Enclosed trailers

[Leef]

I thought I would tap into the collective wisdom of this forum re: enclosed trailers. I would like to buy a 6X12 ft enclosed trailer to turn into a tool trailer. My extended family has 3 households all within 10 miles of each other: we all have small building projects ongoing (like building a deck and pouring a concrete patio\driveway or remodeling a bathroom...) and some large projects in the future (we plan to build a house next year out on our nearby acreage and be the general contractor). So a mobile tool trailer seems like a good idea since the right tool or piece of something is always at someone else's house.

Anyway, I've found two trailers to consider, but I have no experience with these. So I thought I'd describe them and ask for some feedback:

1. '99 Shadowmaster 6x12 with 3500 miles, used for a racing go cart (and stinks inside of racing fuel). It's black with barn doors on the back and a side door on the right. It is tall enough for a 6 ft person to stand up inside. The tie downs are about 3ft high on the walls ( six of them). The walls are lined with peg board and ply wood. It has a single axle which is 56 inches from the center hub to the rear edge. Asking price $2000 firm. (Bought new for $2800 according to owner).

2. '99 Haulmark 6x12 with 6000 miles used for trailoring a Harley to shows... It's white with a ramp door (with cable and spring assist) on the back with a side door on the right. It's also tall enough for a 6 ft person to stand upright. The 4 tie downs are in the floor. The walls are all lined with white painted ply wood (and no fuel smell). It also is a single axel with different dimensions - 52 inches from hub to rear edge. Asking price $2500 negotiable. (Bought new for ?).

For a tool trailer we're debating whether a barn door or a ramp is preferable. Also, the Haulmark seems to be tongue heavy; the axel is only 4 inches further back, but to look at them side by side, it seems as though a lot more weight would ride on the tongue of the Haulmark. Maybe it's not a big deal b/c we aren't going to do much long hauling. Color doesn't really matter at all to me. Both have extra headroom and both have rock guards at the front. Tires look to be in equal shape. At this time of year I'm looking for a good deal and I'm in no hurry at all. I plan to check on what Home Depot has and sells for also, but I don't know right now. I think I'd rather buy used from a "neighbor" than a large chain store.

Feed back would be appreciated.

 

[NathanielJeep1]

I think you will like the Haulmark. I have very good experiences with the one I use. We(Explorers) have a two axel trailer, it does seem a little tongue heavy, but it is also heavy duty. We took it from Florida to Missouri and we didn't have any problems what so ever. I state this opinion based on my experience but I have none with the Shadowmaster brand. Hope that helps.
Nathaniel

 

[SteveV]

A tool trailer would tend to get heavy real quick and so do ramps when you don't need them. A few other things to consider: Finding your way around requires light, are the clear fiberglass panels available? How about some vents in the roof? Check the deck steel to make sure it will hold what your planning on putting in there. SteveV

 

[dmccarty]

I can't answer your questions about the trailer but don't forget insurance and security.

There was a rash of thefts in my area where work trucks/vans/trailers were targeted. The thieves would wait at the Home Depot/Lowes type of places for a contractor to pull up and go inside. They would then take the vehicle, drive to quite spot, and take all the tools. They would leave the vehicle and trailer since the money was in the tools...

Some of the contractors did not have insurance so they were out of business.

Make sure you have insurance coverage....

Later...
Dan McCarty

 

[s1120]

It sounds like we are in the same boat. I also have a few houses that I am working on[the one I live in, my Moms, my wifes mom, vacation home on the cape, land we will be building a home on] and I always forget one or anouther tool. My poor little Jeep Cherokee is loaded down so much that it takes about a week to get to 55mph. A trailer would work well. A moveing tool box. Only thing is I would need power, and air, for air tools.[Most of my work is repairng stuff. Cars, mowers, boats, etc]

 

[Rodneyd]

A friend of mine is in the carpenter business. He had a 6 x 10 ft. enclosed, single axle trailer. Had it for a couple of years. Finally found someone to buy it so he could go out and get a tandem axle 6 x 12 ft. Like previously mentioned, tools get heavy real quick. Also, single axle trailer bounces a lot more than tandem, thus your tools take a beating, not to mention the handling is much better with tandem. One comment on the ramp, if this is a tool trailer, think about loading and unloading. If you will be moving heavy saws or typically stationary equipment in and out of the trailer so you can set up and work, that ramp will come in very handy. My suggestion is to wait until you find what will fill your needs, otherwise you will not be happy with your purchase.

 

[Richard]

I don't know if this would be of any help, but a friend of mine takes a Craftsman tool chest, and makes it into a steroid fed tool cabinet. They race go carts and he made this originally for himself. It seems others liked the idea of all things in one location that can be rolled onto trailer, so he started to make them & sell them to other racers. He, evidently, has since had a NASCAR racer see one and asked him if he could build one to their specifications which he has done as far as I know.

I went to his website to verify the tool chests and today, I only see the wrought iron furniture he makes & sells. I have phoned him to see where (or if) he is showing the tool chests.

I have one myself, in fact, it was his first prototype & serves my needs well. Stainless steel worktable, power outlet, storage space. he has a BIG one that also has a 4 foot flouresencent work light overhead. These things are HEAVY but on wheels.

The website is:

http://www.geocities.com/angie_towe/default.htm

However, as far as I can tell, only their wrought iron furniture is here..they haven't contacted me yet about where in cyberspace, they are hiding their tool chests.

Though this is a friend of mine, I have no affiliation with them nor their company.

Richard

 

[Richard]

Found it.

He calls these the War Wagon.
I have the model 1500 and really like it.

http://danddraceproducts.com/

 

[Leef]

Rodney, I think you're probably right about having tandem axels. The cost will go up I'm sure, but I could look for something that much older. Since it won't see much road time I've considered the single axel, but your advice is good.

Thanks Leef