Small Tool Trailer Needed

[gopherhockey]

We have had this discussion before, but I want to pick it back up now that we are getting serious about purchasing tool trailers.

I'm looking for help in determining a good MORC tool trailer. My thoughts are that it would be:

1. something small enough so even a car could pull it.
2. something large enough for a full compliment of trail tools and even the MORC tent, some gas-powered equipment, perhaps even ability to haul some other materials if necessary.
3. enclosed - we're going to put the MORC logo on it, and we should be able to secure what is inside by locking it up etc.
4. lighter the better.

Anyone have any thoughts? Include links if you can, as well as ideas where to buy locally.

[bigwheel]

Edit: The AE 46 enclosed trailer might already be close to what I'm talking about.

I have a utility trailer, made by H&H (made in Iowa). http://www.acetrailersales.com/utility.asp
Mine is black, 10x5, and has 18" walls. It cost about $900 two years ago.

You can buy them at Ace Trailer sales, on Hwy 13 in Shakopee. (who also has a bunch of other trailer types to look at)

You can get them in various sizes, and with various side wall heights. The ramp/gate is optional, and I don't think we want it. These trailers come with tie down loops and a wood plank floor, so they are easy to modify, add compartments, etc.

I suggest one of these, but that we have someone build a removable, lockable lid for it (either out of wood or steel). Rather than crawling into an enclosed trailer and tripping over tools, we can remove the lid and grab whatever tools we want. If we ever need to carry something big, all we would need to do is remove the top.

The nice thing is that they are sturdy with a 3000# capacity and 15" wheels. The guy said they are actually 3500#, but they down rate the capacity to avoid the electric brake requirement. They are also small enough to pull with a car. You can also see over the top, which makes them a lot easier to back up. I added a crank down front wheel which makes it easy for one person to jockey around.






We have had this discussion before, but I want to pick it back up now that we are getting serious about purchasing tool trailers.

I'm looking for help in determining a good MORC tool trailer. My thoughts are that it would be:

1. something small enough so even a car could pull it.
2. something large enough for a full compliment of trail tools and even the MORC tent, some gas-powered equipment, perhaps even ability to haul some other materials if necessary.
3. enclosed - we're going to put the MORC logo on it, and we should be able to secure what is inside by locking it up etc.
4. lighter the better.

Anyone have any thoughts? Include links if you can, as well as ideas where to buy locally.

[tedsti]

That one might be a little small?? Then again, John fit everything in his van. The low height would make it easier to back up and store. Plus it looks like you could strap stuff on top.


I guess I was envisioning one of the small enclosed trailers with racks inside to keep everything organized.

[gopherhockey]

Yea, its gonna have to be enclosed... but I'll look some more at Bob's suggestion, maybe if we get another one or have the need it might work. I think for now we should concentrate on small enclosed (full height?) trailers.



That one might be a little small?? Then again, John fit everything in his van. The low height would make it easier to back up and store. Plus it looks like you could strap stuff on top.


I guess I was envisioning one of the small enclosed trailers with racks inside to keep everything organized.

[Tim Wegner]

When it comes to trailers---plan for what you might need in the future. Don't buy a trailer that is too small or too large either. I would buy a trailer that is enclosed from the factory and larger enough to be hauled with a mini van or car. I have pulled the trailer that Dale and I own and used to haul the dingo in with my Freestar van with no problem. ( not sure, don't want anyone at Ford to know but I think someone even stuck a Ditch Witch inside the trailer when I was pulling it with the van)

TW

[bigwheel]

I don't totally agree. We might eventually need more than one trailer, but for now, we want something that will handle the 95% situation. I suggest getting the smallest trailer that we can lock, but that handles the 95% case, i.e. weekly trail work sessions and 1-day events. If we need a bobcat on a particular day, we'll just have to make other arrangements.

IMHO, we need something handy, that can be easily towed, stored, backed up, and horsed around by one person. We want something that can be towed by a 4-cyl speck without destroying the transmission. That will increase its likelyhood of it actually being used on a regular basis. Also, the trail bosses will have less objection to keeping it at their house.

It might look cool, but I don't think we need to hang the tools on the trailer walls, where they can fall off and land on a chainsaw or leaf blower. It will be safer to just leave them laying on the floor.

Again, we may *also* need a bigger trailer, but IMO, that is a separate item.


When it comes to trailers---plan for what you might need in the future. Don't buy a trailer that is too small or too large either. I would buy a trailer that is enclosed from the factory and larger enough to be hauled with a mini van or car. I have pulled the trailer that Dale and I own and used to haul the dingo in with my Freestar van with no problem. ( not sure, don't want anyone at Ford to know but I think someone even stuck a Ditch Witch inside the trailer when I was pulling it with the van)

TW

[tedsti]

The AE 46 Bob suggested may do the trick depending on how big it is. The website does not give length and width options for this trailer. Like Bob said, get one trailer that will hold everything for the *usual* trail work sessions. Then get the big one for major events. If they have one on the lot, we could just show up with the usual amount of tools and see if it fits.

[tedsti]

There is a medium sized enclosed trailer for sale on craigslist

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/for/81598122.html

[Thewavebb]

craigslist rock. I have scored so much cheap stuff off there.

[Burke]

Thanks for the update. To let the group know, MORC purchased two trailers this month. Both fully enclosed, one is 5x8, the other is 6x10 with a side access door. We're in the process of developing artwork for our logo and sponsors' logos decaling the sides.


Look for them at trail related events in the near future!