Jim your Trailer Is a very nice Trailer. just need some little Improvements, for the Price you paid for it , you could get 2500 to 3000 for It .It could be your first Flip we bought our car Trailer for 1500 put the D-rings on and the front Guard with a place for the wench, the wench also is removable with a trailer hitch slip so somebody wont steal it As far as the Ramps they would flip too or find a trailer that doesent have ramps.

 

Ok, sure, whenever you get some free time, let me know.

Jim

 

I am only worried about the forward tilt of the trailer when I am winching a vehicle onto it. If the trailer is tilted forward while I am winching (and nobody is in the vehicle to put on the brakes) then I have no way of stopping the vehicle from hitting the back of the F350. I never had any intention of towing a vehicle on the trailer with only the parking brake on, and the trans in Park (or in gear if a manual trans) I already bought, and received a set of 4 tie down straps with ratchet locks from eBay that are more than capable of securing anything that trailer can carry. I also just recently bought a cheap set at Pep Boys so I can secure the aluminum ramps between the wheels of the vehicle being towed so I don't have to haul them back to the bed of the truck every time. So, the only time the trailer needs to have the front higher than the rear is when I am winching a vehicle onto it. Once it is on, I will secure it with the four tie down straps, and keep the winch connected to it just for added measure. Then I will slide the 8 foot aluminum ramps down the middle of the trailer under the vehicle and strap them down with the 1 inch wide tie downs I bought at Pep Boys. Then lower the air bags as needed to level out the trailer for the journey. I do like the idea of putting a tire on the front of the trailer though to keep the vehicle from hitting the F350. I was thinking of buying two sets of wheel chocks, and mounting them permanently to the trailer somehow. The winch is being welded to the trailer so it cannot be stolen.

Jim

 

Yeah, I could possibly flip the trailer, and then look for one that is better suited for what I want to do. And I may end up doing that. However, for the moment, I want to get everything done to it first. The appointment to get the winch installed and the truck wired is tomorrow morning, and Thursday morning I have the appointment with the CHP, and I made another appointment with the DMV for an hour after the CHP appointment. Hopefully, I can get both done in one day and not have to worry about it anymore. Once the ramps get here, and I get the air bags installed, and the compressor etc, I will see how well the trailer works for me. If I can use it, then I will keep it. If not, or it is too difficult for me, then I will sell it. However, like the F350, I think I will have too much into it, to make a profit on it. Which is why I am trying so hard to get it to work for me.

Jim

 

In the mean time, I picked this up today.





Just brought it home when these pics were taken, have not had it washed or detailed yet. Always wanted a Jaguar, but this is not the model I was looking for. I did not even plan on buying a car today as I am still trying to get the truck setup for the business. Had a backup camera installed, and my second 5 panel mirror as the windshield mounted mirror fell off the windshield just like the Bronco's did. Also got the driver side window lift replaced. The alarm was installed yesterday, so even though I still cannot lock the doors, at least the alarm will go off if someone opens them.

The Jaguar's doors have power locks, but no button. (really?) And I found out that the driver side door handle does not want to work all the time, so I need to lower the window and open the door from the outside. LOL There are other minor problems, like it is missing the front two turn signal light covers, and the power antenna has a broken mast. So I will have a Viper alarm installed as well as a automatic electric antenna. I have not yet decided if I want to flip this car, or keep it as a daily driver.





It HAS to get better mpg than the F350 or the Bronco, however, it requires premium fuel, so that will offset the better mpg with a higher cost per gallon. I only bought it because the brother of the guy who I am going to partner with needed the money. He bought this for his wife and she doesn't like it! . It is super clean under the hood, and in the trunk. The leather interior is in good shape, but there are some small tears here and there. Also a dent on the right front corner of the car. And a small dent in the driver's side rear door. I paid $2,900 for it, but once fixed can get $3,900 for it. Just need to be frugal with the repairs. It needs an oxygen sensor too, however, the guy who sold it to me works at O' Reilly's and gets a 20% discount on all parts, so I will have him get it for me. The air conditioner blows super cold, and is one of those that you set the temp on. When I first test drove it, the AC was set to 70 degrees, and it was like an ice box in there. The engine and transmission both work well, no leaks, and the trans shifts fine. It only has 145k on it. Right now I am thinking of keeping it for a month or two, then flip it. It is relatively easy for me to get into it, but getting out of it is a hassle, so when I get tired of doing that, I will sell it.

Jim

 

Nice Jag Jim, you would sell that car at the fourth time trying to crawl out LOL, Me the first time I cracked my head on the door frame, God told me I was a truck man and I belive him now after driving my wifes car , anyway good luck with all my freind

 

Yeah, I know I will not be able to keep the Jag long. It is just too hard to get out of. However, I do want to keep it for awhile and enjoy the better mpg, not too mention the luxury.



Spent all day at the 4 wheel parts store waiting for them to install that winch, and wire the truck, and guess what? It still is not operational because the cables were not long enough to reach the winch. So, now they are going to call a local Exide battery shop and have a 2 foot extension made up so I can use it. have no idea of the cost, but will find out tomorrow. In the top photo you can see the camera mounted right above the license plate. So far it has not proved very useful as the monitor is only 3.2" wide, and because it is wireless it cuts out a lot. And to top it off, the screen reflects everything, usually my white t-shirt.



The wires that look like they are going through the trailer in this photo are the ones that are too short. They wired the plug to the left of the license plate under the bumper, so I will need to keep the 2 foot extension plugged into it all the time as I cannot connect it it is so low. There is a power cutoff switch installed under the hood, so the wires are only hot when I want them to be. I must say the guy did an excellent job of wiring and welding. Looks very professional. I was just a bit upset at having spent all day there, and not having it working when they were done.

Jim

 

Been perusing the Jaguar forums, and the western region has two different groups that do monthly or bi monthly drives. The So-Cal group is having a drive on Mulholland Road the 28th of September. And the Nor Cal group is having a 2 day event on the 2-3rd of October. They will be starting in San Luis Obispo, and making a stop at Hearst Castle for a tour. Also, dinner at a fine Italian restaurant. The second day is more driving then stops, and ends at the First Street Ale house in Livermore. If I feel comfortable enough with the Jaguar, I would like to do that. Base fee is $117 and covers the various eating spots, as well as an overnight stay at the Vagabond Inn, as well as the Hearst Castle tour fee. I don't know if I can handle long drives in the Jag though, so I better double check that before I set out for San Luis Obispo. LOL If I go, I would take my camera for some photo opportunities.

Jim

 

Jim, that is a nice Jag, Jag

PS; You have got a Red one.

 

Jim, this Saturday their is big auction at Huismans in Lodi. They have three car carrier type trailers listed. You can take yours up there and leave it for the next auction if you buy one of the three they are selling. They have numerous cars, trucks, and misc for sale. You might score! Jag huismanauction - Home

 

Keep me posted on the ale house Jim. Meet you there.

 

Jag, thanks, However, this Saturday is the GTG in mantown (Morgan Hill) and I will be taking the F350 and trailer there. Maybe just the F350 if the airbags/compressor doesn't show up. However, they are supposed to arrive tomorrow.

Hank, will do. I am pretty sure I will be going. Just want to drive the Jag more so I will be more comfortable with it. I'll take the Nikon, and the Laptop with me so I can get pics and post them when at or near a Mc Donald's.

Jim

 

They make a mean chicken sandwich and the plineys, ooh gotta love them plineys

 

Just took the Jag out for a spin today, to get it detailed, and then drove it to the Vet's Plaza to show it off, but the case manager wasn't there. Anyway, this thing is a blast to drive! Have to be careful getting on the freeway though, I was at 70 mph before I knew it. and it tracks very straight. I switched the setting from Normal to Sport, and filled it up with Premium fuel. Compared to the two trucks I own, this thing is as nimble a a cat, which is probably a good thing since it is called Jaguar. It is also a heck of a lot quicker than my two trucks. A daily driver I can enjoy, go figure.

Hank, I am almost certain I will go, since I had a blast driving this car. Still have to figure out the cruise control though, but I am going to register for that cruise up the coast. The itinerary calls for us to be at that Ale house by 5pm on the 3rd. I believe I still have your number in my phone, if not, I am sure it is in one of the PM's you sent me. I'll call you when I get close.

Jag, a red one huh? So I can call myself Jag Red2? LOL. I did not have any choice, white was the color it came in. I was not looking to buy a car, this one just fell in my lap. I am glad it did though, because it is so much fun to drive.

Jim

 

TGIF Nor Cal FTE and friends! Hope everyone has a great day. Tomorrow is the Mantown GTG, hope everyone is ready for some good food, good fun, and good wrenchin'! I will fill up "Tom Dooley" today so he is ready for the trip. LOL.

Bought a decent car cover yesterday at Pep Boys for "Snow White" haven't owned a car cover since I had that 2nd owner 1990 Firebird. Haven't had a vehicle since then with a paint job worth protecting. Did not buy the cable and lock for the cover, but I am thinking I may be able to get it to work if I tape the cable to a thin wooden dowel, or rod or something. That would make it easier to slide under the car since I can't bend down and toss it like I used to do. All the parts that are missing have been purchased on eBay, so now I am just waiting for their arrival. Will buy the oxygen sensor this weekend, then get it registered next week. Already have it insured.

Jim