Definition of a Trailer Queen?

[jclary]

As a resident bull-shooter on this forum (and not nearly as good a shot as I often think I am), I am often surprised when somebody makes a comment that causes me to re-think a subject that had been settled in my mind.

So it is with the term "Trailer Queen." Our good member JDP just made a comment on another thread that causes me to think that his idea of a trailer queen is a vehicle that looks great on the surface, but is otherwise, not roadworthy to be driven.

Until now, my idea of a trailer queen was for cars that had been so perfectly restored, that the owner is too particular with it to see it soiled and nicked on the highway...also, wealthy enough to afford to transport it without having to take the risk.

Until now, I had not thought of trailer queens as mechanically unsound. This is why I thought it would be a subject worth discussing ( again ) and placed in the Stove Hugger forum because it covers all makes of vehicles.

Your thoughts?

[BobPalma]

Not my impression at all, John.

I believe the hobby's generally-accepted definition of a Trailer Queen is a car so perfectly restored that it is only trailered from exhibition to exhibition. Some don't even have fluids in them, but that's an extreme.

Other than that, the only reason a Trailer Queen would not drive like new would be due to non-use deterioration of components that were otherwise new and perfect when the car was restored. (I.E., if you have a perfectly-preserved Trailer Queen that was restored 12 years ago and never operated, there may be too much age deterioration in the fuel or brake systems to be operated until those were freshened up.)

You did ask for thoughts, which we may presume to be opinions, right? <GGG> BP

[DEEPNHOCK]

Who cares how you get there....Just get there.
Casting scorn upon others for their choices only reflects poorly on oneself.
Me, I want the RV with the enclosed trailer and the flip out BBQ and the full length awning.

I have a good reason for having a trailer queen
(No engine is a lame reason, but a good reason)
Jeff

[jclary]

Not my impression at all, John.

I believe the hobby's generally-accepted definition of a Trailer Queen is a car so perfectly restored that it is only trailered from exhibition to exhibition. Some don't even have fluids in them, but that's an extreme.

Other than that, the only reason a Trailer Queen would not drive like new would be due to non-use deterioration of components that were otherwise new and perfect when the car was restored. (I.E., if you have a perfectly-preserved Trailer Queen that was restored 12 years ago and never operated, there may be too much age deterioration in the fuel or brake systems to be operated until those were freshened up.)

You did ask for thoughts, which we may presume to be opinions, right? <GGG> BP

Spot on Bob,
Opinions, and I can see room for a pretty broad range, positive, neutral,and negative. I suspect the positive is for those who own a great exhibiting car and a trailer. The neutral for those who enjoy the shows but don't show a car, and the negative for those of us who drive and have to compete with the trailered vehicles.

It is the age-old story. Think back in days of old when folks raced the horses they rode. The guy that lived next to the event probably held a competitive edge over the poor fella that had to ride 50 miles on his horse just to get to the event!

[Mark57]

Trailer Queen

My understanding of the term "Trailer Queen" is exactly as portrayed by Bob P. Can't say I have ever heard the reference to any other type of collector vehicle.
thoughts from the "left" coast!

[8E45E]

Other than that, the only reason a Trailer Queen would not drive like new would be due to non-use deterioration of components that were otherwise new and perfect when the car was restored. (I.E., if you have a perfectly-preserved Trailer Queen that was restored 12 years ago and never operated, there may be too much age deterioration in the fuel or brake systems to be operated until those were freshened up.)

I would like to add one more that would apply to many pre-war cars that are autentically restored. They were NEVER designed to travel at sustained freeway speeds or stop 'on a dime' in today's traffic. They would get in their own way in a panic situation, and without the modern safety devices, it could easily mean death to its driver and passengers. It is not always possible to stay on the backroads; especially when one travels over 1000 miles to and from an old car event. Your 1925 Duplex-Phaeton may be better off on a trailer in this case.

Craig

[1954khardtop]

I have a primered, traditional style hot rod I built to drive and have fun with. Road grime, bugs, stone chips, kids with ice cream cones etc. are no worry. I took it to the Rock-a-Billy Rumble in Conn. several times. It was a car show for early style rods and customs. I was surprised at the number of trailers in the motel parking lot down the street. Most of the cars there were primered or flat paint. I had to wonder why the trailer? Were they afraid their car woudn't get there under its own power?

[bob40]

Many vehicles get hauled to events for various reasons .For some it is a low mileage original and the owner doesnt want to add 2000+ miles when going to and from a International meet if they live cross country.Others are on a trailer as the owners prefer the comfort of a modern tow vehicle for the drive to the event.Here again distance traveled comes into play.I will use a Brand X anecdotal experience.Few years back a friend and I used our enclosed trailer to take a 1971 Sassy Grass Green 440+6pack 'cuda convertible the 13 hour trip to Columbus Ohio for the Mopar Nationals.Car was valued at over $100K.the trailer provided protection from inclement weather,the truck got twice the fuel mileage,rode a heck of a lot better and was a safe place to keep it overnight at our hotel.Would the owner of a desireable R2 powered Hawk or Lark be derided for doing the same? I think not.
I think distance plays the biggest role in why vehicles are on a trailer.
I see it's 140 miles from Pattersonville NY to Hartford Ct. It's 1,215 miles one way to the International meet in Springfield MO.Some vehicles in the SDC dont see that many miles in 3 years even if driven to local shows.

[Gunslinger]

My idea is to get and keep my cars in as good as shape as I can reasonably afford to do and not be afraid to drive them. As far as I'm concerned, the fun of owning them is driving them...not looking at them in the garage. That also means I'm accepting the risks of something bad happening to them...even if it's no more than a stone chip. Everything in life is a risk...you decide how much risk is acceptable and go from there.

If I'm too afraid to drive and enjoy them, it's time to sell them to someone who wants a trailer queen.

[1954khardtop]

I understand why fully restored cars, low milage original, and high dollar cars are trailered. I also understand the distance traveled being a factor. This thread, as I understand it, asks are some cars trailered because of reliability concerns? In my opinion, in some cases, yes.

[Milaca]

Perhaps we as the "Studebaker Forum" need to set some official definitions for old car terms.
In my opinion, a 'trailer queen' is a show quality, award winning car that is hauled to shows. Perhaps the term 'trailer trash queen' would be appropriate for a good looking car without adequate driveline?

[mbstude]

Here's the last trailer queen I bought. The 289 ran great!

[BobPalma]

'C'mon, guys; isn't someone going to post a picture of Linda "Miss Hurst Golden Shifter" Vaughn grabbing that big ole' stick on the trailer that used to parade her around drag race events? Now there was a Trailer Queen! BP

[mbstude]

Trailer, heck! She just stood on the trunk!

[Carl Purdy]

If it is over 600 miles round trip in my 49 pickup or business coupe I am hauling it. We drove the 49 C Cab to South Bend one year. That seat like to kill me and the wife. If I take the 51 it is a whole different story. It rides good and easy to drive.