Sports Publications

Home on the range

National Dragster, Nov 7, 2003 by Smith, Evan J

While walking through the pits at any NHRA drag race, one will be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of machinery sitting there glistening with polished aluminum wheels and flashy paint. Oh, did I forget to mention that I'm not talking about race cars? I'm talking about the bevy of high-tech haulers, motorhomes, and supercoaches (as I call them). Though most newcomers are happy just to have a pickup and an open trailer, seasoned competitors realize the benefits of sleeping, eating, and relaxing at the track. Personal comfort has taken center stage, and in some cases it far exceeds what is necessary to put a car on the track.

More racers have stepped up with some unbelievably fancy equipment. Whether competing in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series, or at bracket races, having all of the comforts of home makes the experience much more pleasurable. And it's especially important for racers who travel with a family. Additional benefits include not having to make hotel reservations and not leaving equipment sitting in a hotel parking lot or at the track.

Different routes can be taken when purchasing one of these units. Do the homework and find out how much each costs. The type of unit a racer purchases generally depends on his budget, the amount of living space required, and the amount of space needed to store the equipment.

A quick glance at National DRAGSTER'S classified section can provide an idea about the various types of motorhomes and trailers available and their prices. One can also look online at any website that lists coach builders, trailer manufacturers, and RVs. Basically, one will find that there are motorhomes, toterhomes, and trailers equipped with living quarters.

Motorhomes are the most popular and come in different types. Motorhomes with a van-style front are termed Class-C units. Theses are very popular and the most affordable. A Class-C motorhome suitable for towing a trailer can be purchased for as little as $15,000, but it's possible to spend much more than that. With a Class-C unit, it's likely that some reinforcement will need to be added to the rear of the chassis, but it will be good to go after that.

The next level of motorhome is a Class-A, which is a bus-type unit that usually offers more living space than a Class-C model. Prices range from the high teens to millions of dollars for the latest high-tech diesel pushers. In a Class-A, the engine can be in the front or the back and can run gas or diesel. Often, a used Class-A unit is perfect for racers because it has already depreciated but is in clean condition. Though larger motorhomes are popular, many racers have switched to units with a large truck chassis. Basically, a coach builder will take a truck cab and chassis and build a motorhome on the frame. This makes for a very stable ride when towing heavy loads. A toterhome is like a motorhome, but it uses a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.

Racers who want to stay at the track have one more option: purchase a trailer with living quarters built in. This setup offers less living space, but the benefit is more mobility and not needing to have a vehicle dedicated just for racing or traveling.

Recently, I decided to follow this route and buy a new trailer equipped with living quarters. I sold my old trailer (and a few other toys) and ordered a 44-foot Gooseneck. Getting the trailer was one of the smartest things I've done because the 2003 racing season was marked by insane levels of rain, and the trailer was a blessing in disguise. Out of the 11 NHRA events I attended, eight were tarnished by rain and three were postponed. In addition, the trailer tows like a dream.

Most trailers built today are of good quality, but some are built better than others. Some are constructed with a steel frame, wood walls (lined with aluminum), and a wood floor. Others are made completely from aluminum, and some use a combination of all these materials. Aluminum trailers are a lot lighter than wood and steel models and will not rust, but expect to pay more for them. It is possible to find smoking deals on used motorhomes and trailers, just make sure that they are not literally smoking.

With more racers staying at the track, the nightlife is another thing to consider. By owning a trailer, a racer can enjoy an adult beverage without worrying about driving back to the hotel, and if the racer happens to lose early, he or she can leave as soon as possible, but hopefully that's not an issue.

Sources

ATC

(877) 441-2440

www.aluminumtrailer.com

Becks Custom Coach & Trailer

(989) 224-6825

www.becksmarine.com

Bruce Litton Trailer Sales

(317) 293-7007

www.brucelitton.com

Country Motors Trailer Sales

(217) 623-4429