Replies

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Feb 24, 2011 08:51pm | #1

   how do you plan to use this?

   First question is how do you plan to use it?   Is this storage/transportation of tools and materials only, or do you plan to make it a mobile workshop?  The next question is do you want all the stuff all the time, or will you swap in what you plan to use on a job-by-job or day-by-day basis?  Do you know in advance what you plan to do that day.  That is, are you self directed, or do you get a lot of "while you are here painting, can you fix a leaky faucet?"

1. 
   wc805 | Feb 24, 2011 10:45pm | #2

   Thanks for responding. I plan on using it for all my tools. I will store ladders on the roof. I have a lumber rack on top of trailer. I want to be able to tackle almost any handy man job. I will only put tools inside. I would like to be able to be flexible and be able to take specialty tools in and out.ie wheelbarrow. I would like to store my 2hp 4 gallon air compressor,portable table saw, I have about 8 milk crates with various tools, 2 plumbing tool boxes, 3 carpenters tool boxes, etc.

   Thanks for the help,

   Wade

2. 
   wc805 | Feb 24, 2011 10:45pm | #3

   Thanks for responding. I plan on using it for all my tools. I will store ladders on the roof. I have a lumber rack on top of trailer. I want to be able to tackle almost any handy man job. I will only put tools inside. I would like to be able to be flexible and be able to take specialty tools in and out.ie wheelbarrow. I would like to store my 2hp 4 gallon air compressor,portable table saw, I have about 8 milk crates with various tools, 2 plumbing tool boxes, 3 carpenters tool boxes, etc.

   Thanks for the help,

   Wade

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Feb 26, 2011 09:19am | #4

   There are a number of threads here where people have posted photos of their  work vans/trailers.   The general theme seems to be shelves on both sides, and maybe a unit of drawers.   You could make your own out of lumber and plywood or start with some shelving unts (I shop at Costco and they typically have a number of heavy duty storage shevling units in stock).  Do a search on "trailer -dump"  I see the advantages of the pre-built is adjustable shelving if your needs change or you don't get it right first time, also it could be faster to get set up and rolling.   The disadvantages with pre-builts might be weight (dependng on what you construct),  limited options as to width and height, and perhaps cost.

   There are also lots of toolboxes with photos in "The Toolbox Book." http://www.amazon.com/Toolbox-Book-Craftsmans-Cabinets-Storage/dp/1561582727/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298728589&sr=8-1   This would be worth a read to get some tool storage ideas.  I used it to help design some of my tool kits that I made a few years ago.

   What I learned (maybe the hard way) was not to just pile everything in the middle.  Likewise, hardware needs to be organized by type (and size) and not just dumped into cardboard boxes.

   Like you, I have a number of "kits" for specific tasks.  Most everything I do is away from the van, so things need to be portable.  My average job lasts about an hour, so I need to be efficient in getting in and out.

   Some of it depends on your personality.  Some people will need everything labeled an in exactly the right place.  Others will know the red bag is for plumbing and are good with that.  (A few years ago, I got my eldest daughter a gift label maker at her request.  I told her the first label she needed to make was one that read, "Label Maker.")