Trailer modifications

[Onestep]

Been thinking of modifying my utility trailer in the event I would need to BO.
It's a basic 6'.6" x 12' single axle with a drop gate off the back and approx. 12" side rails all around, typical trailer.
I was considering one of the mesh compartments that lock, like you see on landscape trailers, and position it on the front end.
Maybe 12-16" x 12-16" x 6'.6" long.
On the sides, add a handfull of jerry can holders down each side.
Add a second spare, each mounted on each side towards the back.
Up front, below the mesh compartment, I'd put a Rubbermaid type waterproof storage bin.
I still need to use on a regular basis to haul yard trash and such and the position of everything (to the outside but within the tires) should still allow that.
Any other ideas or suggestions?

[ak474u]

Been thinking of modifying my utility trailer in the event I would need to BO.
It's a basic 6'.6" x 12' single axle with a drop gate off the back and approx. 12" side rails all around, typical trailer.
I was considering one of the mesh compartments that lock, like you see on landscape trailers, and position it on the front end.
Maybe 12-16" x 12-16" x 6'.6" long.
On the sides, add a handfull of jerry can holders down each side.
Add a second spare, each mounted on each side towards the back.
Up front, below the mesh compartment, I'd put a Rubbermaid type waterproof storage bin.
I still need to use on a regular basis to haul yard trash and such and the position of everything (to the outside but within the tires) should still allow that.
Any other ideas or suggestions?

Tongue mounted diamond plate locking utility box for tie downs, jack for the trailer, spare lug nuts, tire plug set, extra bulbs for the trailer, etc.? Maybe even find one of those transfer tank/toolbox combos for the trailer so you can carry the extra fuel needed to compensate for the weight of the trailer during a BO situation. It would be tempting in an I'm never coming back situation to load everything AND the kitchen sink on a trailer, so fuel mileage would suffer unless you've got a big beefy diesel that doesn't know it has a trailer attached. Obviously a transfer tank would give you fuel for a generator, or could act as. Storage tank instead of Jerry cans.

[Evolver]

Having ladders at your ready would come in handy.

http://vertirack.com/images/Trailer_Ladder_Rack.jpg

[Echo2]

I've been working on this for a couple years....off and on....more off....but hey....

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6206/6104367178_02249f0d8d_z.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6033/6231498418_1b36b4717d_z.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6055/6222995885_f0fa514ed1_z.jpg

[realist]

AK you are right on suggesting a diamond plate box for the tongue area, it is one of the most wasted spaces that I have found on a trailer. I have a 4 by 6 old jeep bed trailer that I am in the process, that means multi year project, of rebuilding. The side go up about two feet all the way around. I am looking at putting a lock box on the tongue. I want a metal lid that could be locked. This will keep out not only unwanted people but most of the rain. I want inserts that would allow me to put a removable lumber rack on the top. On the sides would be at least two 5-gallon gas and 2 5-gallon water containers. I am also looking at mounting a small, 1500 watt generator that would allow me to have exterior lighting. Everything on the trailer will be containerized in plastic boxes to keep out moisture.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Echo2 Damn you do some nice work! I can tell you get a bit anal, nothing wrong with that, really love the job you did with the tail lights, nice "attention to detail." At least you have room for me to cook as well having three grills eh? Anybody ever thought about solar power for their trailers? Lights (they have solar powered string lights that will last almost all night)and other assorted items can be ran from solar, other things run from propane and liquid fuels. Just food for thought. Onestep, what size axle do you have? Keep that in mind with all the stuff you're packin on that thing.

I'm doing a modification on one of my trailers right now, nothing big, just a 4' x 10' motorcycle trailer. I need to make it a muti-pupose trailer, I picked up some brackets to bolt to the frame making it a "stake-bed" so to speak. Two foot 3/4" plywood walls all the way around. Needed it to haul all my "camping" gear, granted this is nothing as high tech as what you guys are working on. This is just a quick and clean, easy on/easy off mod. I would just say, go for what you feel seems right, just keep the weight in mind. Remember, you're buggin out. Not The more you take the more it's going to drag you down and the more "attractive you're going to look to everyone else!

If we have to bug out and it doesn't fit in that big ass truck, it ain't goin with us. I'm not draggin a trailer, I'm going to be mobile and maneuverable runnin full tilt boogie!

Be safe..............the night is your friend.

[Onestep]

BWR, it's a 3500# axle so I should be good to go. It already has the light protectors like Echo's trailer (nice job BTW).
It is not an enclosed trailer, more like BWR's motorcycle trailer, completely open.
I am planning on the lockable metal toolbox in the tongue area as opposed to the Rubbermaid type tote, more secure.
Because we only have a Tahoe, I will be forced to drag the trailer. The thought process was to load generator, 4 wheeler, bikes and tiller onto the trailer, farming implements/long handled tools in the mesh cage and strap remaining waterproof tubs around the inside perimeter of the trailer.

[Sniper-T]

One thing to consider is your tongue weight. too light and the trailer will sway all over the place at highway speeds, too heavy and it'll be like dragging an anchor. Think about what you want to put in the tongue box, and how that will affect this, as well as your turning radius. Hook up the trailer and jackknife it, then see how much room you have between the proposed box, and things like the taillights and bumper on your truck.

The only other thing that comes to mind are 'quick attaches' If you can make a ladder style attachment that will quickly bolt onto the existing sides, and secures to the deck/frame (drilled holes and quick release pins?) but have the holes in the 'ladder' big enough to hold a jerry can snugly. When you don't need it, it can hang in the garage or something.

[slowz1k]

Here's my trailer named Radio (Radio Flyer). It's a tilt trailer, which is a feature that I never use, but makes the tongue weight next to nothing when empty due to the axle sitting closer to center. It's used primarily for hauling camping equipment, and It's still as it was when I bought it. When time and $ allow, I plan to add a removable hard shell cargo box elevated about 24" above the sides, a tongue box, rear 2" inch receiver, and some fuel/water cans/racks. I also want to add a narrow fold down table top, down the length of one side of the trailer, that would accomodate a camp stove or two and sit just over the fender to act as an outdoor kitchen area.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio2.jpg

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/Radio1.jpg

Wishlist add ons

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk95/slowz1k/spares.jpg

Need to get a spare tire mount also.

[Onestep]

Slowz, do you have a link for the can holder?

[slowz1k]

Slowz, do you have a link for the can holder?

Here ya go:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/188/26602/ITEM/Fly-Racing-Jug-Racks.aspx?SiteID=Google_PLA188&WT.mc_ID=10012&esvt=0-GOUSC&esvadt=9-0-3886819-1&esvaid=30548&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=45&zmap=26602&kw={keyword}&gclid=CIeqqvnHsLICFcFgTAodg2gABw

Cant get the link to work right... Hmmm.
They are made by FLY and can be found at most Motorcycle warehouses.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/