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Topic: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question. (Read 901 times) previous topic - next topic
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To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Yahoo Message Number: 99427
Hi All,

I have been looking at stacker trailers.  They look so sweet.  Never owned one.  I have a 40 foot allure with tag and 370 ILS.
Is this enough horse power?  I have hear rumors of fuel economy going down to 4 MPH.
I would only take it to Florida to set up for 6 Months.  I need people with personal experience.  Please speak up and help a fellow country coach owner do the right thing...

Bob

03 Allure 3 Slide/ Tag  #30814

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99428
I used to pull a heavy 32' stacker with lift, a/c generator, etc. I would  get about 4.5 mpg when lulling it loaded. I usually had a race car, spare  engines, transmissions, side by side, tools, etc.
 If you are just going to move it once or twice a year and  the convenience is worth it to you then do not worry about the fuel  mileage.

Mikee

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99429
Have owned three and loved taking the toys. I always thought he who takes the most toys win. I pulled with Prevost bus and about 5.6 mpg. It was worth it For what it is worth Florida Luxury coach has my old trailer back for sale after selling it when we traded two years ago. Featherlite new was 110,000 got good price on it now.

2002 magna 

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99430
Been around many racers towing stackers for many years now. No I haven't owned one because we haven't needed one. I have had the opportunity to have one, more than once, and being in the RV business dealing with big stuff all these years the opportunity to purchase has been inviting. Yes you'll definitely loose on the fuel mileage and will have more wear & tear on your coach. You'll probably have to upgrade your hitch on the coach as well. If you truly have a need then I say do it! The reason I haven't is as I said, don't have a need. I do have the want, just not the need. And because I don't have the need, I really don't want the added work with owning & moving a stacker around the yard. I can use the 1 ton truck to move it around the yard, could even use the truck to get to my local track if/when the coach is unavailable, but it's just more work dealing with it on a regular basis. I know myself pretty well, and I'm pretty sure that if I have the added space inside, I'll all of a sudden realize that I need to carry more with me....
 The biggest mistake I see RV'ers make when it comes to stacker trailers is they buy them for their needs and if they're not a racer then they tend to get undersized length's. Usually because of the combination overall length worries that so many have. I know many racers that are sooooo over length it's just funny. In all the years I've been around these, I've only met one person who got pulled over for over length while going thru California, $180 ticket and he's 105ft bumper to bumper. The reason I say to short is a mistake is when you decide to sell it, most buyers of stackers are racers and when it's too short the price really goes down.. In example just sold a 08', 21 footer yesterday , triple axel, basic lift, and was custom painted to match the previous coach for $12.5. If the trailer would have been 4 ft longer and white it would of brought much more... mainly because racers want storage cabinets and room to haul the 2 cars and the golf cart along with all the tools and extras needed for the racing

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99448
Well my thoughts for the Stacker is for car shows.  I like to buy and or maybe sell one or two.  I was just wondering with the 370 HP Cumin ILS, if going up a steep hill, if I would feel the need to get out and push... LoL....  How much wear and tear would it be?

Thanks and please keep the comments coming...

Bob

03 Allure 3 Slide  Tag / #30814

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99450
A lot of tractor trailers use engines in that HP range. They gross 80,000.  You will not be near that. As far as wear and tear, trucks haul loads every day  and routinely  go over 500,000 miles before any serious maintenance.

If it were me, I would do it.

Mikee

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99451
I would think it would depend on the cooling system for the engine and transmission that would determine if the Allure could perform or not.  Gearing and the rating of the transmission and rear end would be other factors.  I assume the trailer has adequate braking.  TWI 2004 intrigue 11731 with ISL 400.

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99453
The CAPS ISL370 will move you along well on the flat lands. But IMO, you will be slowing down on mountain grades. I do with just a CRV behind us:)!

Curious of what the cost of professional transport would be a few times a year? Could be close to breaking even by the time you add in insurance and maintenance. Also even though only a few times a year, it will restrict where you can stay while going and coming.

I know a gent that has a really tricked out tow hauler painted to match his rig. He keeps it in storage in Yuma during the off season, then has it delivered to where he wants it when down for the Snowbird season. Say's it is not inside, but is underneath a carport like roof to protect it from the hot suns. Has it washed and waxed before storing, and then also when he pulls it out. Has his desert off road toys, and other assorted items in this unit.

That could be another option for you to consider, if you're going to the same location each year?

But, I also understand how neat it would be to have this with you, and the extra storage too...

Best of luck to you!

Smitty

04 Allure 40' Tag ISL370 CAPS
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99456
Although we've always pulled a single level trailer, we've raced for years with friends with stackers. As much as it might seem self evident, I think the answer will be very dependent on the trailer; weight, axles and hitch weight. If it's set up right, you'll get down the road although a bit slow. On the other hand, if the thing isn't set up right you'll have a nightmare, more in how it works the chassis than anything else.
Good luck.

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99457
I dinghy tow a lifted jeep rolling on 35, and have a motorcycle carrier hanging and ultra classic off the back.  Yes I slow down going up a steep grade.  Went high in NC mountains,  Was not pushing, but engine ran hot (Warning light came on)  Took jake break off,  turned off ac, slowed down 10 MGH and she came back down.
Thats what kinda scared me about a stacker.
On flats or regular hills,  Dont even know the stuff is back there...

Bob

03 Allure 3 Slide Tag  #30814

Re: To Stack or not To Stack, that is the question.

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99458
My neighbor here in Yuma AZ has a 28' for sale that is like new, polished and ready to go... just say'n

John

'98 Intrigue Cooks Delight 40' one slide