moving a 48ft trailer for storage

streamin · May 30, 2014

so I am thinking I won't be able to put my pole barn up this year but I need a storage place for some things, secure if possible. I was thinking of buying an old tractor/ trailer enclosed unit. the ones available can be 48 feet. So does anyone think the tongue weight is light enough to pick up with the loader of a capacity of #2700 to move it? Or possibly I could move the wheels in the back closer to center to help.
If not, any ideas for another type of quick, inexpensive storage? A shipping container would be good but is even heavier than the trailer.

Western · May 30, 2014

Have the shipping container dropped right where you want it. I think it will outlast a trailer, not as mobile but sturdy. You could almost pour a slab with a shelter/storage and have it set right over it and cut a door.

streamin · May 31, 2014

that would be ideal but the truck won't be able to get to the location, unless I make a drive or something.

Western · May 31, 2014

Wooded? They can drop it anywhere you could put that trailer.

Diamondpilot · May 31, 2014

No way. A 53' semi trailer is 10,750# empty so a 48' one is going to be 10,000# plus. You will need a dolly to move it or twice the tractor.

Chris

Stimw · May 31, 2014

Pic is of a 48' reefer that I placed in the back corner of my property with a Landoll Flatbed. I got it in a deal with a previous employer.
You would be better off with a 40-48' container. They are much more secure that a trailer and when placed at ground level much more practical.
Because you might need equipment to get it spotted it might cost more but will be better off in the long run.

streamin · May 31, 2014

Thanks for the replies, you have convinced me to go with the container. I had no idea the trailers were that heavy.

MtnViewRanch · May 31, 2014

We have both, put the trailers in the ground for easy access. The best one we have is a 48'x 9' tall insulated shipping container, man that thing is nice.:thumbsup: And there is basically no comparison for being secure, sea containers are much much better, at least with the older stuff.

Rustyiron · May 31, 2014

A "seatainer" as we always called them is also a fair investment, at least it has been for the last 20 years or so. I've had a bunch of them (20') for material storage for job sites and they really do appreciate, not much but enough to justify spending a few bucks every once in a while for some paint. Just keep it out of the dirt with a chunk of RR tie at each corner. A trailer will deteriorate into scrap eventually, of course that will not matter if it was free or cheap.
I did have a few "pup" trailers also. These are short 26'-30' semi trailers. I made a hillbilly hitch out of a short pc. of 4x4 square steel tube that chained onto a flatbed truck to move it around on the job. On pretty flat ground, I wouldn't hesitate to move a full size trailer this way, but not on a hilly off road situation.
An empty 20' 'tainer is about 5000 lbs. empty! Keep this in mind when thinking that you'll drag it around with your tractor. A medium duty (26,000 + gvw) rollback is the best way to move them around and might even be able to get it to your final destination.