coupe is 165 lbs.
Maximum rood load for the NSX is a big 0

As Ken Sax did, you can haul all your stuff, including your tires in your NSX. Or, do the friend thing :biggrin:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=24966





If a nsx roof can handle this with minimal roof damage, I don't see why a roof rack won't work with a set of racing wheels lol

Hey KooLaid and John. You guys are great! I enjoyed the video. Three tires may fit in an NSX with only a driver, but not four and especially not with a passenger. And no roof carrying capacity!? Hmmm...

I really like the pic of the BMW towing the small trailer. That's the idea I think with the best potential. With my lowered car and an already low rear bumper, not sure if even a modified tow hitch could be easily done. Although, the pic you attached, KooLaid, shows one guy did it with a big trailer. Yikes! That doesn't look right.

My "bucket list" includes a track day at either Laguna Seca or Infinion one day. From So Cal, that's a 900+ mile round trip. So, I must figure out how to carry stuff with this car.

YellowHaze said:

Hey KooLaid and John. You guys are great! I enjoyed the video. Three tires may fit in an NSX with only a driver, but not four and especially not with a passenger. And no roof carrying capacity!? Hmmm...

I really like the pic of the BMW towing the small trailer. That's the idea I think with the best potential. With my lowered car and an already low rear bumper, not sure if even a modified tow hitch could be easily done. Although, the pic you attached, KooLaid, shows one guy did it with a big trailer. Yikes! That doesn't look right.

My "bucket list" includes a track day at either Laguna Seca or Infinion one day. From So Cal, that's a 900+ mile round trip. So, I must figure out how to carry stuff with this car.

Click to expand...

If it's not something you are going to do often, ask a prime member in the areas of your tracks to rent loaners...may be cheaper in the end.

Jeff

ideas...

Is there a way to even add a trailer/tow-hitch assembly to the rear-bumper of an NSX?

I've pondered the following:

(1)

* 500 lb. weight capacity
* Rugged extruded aluminum construction
* Anodized finish prevents corrosion and rust
* Fits 2'' receiver
* Side rails secure cargo
* Easy to assemble

Overall dimensions: 49'' L x 22-1/2'' W x 8'' H
Weight: 27.20 lbs.


(2)

* Solid steel platform has detachable side rails and braces
* Capacity: 500 lbs.
* Fits all standard 2" receivers

Dimensions: 20" x 60"
Total weight: 52 lbs.


Regarding a small/lightweight 2-wheel trailer, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable @ highway speeds w/ one of those behind a NSX. Well, at least the ones I've seen.

Searchyyyyyyyyy http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40071&highlight=tire+hitch

docjohn said:

Searchyyyyyyyyy http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40071&highlight=tire+hitch

Click to expand...

Outstanding! That's a great link. I did search Prime (always attempt to do my homework), but didn't come across this thread. I didn't realize the measley weight limitation our NSXs have. However, weight limits are usually very conservative, so "I gots to get me a small, lightweight trailer."

I will next check NSXCA and see if I can find an article that Prime member Jeff A wrote on "how to install a trailer hitch" that was supposed to be posted in an 2004-05 issue.

That was a nice article except......you need to add safety chains to prevent the trailer from doing its own thing, if god forbid it became unhooked. The article said no chains were used so the NSX wouldn't be damaged if it became unhooked. Unbelievable :redface:

YellowHaze said:

Outstanding! That's a great link. I did search Prime (always attempt to do my homework), but didn't come across this thread. I didn't realize the measley weight limitation our NSXs have. However, weight limits are usually very conservative, so "I gots to get me a small, lightweight trailer."

I will next check NSXCA and see if I can find an article that Prime member Jeff A wrote on "how to install a trailer hitch" that was supposed to be posted in an 2004-05 issue.

Click to expand...

Protect your investment--> buy/rent an enclosed trailer. If you're more than 200 miles from home, why put additional stress on yourself & your car worrying about what could go wrong. Don't go half-fast like the guy with the F355.

See you at Laguna or Infineon this year!

NSXAMG996TT said:

Protect your investment--> buy/rent an enclosed trailer. If you're more than 200 miles from home, why put additional stress on yourself & your car worrying about what could go wrong. Don't go half-fast like the guy with the F355.

See you at Laguna or Infineon this year!

Click to expand...

Having done two days worth of research, I agree with your recommendation to invest in an enclosed utility trailer. Naturally, the main issue is cost. I've seen some really cool teardrop models. Some of these are made to be towed by a motorcycle with about 33 CF of storage space, too small for my needs. Bigger ones that are ideal for hauling track gear can be had for about $1600 on up to over $5000. I saw one covered utility trailer in a 5'x4' size brand new for $1000. It was located out-of-state, so not an option. A company located in Fontana sells them for around $1700, similar to the one in red I pasted below. I may be able to negotiate a price of around $1400 or so. In this economy, who knows.

I waiting for a reply to emails I sent to two Prime members who installed a trailer hitch on their NSXs. Assuming I obtain detailed instructions on how to do that, I will post it on this thread.

PS. My computer operating system does not support pasting photos, so I am limited to pasting the URL only.

Steve


http://www.travelizmo.com/sundance-teardrop-trailer.jpg

http://www.mustanggolittleguy.com/images/4wide_platform_spec.gif

http://www.free-press-release.com/members/members_pic/200805/img/1211466495.jpg

http://cargotrailer.com/images/trailers/58.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/shatkosky/dsc00742mr1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/shatkosky/trailer2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/shatkosky/111_trailer_side_lg.jpg

Just wrap the images with these tags>

Like this

ANYTIME said:

Just wrap the images with these tags>

Like this

Click to expand...

Hey, it works! Thanks.

Sorry- but I would not be caught dead pulling that tear drop trailer into the paddock. Save that for Yosemite park.

I recommend looking into a fairly inexpensive open car hauler like Featherlite.
Don't attach a hitch to your NSX- it wasn't designed to pull a trailer.

yes, this is also my problem that prevents me going to track by myself without freinds.

I had 17/18 with 235 front and 275 rear. No way to fit all 4 in the nsx.

BUT, here's the scenerio:

1. No passenger: Take out the passenger seat, DONE. 1 in the trunk, 3 in the passenger area. you still have room to see out.

2. If you need to take someone with you, EASY, that one just drive their car, and lets hope he/she doesn't have an exige or elise. You will have all the room. a 10 by 10 canopy will fit in passenger side without seat removal.

Personally, I really don't care for getting a tire trailer as far as putting the weight at the very back end. Nor, if you have to stay overnight, someone just try to break it in knowing you have nice wheels inside.

Jeff A and Tank, two Primers, installed trailer hitches on their NSXs as pictured below. So, it can be done. Heck, they make trailers for motorcycles. My hunch is any car not "designed" to pull even a light trailer doesn't mean it can't. For the NSX, I presume that means the car's dynamics will be upset, etc. One need only drive carefully and not expect their NSX to handle to spec.

In the end, it boils down to choice. To each their own. I am looking for versatility and practicality to use my NSX for pleasure driving, road trips, and track events. Pulling a light utility trailer solves most issues. Now, if I can only find a smaller version of the yellow teardrop being pulled by the SSR...

One more thought for those following this thread. Exceeding the 400 lb. carrying limit as established by Acura can be reasonably done without issue. Two 200 lb. men can't ride togehter in an NSX? Please.

Pulling weight is different than carrying it in the car. A trailer that weighs 800 lbs. calculates to much less weight being "carried". I'm no mathematician, but my guess is pulling vs. lifting (carrying) amounts to only about 20-25% of the actual load depending upon friction and other variables. Just something I'm keeping in mind while I ponder doing this.

Just invite a friend (with proper vehicle) to join you on your track adventures. Who would turn going to the track and riding in an NSX?
It would save some money and a bunch of hassle. Just because people have attached a tow hitch to their NSX doesn't make it a good idea. I don't see anything Acura has published that says the NSX can tow anything. Who you gonna trust?
PS - I bought and built a track rat (Integra w/type R running gear) to quench my speed desires and went a total of 4 times to the track. Life, bills, and extra time were all against me........Sold it shortly there after :frown:

The little tire trailer seems like an OK idea. I have one I built a few years ago, I have not gotten around to putting the hitch on the back of the NSX. The requirement for me is to be able to pull the ball out at the track in a minute, and not leave a telltale hole Still working on the design.... I have had a number of friends drag my tires for me behind their cars though.

I am uncomfortable with the idea of more than about 400 lb. behind the car, must have a small cross wind silhouette so it can't get whipped around too much. I would not go with a bigger trailer, especially those enclosed ones.

My $.02.

Post where you end up with this one!

titaniumdave said:

The little tire trailer seems like an OK idea. I have one I built a few years ago, I have not gotten around to putting the hitch on the back of the NSX. The requirement for me is to be able to pull the ball out at the track in a minute, and not leave a telltale hole Still working on the design.... I have had a number of friends drag my tires for me behind their cars though.

I am uncomfortable with the idea of more than about 400 lb. behind the car, must have a small cross wind silhouette so it can't get whipped around too much. I would not go with a bigger trailer, especially those enclosed ones.

My $.02.

Post where you end up with this one!

Click to expand...

I thought I found the perfect car-friendly trailer, the Jason Industries "Egg". It has excellent carrying capacity and only weighs 270 lbs. Looks great, too. However, I then found I can't pull a trailer due to the custom rear valance and deflector installed on my car. Not gonna drill holes through those expensive and nice looking parts. Oh well. No long road trips to distant track venues for me. Just going to show-up with track tires already mounted.

Time to start making friends with other track guys...usually is a trailer and truck heading to events if you can make the connection

Post on prime what events you are going to, you might be surprised. Track crowd is very supportive and happy to help if they can.