[John Barthelmass]

I’ve towed using one of the 4×8 foot Harbor Freight open trailers for years, and think I’ve arrived at a pretty good scheme that is as light as possible. I carry two karts that I load across the trailer (one facing toward the passenger side and the other facing toward the driver side) one behind the other. The trailer has two 4″x4″x 8ft boards attached lengthwise (spaced apart similar to the way a kart sits on a stand), and the karts rest on their frame rails on top of these carpet-covered beams. I’ve installed eye bolts on the trailer rails located to allow for tie-downs to each kart axle (2 per kart) and tie-down to the frame rails near the front wheels (also 2 per kart). Tie-downs can be whatever you’re comfortable with and confident that they won’t loosen in transit.
I’ve used this setup for six years now, and I’ve never had any issues. The tow vehicle punches a big enough hole in the air to protect the karts, so road grime hasn’t been a problem.
I recently used this rig to tow 2000 miles cross-country in preparation for moving back east, and it worked fine the whole way.

[John Barthelmass]

Thanks Jim…..much appreciated!

[John Barthelmass]

P.M. sent.

[John Barthelmass]

Out here on the west coast, an organization called F-100 Karters are making inroads toward simplifying and bringing back a lot of the recreational aspects of karting.

[John Barthelmass]

I purchased a package very much like you describe earlier this summer. Total cost to acquire all the components you described (in two separate transactions), including shipping, was approx. $650.

I’ve run with this engine since early July, and like the KPV/HPV very much. Good luck in your search, and have fun with your new engine when you get it.

[John Barthelmass]

I saw on the LAKC website this afternoon that the club and CalSpeed track have reconciled, and the LAKC series will be running at Fontana starting with the March 29th race. Good news for all involved…..looks like our paths will be crossing again even sooner than I had expected.

Now I’ve got to go through all that registration stuff again!

[John Barthelmass]

I’ve got to commend LAKC…..with their series moving to Willow Springs Raceway for 2015, the driving distance was too far for my son and I to participate. I sent them a request for refund of my prepaid entry fees (they had offered to refund in an email to the participants), and LAKC had credited the full amount back to my account within two hours.

Despite the difficult times, they are still proving to be a class act. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.

[John Barthelmass]

Duly noted Walt. Fortunately, my (2013) T.K. has three distinct positions as far as setting the rear axle vertically (as opposed to slots on some of my previous karts), so that makes it a little easier to set the axle and rear ride height. As far as getting the axle square with the chassis, I’ve always measured equally from the outside bearing carrier to the adjacent end of the axle. I usually also measure from each end of the axle to the front wheel hub on the same side, but my understanding is that primarily squares up the front end prior to alignment. If there’s something I’ve missed, or if you have any suggestions toward reinstalling the axle better, I’d appreciate any feedback. Always something more to learn!

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