There are two types of trailers called "stackers"; those that lift the car once the car is inside the trailer and (2) those that lift the car using the rear door.

In terms of longivity, the type with the lift door are the best but also the most expensive and require the most maintenance. Why? The design requires the "second" floor where the cars ride to be a structural floor, this makes the trailer to be far more rigid. The rear door is either hydraulic or screw type lift----both types require maintenance(cleaning/greasing) on a periodic basis. This type of trailer is usually heavier, requires more tractor to pull/stop, etc.

The trailer that lifts the car once inside the trailer is really nothing more than a tall "regular" trailer with a lift insalled inside----often nothing more that a commercial four post lift. They are far cheaper to buy, are much lighter in weight but also are not nearly as strong. We have followed many of these trailers on the road and watched the trailer flex with every bump. Even though the trailers are tall, most can be towed with a heavy one ton dually safely. As a point of comparison, most Renegades are this type of trailer.

We own neither type of trailer---although we saw both types at every race we ran in our former life as dirt late model racers---and know plenty of owners. The trailer we own is a 5150, built by a local company----their web site is www.5150racetrailers.com. They are very strong in dirt late models, tractor pullers and just beginning to get into drag racing----they have supplied the Pedegron brothers and have Ron Capps under construction now. I like them for their appearance and custom extruded trim----they also custom build each trailer on a jig plate.