Serpent Express trailer thoughts

aseweepay

aseweepay

Dues Reminder
GCC Member
Location
Eureka
First Name
Ken
Last Name
Thomas
Hey guys,

Been e-mailing back and forth with Larry at Serpent Express and working on a set-up for a trailer. As of now it looks like a hard shell, 18’ with three rows of e-track is what we’re going to go with. We will also be installing a winch In the front.

I know there are 5ish Serpent Express trailers in the club (which probably answers my question), but anyone have any thoughts or opinions on their trailer, any others to consider, any options they wish they went with etc ? The trailer will be used to transport both cars and motorcycles. So far I really like what Larry has to offer, and as far as the trailer, the low profile, and light weight is exactly what I need. As far as other trailers, I love the Aerovault, but a buddy just ordered one, and the inflation price is currently at $32,000…..waaaaaaaay above my budget.

I appreciate any feedback, thanks !
 
If it’s ok, please keep us updated on what you finally end up with (length/options) and cost. Interested in the hardtop too….a lot later though
 
Hey Steve,

I absolutely will. Getting it pretty narrowed down and barring any other revelations, I’ll place the order in the next few days.
 
I bought a 20' V-nose trailer back in 2010 or '11, can't remember, anyway, I wanted it as I was starting to go to track days, and travel with the car to other tracks and places. The reason was because I wanted room to haul other track gear as well as security in case I was able to leave my trailer/car at the track. This worked well, but, my mileage suffered greatly due to the weight of the trailer (over 5,000 lbs empty). I also used it as a Redneck RV and my brother and I used it to take on fishing trips, or it was used around Christmas as an extra bedroom for all the family. I was in Arkansas on our SuperCruise when an aluminum Serpent Express came up for sell in PA. I was able to buy that, and travelled to PA to pick it up in my 2015 F-150 EcoBoost. This truck got around 20 - 22 mpg with no trailer, with the enclosed trailer, it got about 8 - 10mpg. After picking up the Serpent Express, and the long trip back, same truck got about 12 mpg. NOT the mpg I was expecting since others were getting 15 or so. I recently bought a new truck, and it's getting about the same with the Serpent Express. The truck has plenty of power to haul the trailer with the car in it, and, no, I wasn't expecting 20mpg, but, better than 12mpg.

I say all that to say that the trailer itself is a very easy tow. The weight of the trailer and car in the aluminum trailer I have is around 4500 lbs. and you barely know it's there. The frame on mine was built by the previous owner, and, is a bit to be desired. The cover itself is high quality and I have no issues with it. However, the sewn on stripes are junk and lost their color after being stored outside for a few years. If anyone get's a Serpent with soft cover, and plans to store outside, I would highly suggest getting one without the stripes as Rich did.

So, the difference in an enclosed and the Serpent I have:
Enclosed Pro's
- Security
- Will last longer than a soft cover
- Can do more with a hard side trailer
Enclosed Con's
- Heavier
- Maintenance to the door/spring
- Maintenance to the roof (reseal)
- Hail can damage sides/roof of trailer.
Soft Top Pro's
- Weight
- Soft top cover can be removed if need be to haul other vehicles
- Can be towed with a variety of vehicles: SUV's, Trucks, and some UTV's.
- Hail bounces off
Soft Top Con's
- Security
- Cover maintenance
- Storing outside can shorten the cover life

I've found Larry to be very responsive to problems or questions you may have. One of our members who isn't on here very often, Regan as well as Keith have "built" their own Serpents by purchasing a steel flatbed trailer, then ordering the cover and fittings from Larry, then sourcing the rest of the material/hardware from Home Depot.

If I had to do it over again, I probably would get another enclosed low profile trailer like Paul P and Rich H has. The Security of an enclosed trailer and these cars, or in your case your bikes as well, will be a big plus. Trailer storage, you may want to start checking now if you can't store your trailer at home to reserve a spot. My storage fees started at $35, but, last one I paid was over $50/month.

Any other questions, let me know!
Tim
 
I really like my Serpent Express, the only thing I would change is to have the front zip doors moved rearward about 2 feet so they are square with the front tires to improve access to the front tires for securing them.
For the roadsters, these are great, but there are a couple options, setups, and modifications to make them even better. I think Rich started it, but the front tie-down setup is much better than stock and several guys have it now.
 
Love my enclosed ARSING trailer V Nose. Plenty room, easy in and out, pulls perfectly zero issues (broke overhead spring once- was repaired like new now) bought in Herculaneum VIPER TRAILER SALES - ask for DENNIS the owner…(great friends with Harris Automotive Wentzville)…. He was very accommodating and bargained…got a great deal, finally roof vent was replaced as well (sun damaged dried out cracked)…. Think I paid about $4,500 with V tongue-front and back Etrack, side entry, lighted interior….this was 5 years ago…. Pay $450 year to store it , insurance is Penny’s from StateFarm…. Good luck with your hunt
 
Thanks Ian, I’ve never heard of ARSING trailers….I’ll check em out !
 
Hahahaha, Arsing trailers, now I'm the arse.... I didn't even catch that...oops 😁
 
I have an Arising trailer and like it very much. Easy to load, easy to tow and easy to store. Mind was order with the roof lowered around 14in so I can pull it through a regular garage into my back yard. I do wish I would have went with a dove tail for a better ramp angle. The trailer is a 16ft v-nose weights around 3000lbs empty. With the hard side trailer you can use it for other things besides car hauling. Used it to move, I also use it to store stuff when not transporting the cobra.
 
With Dan's post, I just tied together the 'Arsing' description. Went right over my head.

Only Ian knows if it was an adjective or a mis-spelling.
 
The absolute WORST SWEAR WORD IN UK IS “ Bollocks “….yell that in a crowd of English folks, ladies will faint and men will fall to their knees…. Believe me, it’s true…..
 
Story of my life, my wife and I work hard so our
20161006_195245.jpg
dogs can have a good life....
 
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