(ET) elec trak hay ride report...

["Chapin, Tim" <tchapin bf umich edu>]

Well last weekend was Halloween and I had a whole 10 mins. to get a
hayride together for the kids.  The only trailer I could come up with
was my 16 ft car haller (major overkill).  9 bails of straw (8 for the
rail and one broken in the middle), 400 watt inverter hooked to the
front batteries, a 6 ft 2x2 for a pole and a halogen work light at the
top to light the trailer.  My hitch was too high creating a lot of hitch
weight but what the heck, good traction right.  Well the last hill had a
curve to it and I needed the help of another parent to sit on the front
of the tractor to give the front tires enough grip to get it to turn.
At points the front tires didn't even touch the ground!! (make a note
for next year to revamp hitch to reduce the hitch weight).  The sure
grip belt dressing made a world of difference and cut belt slip
completely.  2 major hills, 2 minor hills and the lights on for the
whole time was no problem for the e-12m.  Maybe next year I will have
batteries for the e-20 and will be able to go up hills in 2nd gear
rather than low.  Also next year brake upgrade would be very nice.  The
deck height of the car haller was nice, the kids could step off and on
the back very easily. But man what a heavy trailer for a hayride.  If I
could locate a 2 place snowmobile trailer with the low deck height, it
would be perfect.  All in all 1 successful hayride (a little slow at
times a little fast at times).  No noise. No smoke. 

Also next year a cd player with a little scary music.