MORC Tool Trailers

[gopherhockey]

One project we will be looking at this year is putting together a number of "Tool Trailers". This would be the type of thing that could house all the necessary tools to keep a crew busy - perhaps one for each main crew, or a couple that get pulled around to where the work is being done.

Anyway, what I'd like to do is see if anyone out there is interested in helping put together a rough estimate of costs.

If we went after grant money, we'd likely load em' up complete with things like a chainsaw, portable tools for building bridges/obstacles (drills, saws etc.), and anything else that would really make for a *complete* trailer. We can then break it down by costs and "nice to have" vs. "must have" items etc.

Might involve talking to other trail crews out there to find out what they might have done, or just being creative ourselves.

So... if anyone out there seriously wants to help MORC out by doing some research and helping out with this let me know -either reply here or PM/email me.

If it isn't real clear what I'm talking about post your questions here...

Thanks!

[SPR]

One project we will be looking at this year is putting together a number of "Tool Trailers". This would be the type of thing that could house all the necessary tools to keep a crew busy - perhaps one for each main crew, or a couple that get pulled around to where the work is being done.

Anyway, what I'd like to do is see if anyone out there is interested in helping put together a rough estimate of costs.

If we went after grant money, we'd likely load em' up complete with things like a chainsaw, portable tools for building bridges/obstacles (drills, saws etc.), and anything else that would really make for a *complete* trailer. We can then break it down by costs and "nice to have" vs. "must have" items etc.

Might involve talking to other trail crews out there to find out what they might have done, or just being creative ourselves.

So... if anyone out there seriously wants to help MORC out by doing some research and helping out with this let me know -either reply here or PM/email me.

If it isn't real clear what I'm talking about post your questions here...

Thanks!You may want to consider portable generators as well. They could be handy when those cordless tool batteries run down.

[Buck]

would they be able to leave the Metro area for trails days, say like when I get permission here in DUluth, or down at Steeple Chase??? I guess it comes down will they be able to leave the metro area? I'm guessin that is why you are asking for trailers!!!

Thanks
L8R
Buck

[gopherhockey]

would they be able to leave the Metro area for trails days, say like when I get permission here in DUluth, or down at Steeple Chase??? I guess it comes down will they be able to leave the metro area? I'm guessin that is why you are asking for trailers!!!

Thanks
L8R
Buck
Yup, I would imagine at the very least we'd have one trailer that could travel around to various locations. I'd imagine if the steeple chase thing happens they would probably go after something similar as well, so having a trailer configuration has the potential to help out with other clubs as well.

[Buck]

any particular size that you are looking for? Like dimensions and such?

I just priced out a 7'x14' single axle enclosed cargo trailer, damn thing was 3800 bucks!!! How much are you guys looking to spend??? I know the scout troop I was in bought a trailer from a local guy in southern MN, I'll e-mail my old man see where and how much they run, the trailer they have is awesome!!!
L8R
Buck

[gopherhockey]

any particular size that you are looking for? Like dimensions and such?

I just priced out a 7'x14' single axle enclosed cargo trailer, damn thing was 3800 bucks!!! How much are you guys looking to spend??? I know the scout troop I was in bought a trailer from a local guy in southern MN, I'll e-mail my old man see where and how much they run, the trailer they have is awesome!!!
L8R
Buck
Size is a good question. Considering not everyone drives a huge truck the trailer would probably have to be able to be pulled safely and for long distances by smaller trucks, vans, perhaps even some cars (?)

The money question - not sure on that one, but if we're going after grants I'm sure we'd look to whatever is appropriate for the role even if it runs in that cost neighborhood.

It would be cool to have someone that knows trailers well give a few suggestions... ?

[Tim Wegner]

FYI
At this time Dale and I have a used single axle trailer for sale. It is the one we used to use to haul the Dingo when it was the only machine that TrailSource owned. It is in great shape and I have towed it with the Ditch Witch inside with my Ford Freestar van. Actually towed it very well, so I think most small trucks and vans could handle it.

Dale could give you a price on it if you are interested.
TW

[gopherhockey]

FYI
At this time Dale and I have a used single axle trailer for sale. It is the one we used to use to haul the Dingo when it was the only machine that TrailSource owned. It is in great shape and I have towed it with the Ditch Witch inside with my Ford Freestar van. Actually towed it very well, so I think most small trucks and vans could handle it.

Dale could give you a price on it if you are interested.
TW
Yup, I've towed this one too. Its a nice trailer! I could see us having some smaller ones, but could also see us having one trailer that can haul more to be used at larger events - as well as having one place to store stuff during winter etc.

I'll definitely want to talk to you and Dale about this.

[tedsti]

I think for starters, we need to figure out what tools we will need, and then what it will take to house/haul them. John, is there something in the forums that will allow us to set up a list that everyone can add to? Going back through 40 posts gets tough.

Ted

[gopherhockey]

I think for starters, we need to figure out what tools we will need, and then what it will take to house/haul them. John, is there something in the forums that will allow us to set up a list that everyone can add to? Going back through 40 posts gets tough.

Ted
Hmmm... yea, it does lack an updatable database type function. I'll see if I can scare something up.

[Buck]

I just got an e-mail from my dad, the trailer the scout troop has was around 3000, but it had like a surge break and some other extras, the trailer is HUGE, it has to towed by a truck. He suggested looking in the classified, said that is where they started.

L8R
Buck

[Burke]

The classifieds would be a possiblity. I'd be hesitant in going second hand through the classifieds. Especially if there's a good chance we can get grant money to cover our expenses. I'd be more inclined to spend the money to get exactly what we need, not what happens to be a close match.

$.02

[KleinCrazy]

The classifieds would be a possiblity. I'd be hesitant in going second hand through the classifieds. Especially if there's a good chance we can get grant money to cover our expenses. I'd be more inclined to spend the money to get exactly what we need, not what happens to be a close match.

$.02
I guess I will chime in,

I was thinking that about the biggest trailer we would need for tools would be about as big as those smallest U-Haul Trailers. 4X4X6 or something.

Plenty of room for a popup, 20 Mac's, 20 Pulaski's, Chainsaw, Bow Saws, Rock Sling, Shovels, Rakes, rock bars, etc.

I think the best way to go about this is to first determine what we want each trailer to contain, and then buy based on the smallest possible unit that can do it.

This way even cars and Station Wagons :D would be able to do the hauling.

Just my Thoughts.

[bigwheel]

Maybe I'm not understanding this correctly, but if you are just carrying the "normal" stuff, a much smaller trailer might be a lot more versatile.

Here's a wild guess:

Standard Tools:
8 McLeods
5 Pick Axes
5 snippers
2 hand saws
2 brush hooks
1 chain saw

Other tools:
1 sledge hammer
2 rechargable drills
1 rechargable skil saw
Maybe a small generator (Recommend Honda EU-1000)
Maybe an angle grinder to sharpen tools.
Maybe a bag of hand tools

Then, we might also want to have enough room to carry lumber, pipe, etc. for bridge or stunt work.

All of this would easily fit into a 5x10 trailer, with 2ft sides. Last year, I bought a nice one with 15" wheels and a 2800# capacity at Ace Trailer Sales in Savage for under $1,000.

However, even this is probably overkill. If we assume that lumber will not be carried in the trailer, then we could probably get by with a compact trailer that we can get for around $500. Then it would be lightweight, easy for 1 person to move, and we could tow it with almost anyone's car.

We'll probably want to add a locking lid, but that shouldn't be very hard to do if we don't try to get too fancy.

[Buck]

So then what and how much would you want in each trailer? Would the tools be hung in racks? or just piled in there? If you used racks, would you buy them or make them yourself? Would there be shelfing as well? would you want floor room to walk into and select the right tools? these are all questions that have been coming to my mind. Once all of that is decided I think it will be alot easier to decide on what dimensions to get. Oh and the scout trail that we have for our local troop got some killer graphics on it designed by the troop, we should do that too, it'd be like advertising when you are cruising down the road!

L8R
Buck

[bigwheel]

So then what and how much would you want in each trailer? Would the tools be hung in racks? or just piled in there? If you used racks, would you buy them or make them yourself? Would there be shelfing as well? would you want floor room to walk into and select the right tools? these are all questions that have been coming to my mind. Once all of that is decided I think it will be alot easier to decide on what dimensions to get. Oh and the scout trail that we have for our local troop got some killer graphics on it designed by the troop, we should do that too, it'd be like advertising when you are cruising down the road!

L8R
Buck
Good points. I was assuming that we would just toss the tools in loosely, and let them rattle around. We'd probably want to build an innner compartment to separate the fragile stuff (drills, generator, etc) from the heavy tools.

I am advocating a smaller trailer (maybe 4x8 bed with 2-ft sides) for several reasons:
* easier to tow, and back up (much easier if you can look over top of it)
* not as much of a pain to store
* easier for trail boss to jockey around in the yard, to hitch up, and to put away.
* cheaper

[bradpartyka]

John originaly said a couple trailers. That anyone could pull. So, they should be small. And maybe have one big delux one that is shared. I think something like this would be perfect. And its under 1400.

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=s-3976&bool=AND&category=trailer_tag&maxhits=1&keywords=p0002&GO=GO%21

[gopherhockey]

Good points, and a good list to build from Bob.

Definitely something we can lock for sure. It should be a tough enough trailer to handle driving to trail areas etc. - well built but smaller seems appropriate.

Maybe a rack on top for hauling lumber? I've seen trucks with that type of thing, do trailers have that? Otherwise inside would work too...

Definitely we'd want to find a way to organize the trailer... keep all the tools secured around the outside, nice compartments to hold odd tools etc. Just think of what you would like to see if you were in charge of a big project and you wanted all the tools available and easy to reach.

I like the idea of keeping most of them as small as we can. It might come up to dirt bosses to store these things too, so if they are small enough to move around in a garage or have in a back yard under a deck or something that would be a plus.

Good ideas everyone is coming up with!

[TML]

I envision a completely enclosed and lockable walk-in type, single axle trailer. Should have a flip down, ramp style rear door to load mowers, wheel-barrows or whatever other wheeled items. Interior anchor points for securing the crap we stuff 'em with. Or at least walls that we can attach or build racks onto. Most tools have already been mentioned but string trimmers/brush saws are another thing that will possibly be carried.

[TML]

Maybe a rack on top for hauling lumber? I've seen trucks with that type of thing, do trailers have that? Otherwise inside would work too...


That'd be pretty good if they have that type of a setup. Have to be very tedious about securing the lumber though if there is nothing holding it in front.

On second thought, there would have to be some sort secure front to the wood rack. In a quick stop or crash situation it's all but impossible to keep lumber from becoming deadly projectiles without some sort of permanent front restraint. On a low trailer it is not quite as big of a deal but when on top of a 6' trailer it's a huge issue.

[Buck]

Hey guys,
Yes trailers do come with racks on top for lumber, lots of local construction companys back in Plainview have them. So I don't see how that would be a problem.

Racks, something that would be simple and efficient.
Make it like a tray, say as wide as a McLeod head right, then just cut slots into it for the handles every like 5" or so, of course the tray would have lip but the slots could be cut through that as well, then the tool are easy to grab and you could have the heads overlapping to carry more! I have a drawing that makes more sense, kinda hard to explain, but it would be a super efficient use of space. and a simple tray like this could hold any kind of hand tool i.e. shovels, rakes, polaskis, and the like, then on the other side of the trailer you have a racks for the odd things like drills, saw, clippers, saws all...
That way the floor is kept open to move in and out and gain access to a generator and enough room for say a walk behind thingy. Also I would NOT go with the ramp style door, instead I would go with the two swinging doors and make some ramps. The reason I say this is b/c then for anything you do you have to bring the whole ramp down which can be a a real pain in the a$$!

L8R
Buck

[TML]

Also I would NOT go with the ramp style door, instead I would go with the two swinging doors and make some ramps. The reason I say this is b/c then for anything you do you have to bring the whole ramp down which can be a a real pain in the a$$!

L8R
Buck
That's a good point.

Or get the ramp door and go all out and get a trailer with a side door entry as well. Of course then you lose wall space.

[Buck]

Yeah, are scout troop trailer was big enough that is was nice to have the side entrance but what you guys are looking for, having a side door doesn't make sense really... I would stick to the single axle, double door entry, in maybe like 5 foot width and maybe like 8-10 feet long, depends on how much space you decide is needed. Another thing to remember is how much you plan to expand too. What I mean by that is if someday all the trailers have walk behind equipment in them...I know that is a little far fetched but it is something to consider as the organization grows so will the equipment inventory.
L8R
Buck

[qheuie]

sounds like we are building my dream tool trailer.. you can always store one at my house :)

if you end up getting enclosed walk in trailers i think the rack on top is kind of a pain to load lumber onto. i have one on my truck and once you get beyond 10' lumber (of course it's treated and treated = heavy) it is a chore to load and secure. it also surpasses the load limit pretty quickly.

a few more thoughts:
-- ramp style door, not really that big of a pain but you lose usable wall space. i doubt we will be loading any wheeled items that are too large to a) lift b) make a 2x ramp for. with traditional swing doors you can have some sort of racks/holders installed on them, making more of the wall space available.
-- not sure if this is going too far or not but interior rack/holder design should be layed out such that the most common tools are near the back while the least common toward the front
-- the trailers should have lockable doors and hitches.
-- surge brakes will be the easiest for a variety of cars to tow, no special electrical wiring required.

as for trailer contents, i think bigwheel has a good start. i would add:
-- trailer inventory list. we need to list ALL the tools that should be in the trailer. on top of that everyone that "checks out" a trailer should do an inventory check before they leave and when they return.
-- wheel chocks

Here is a pretty basic trailer (8 foot version):
http://www.trailersforless.com/cub5_cargo_trailer.html

John, when it comes to spec'ing out tools (especially power tools), let me know. I have had many and would like to help choose the right models and do some price research.

[gopherhockey]

John, when it comes to spec'ing out tools (especially power tools), let me know. I have had many and would like to help choose the right models and do some price research.
Cool, will take you up on that.

Definitely a trail inventory list, as well as all other documentation and products that a dirt boss needs - I have a whole compartment dedicated to things like waivers, volunteer lists, and going forward things like stickers, t-shirts etc. are all nice to have along. Maybe a place to store those plastic storage bins.

MORC is looking into having custom logo pop-up tents like you see at the races and maintenance areas. They aren't large, but we would likely need to have an area to store this and some chairs and MORC promotional material. We are thinking of having more of a trailhead presense at our events (including trail building events)

Someone brought up sponsorship as well. It is always possible to work that into the mix if someone wants to donate or give deals.

I guess if we are getting trailers we need to think multi-purpose... a trailer that is as good at a trail buiding event as it might be at an event like the 12 Hours of Honor at Leb. (or at least one trailer will need to be more multi-purpose)

[Alden]

I'd like to add another item to the list of tools. I'm writing a request to Park Tools to donate some bike tools. Amongst them I'm including a professional grade toolkit, repair stand and accessories for each trailer. Everything I'm requesting folds up neatly (including the toolstand) to take less space but should be kept in mind when figuring out the space needed. This is not a definate but I feel fairly confident it will happen.
Alden