Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 22, 2002 12:11am | #1

   After turning off your caps lock key, have it built with good locks, including tongue lock and buy good insurance.

   Excellence is its own reward!
1. 
   Handydan | Jul 22, 2002 12:07pm | #2

       Make sure that it is built to last!!   By the time you are done organizing, adding toys, and customizing it is going to be a fairly large investment.  That makes me think that rust and rot are going to be long term enemies.  May I suggest aluminum, and powder coating as helpful steps towards longevity.  keep the water at bay and you will be a happy owner.

   Dan

2. 
   rickwainman | Jul 23, 2002 03:07am | #3

   Here's what I did, but it was a lot of work. You be the judge whether it was worth it.

   Bought an old junker mobile home for the frame, 12x56 footer. Stripped same down to metal. (you could probably get one for free)

   Used 2x6 studs on walls, used standard roof trusses. Braced every 4rth truss to side wall. Last twelve feet of trailer built with 6x6 beams (like timberframe) , higher ceiling. Bolted I-beam overhead for trolley. I-beam extends through swing-open garage doors on end, so I can pick up stuff outside and roll it in.

   Put lots of outlets in. Most of them overhead.

   Put the ceiling on the rafter instead of the stringer on the trusses. I store materials on the stringers.

   Put paver blocks on floor in one section, use this for fireplace and metal-working area.

   Since I'm a big baby, insulated well (floor, walls, and roof), heated in winter with woodstove and airconditioned in summer with window unit. Man, it's great.

   It's two rooms. Office/storage type area on one end, closed to keep sawdust out. Rest is open space.

   It's big enough I've been cutting the timbers for my house in it. Yeah, I probably could have built a garage within the same time/money, but this one's on wheels. Don't like moving it though. Hope this helps.

3. 
   sarison | Jul 23, 2002 04:46am | #4

   These are really difficult questions because only you know how your equipment will fit.  If you are a general remodeler, then you need much different equipment than a new build contractor.  I have been considering a trailer but I do alot of exterior remodeling (I'm not a roofer, but I do my fair share).  My dream trailer would have to hold all the ladders, scaffolding, and 12'6" brake, not to mention the chop saw, table saw and routers.  So, it isn't really cut and dry as to how it needs to be laid out.  I bought a truck back in Sept. and just got the boxes that will work with my System One rack after months of looking, shopping and banging my head over the perfect set-up. 

   Dustin

1. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Jul 23, 2002 05:09am | #5

   I have agood idea of what I need just looking for some neat ideas to include.

   I found areally sharp toolbox setup at www800toolbox checkout their pickup pak at the bottom of the page. The side boxes are combined with a center cover, this makes the whole bed a tool box.

                                              ANDYSZ2

1. 
   PhillGiles | Jul 23, 2002 06:36pm | #6

   That doesn't seem to be a valid URL..

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   Squash | Jul 23, 2002 07:22pm | #7

   Hey guys, check this out... wicked cool.

   http://www.tooltrailer.com

   Even cooler...

   http://www.thesitecommander.com

   Rolling workshop/toolbox.  I'd love one - Nick

   Edited 7/23/2002 12:24:03 PM ET by NMARKEY