I have been looking for a better trailer setup and this is the only thing close to what I want.
Has anybody seen something comparable?
http://www.allprowest.com/Contractor_Trailer.html
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
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Replies
Check these out:
http://www.tooltrailer.com/photos/v/Working+trailers/Picture2.jpg.html
I have seen that before and I like it a lot too.
But I can't decide if a work station setup like that is going to be as useful to haul the variety of bigger stuff I use (pressure washer/materials, doors,windows etc.)
I really would like to make a trip up to there place and see a couple first hand.
ANDYSZ2
http://www.runwalkjog.com/concession/05_pennsylvania_tire_man/pennsylvania_exp052609.htm
This setup to have my tools on racks all labeled out and a storage side behind the racks would be way cool too. I just don't need 28' I think 18' would be my limit.
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Drooling here...ugh. I've been looking at em' too for a big job I might have coming up. The first one you posted is really nice especially being able to reach tools from outside! 18K is way too steep for me. Just doesn't warrant spending that kinda dough for what I'd be getting back. My van set up is pretty good as is so anything additional'd be just another improvement. 14'x8' I'm figuring is THE biggest I'd want and I'm thinking I may be pushing it (as usual)..I've seen some nice ones in CL and Ebay (local) for under 4k that look just about new.
The one that opens up from all sides I'd seen b/4 too but as nice as it is for me I'd prefer to be able to walk into a space rather then stand outside. Just being able to close one door rather then have all my tools exposed....speaking of which...the one huge factor in not getting one is the horror of thinking about having it stolen filled with tools like poor Brian..ugh.
I also wanted it for the purpose of advertising which makes the theft issue that much more exaggerated.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I bought the tooltrailer in 2002, been very happy with it. You can get plenty of big stuff in the storage side, it is 4x12.
The trailer you posted look cool also,, but 17K? Ouch! I paid $7500 for the tooltrailer in 02, don't know the cost now.
I talked to Bill this morning and it will cost 8900 plus tax which seems like a better proposition than 16,000+.
I can haul most materials on my ladder rack and I have the dump trailer so it just a matter of selling the old and financing the Tool trailer.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
My only real complaint with the trailer is the height. Bill is about 5'4", I am about 6'1". Am constantly wacking my noggin on the struts that hold the doors up. Wish it was another 6" taller.
If I get one he will probably custom build it for me so I will talk about height.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I found a tooltrailer for sale used.
It is 700 miles away and I won't be able to see it until
I have committed and go there.
What issues have developed with your trailer and can you think of any questions to ask owner?
I am waiting now for reply about tire condition and brakes.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
The issues I have hadin the 7 yrs of ownership:
The rivits that hold the doors to the hinges failed, replaced rivits with bolts.
The gaskets on the doors have come loose, repaired with PL premium.
The jack that came with it is a little wimpy for the trailer when fully loaded, replaced it with a more heavy duty one and had a new mount for it welded to the tounge.
Just replaced the tail lights last week.
Thats it, breaks,tires, electrical, body,frame ,is all in great shape.
That is about what I expected.
My legs are so tired of climbing in an out of trailers that I felt do for a change.
Plus I am tired of setup and breakdown time for small stuff.
If you get a chance send some photos of your setup and lessons learned.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I got the trailer on E BAY Monday I bid 3500$ with the max bid if needed set at 4400$
No one ever biView Imaged against me but 2 guys contacted him after the auction claiming that E Bay wouldn't take their bids and could they come in person.
But he didn't buy that.
So Monday I left here at 8 pm and arrived at 7am in Fenton ,Ohio :paid ,got bill of sale, and title done in under an hour then turned around and got back at 8 tonight.
Trailer was in near perfect shape with original tires still with plenty of tread.
This whole escapade was such a run of luck that all I can figure is my Mom is watching over me to make sure it happened.
Anyway I have a clean slate /I will take a bunch of pictures tomorrow of trailer and all my tools .
My goal is to get everybody to contribute to the advice of designing the trailer and maximizing my efficiency.
Thanks for all your insights and my first issue was no running lights on the way home tonight.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 9/23/2009 6:45 pm by ANDYSZ2
Starting tonight on an alnighter trailer swap and dry run on new trailer setup.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
WAY COOL trailer
I think you got a serious deal on that
Probably good for you that I didnt see that, I might have ended up bidding!
Is the other side all compartments also?
The flip up sides will be good shelter. hope you dont have to park on the street much though
I have been a self employed farrier for 31 years. Worked long hours in sun, rain, snow, etc. and people still ask
"Are you working now, or just shoeing horses?" If you don't punch a time clock, you don't have a job, I guess...
The funny part is watching them try to live a day in your shoes crying the whole time and still don't comprehend.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Great deal! Good luck with it.
I have some pressing jobs right now, but maybe next week I will get a chance to post some pics of my set up
SWEET!
That looks like a great investment. Imagine the payback over several years of working out of that thing? Even if it just makes life easier.
Plus, you got a great story to go with it about driving through the night to get it...second guessing yourself half the way...grinning like a kid on Xmas eve a quarter of the trip...halucinating from too much caffiene the rest...
When I posted the link to that tool trailer, I figured that it was just a dream... but now you have one. Cool.Have you seen what I did with my trailer? Here is a pic:
Man is that some awesome joinery for a lowly trailer shelf.
Is that a cleat system to hang it on at the top?
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 9/25/2009 8:31 pm by ANDYSZ2
I set the trailer up to be used for cargo or tools. The cargo rails have space for hooking straps to secure loads, and I used the cargo rail space to hook the back cleat of the shelves too. The tool shelves just lift out... with out any tools needed for the removal.
Super set up.
What are those wire hold the tools from sliding around things, basswood? Are those made for that application or is that something else you incorporated to the task.
Hi Jim,Those heavy wire holders are from a Carhartt display rack a Gander Mountain store was getting rid of, so I got a good deal on them, but I'm not sure how to get more of them. I'll ask next time I'm at the store though.Glad you like the set-up.Brian
I really like that you can strip the shelving out in a matter of seconds to haul cargo, but you also have the convenience of a well organized portable tool shed - best of both ideas.I just might try to do something similar with our trailer.
I do like having the versatility of being able to haul a trailer load of cabinets or all my tools, etc. Most tool trailers end up with big bulky shelving, with bulkheads that block light and make it hard to see your stuff. The open shelving, that can be quickly pulled for cargo mode, was an idea that inspired me.A friend saw pics of my trailer and forwarded them to JLC and they liked it, so it will be my first contribution to JLC (as a "Backfill" feature).Cheers,Brian
So I see you sold out to JLC. ;-)
Back page of the October 2009 issue.
Funny, I did not even know it made it in there yet. Just found it online:http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-local/view.pdf/a6abc4f81b842b02b3553631e6d97829/www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/4ad5024106c92c7d27170a32100a05c6Cheers,Bass
Don't let all that fame go to your head.
What are you going to spend your new found wealth on?
It is good to be able to pass ideas on to others. The pay is nice too. I don't know if I'll ever get rich, but I enjoy the work.All the best,Brian
Be sure to get your insurance on it done rite also
Andy
I have that trailer setup as my main work vehicle. Bought it mounted on a ford e 350 van for $23,650 in 2003. Takes an enormous amount of tools, to the point you will forget what you have in there.
I normally have to much stuff in tye back to work in there, but I enjoy everything being high and dry.
Accessability from the outside is a great time saver, and everything
goes home at night.
You could probably pick up a used van, for a lot less than that trailer. Drive to the job and park it. I use to do that until my first one got broken into, got out of that habit quickly.
Greg in Connecticut
Used ambulances/paramedic buses are usually a good buy at county/city auctions. Lot of locking cabinets both inside and outside of the body. Quite a bit of room left for the big tools you need to set up on the jobsite.
what's the benefit of buying that over just getting a utility box van?
That's almost the exact box I bought from big DanT ... 'cept Dan's came with seats and a motor!
$17K's kinda pricey for a trailer.
but aside from the price ... should be nice to work outta.
just thinking ... that'd make a killer cool looking work outfit ...
we coulda partner up ... I'd tow your trailer with my new truck!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
There are no PV's on the roof or a sat dish for that matter and where would you set up the BBQ smoker? Also does it have a WIFI or 3g network?
the glass panels in the roof are easy to stomp thru...
if the tool compartment doors are aluminium and if they get slightly damaged they are about as good as toast..
if those doors are composite they are easy to break into...
I use a utility body..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
The trailer that I have found is the tooltrailer.com
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
now that one looks like it has a lot of merrit...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
that other one has been out of production for several years...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
The best set up Ive seen is the box truck DanT bought and Jeff Buck now owns .
It has box lids all along both sides probably 16 x16 inches. Looks like a shelf inside to stack shelfs on the inside on top of them.
The real deal with them is its more storage on a 12 foot box than you could ever dream about for easy access. It has the same features as a utilty bed Imerg mentioned, in that you can open the boxes in the rain. Set up for quick storage and removal. Seems to me a trailer could have the same features but they dont. To me that would be a real tool trailer . A box truck is too high for laddrs as well but a trailer is not . The ultimate for me might be a trailer with boxes on the sides and a ladder rack on top.
Not to flog a dead horse, but then there is the 'gdboss' trailer. Been beat up for over 6 years now and a little rough around the edges, but then aren't we all.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
I always like seeing picture of your setup. Anything you'd change after all this time?
Had to adapt after the initial construction to improve the water sealing, other than that the thing has been a workhorse. Six or so years on her and she's a little rough around the edges, and some settling has occurred - but ain't that true of all of us!Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Mooney the one I am trying to get is at
tooltrailer.com
This setup looks like I can reach everthing with ease secure it when I am down and work stations are as easy as opening the lid and pluggin in.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
http://www.tooltrailer.com/
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I'm glad you found what you like and you can afford it. That's quite the set-up, what do you do?
I'm a carpenter and there's no way I could afford that.
If (very hypothetically) I had $16k to spend on a trailer, I would start by purchasing a gently used trailer in the $2k range then use the remaining $14k to customize it to my needs.
For one, I have always imagined that a tool trailer have a ramp door and rolling tool carts/cabinets like these: http://www.jeffboutin.com/toolmaster/
The movie industry has very unique trailer/cart set-ups that are worth looking into.
Half the value of a trailer is that you can haul anything with it. (i.e. it is less valuable when you can ONLY haul tools).
Secondly, think of how that trailer will wear over time. If you're spending big loot on it I imagine you will like it to last forever. Ever see the doors on old trailers? See the corrosion issues, holes, and dents, etc.? If you went with a standard trailer with a modular type of organization, you just transplant stuff from old to new.
I see many here talking about security as an issue (and a good point). What are some good, custom or stock option methods of securing a trailer? I usually just see big circular padlocks, cable locks, hitch locks, and tires removed. How about reinforcing the doors and using a remote keyless lock? How about a removable tongue? GPS and RFID?
Be sure to let us know if/when you get it.
DC
Not sure if anyone ever had this issue but....I'd always worry about someone cutting through the trailer walls being they're so thin....and usually only have 3/8" ply on the inside walls.
Scares the #### outta me thinking about leaving trailer full of tools anywhere.Seems to me box trucks are a lot safer all around.View Image
The Woodshed Tavern Backroom
The Topics Too Hot For Taunton's Breaktime Forum Tavern
Sure, the walls... the floor too for that matter. I mean if someone want in bad enough, you ain't stopping them no matter what. I'm sure the portability of demo tools these days has been to the delight of the nefarious. But, in a hypothetical situation but remaining realistic, what would you do? Use plate steel like the truck box is made of?What if the interior was lined with 1/2" or 3/4" plywood? What are some realistic methods of having a trailer and keeping it secure?...besides dragging it home each night.DC
What are some realistic methods of having a trailer and keeping it secure? besides dragging it home each night.<<<Drag it home 'every night'!! lol No way would I ever leave it filled with tools. Not even just cuz of my big expensive tools but the trillions of little hand tools that took me decades to accumulate.All I can think of is someone with a cordless saw-zall and a metal blade late one night...ugh. The horrors!I think a trailer is a big billboard that says, "I'm filled with thousands of dollars worth of tools...come get me".One big reason I'd like a trailer is just for that ...putting my logo all over it to advertise....but it can work both ways...unless you always take it home.I suppose if I knew I had to leave it at a job I'd have all the doors and walls wired with alarm wire and a cpl of nice sized signs on it with the alarm companies name...and even a note that says some tools have a Lo-Jack chip hidden in them.View Image
The Woodshed Tavern Backroom
The Topics Too Hot For Taunton's Breaktime Forum Tavern
I am a one man remodel company.
The actual trailer that i am trying to get is a lot less than my original post.
It is at tooltrailer.com.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Looks like another work station.
I couldnt use it .
I dolly load the trailer and unload . Ive got side boxes and a cross over box on the truck for hand tools .
All my work is done in the house . I dont do little jobs for homeowners where I have to work out side . I at least take the garage on my houses .
I can see if that fit you it would be cool. Looks like the real deal working for rich people where ya gotta get there and be gone that night .
Here is what i did with my 6x12 V nose
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEM2aVLjbok
Craig