What do you guys think

[El Pirata]

I've been toying with the idea of getting an enclosed trailer to use strictly for all of my RC stuff. Something that I can lock them securly inside. A place to store my tools and build a workbench to do some RC work. Whatever I decide it will need to have comfortable standing room and be fully enclosed. After doing a search on the net the best I can find for an enclosed trailer in crappy condition is 1k and it I want one that's in a little better shape I'm looking at 2k. Another option I have been thinking about is getting a flatbed trailer with 1/4 walls new for 500 and then adding walls, a roof and a solid floor to seal up the bottom as well as a workbench, shelves and a door or two.

I think I am kind of leaning towards a trailer I will put everything onto the blank trailer because even if I get a 1k trailer I'm probably still looking at another 500 to add everything I need to it. But if I get a blank trailer I'll fork out a little more cash on lumber but I will be able to have more freedom in the design plan since I will be essencially making it from the ground up.


What do you guys think?

Something like this to build up to what I want:

And something like this to just modify the inside:

 

[vbgagnon]

I think you should go with the first idea. This way you get a trailor that is prob bigger then one that is inclosed. This way you can make everything exactly the way you want. Awsome idea go with it!!!!!


VB

 

[DarthRacer]

You're a crazy dude, EP. But I like your commitment to the hobby.

The second option would probably be more weatherproof.

 

[CJ-FOREVER]

Just modify the inside then there is no worry about wind rain snow. leaks seals.

 

[El Pirata]

The thoughts of weatherproofing has definately crossed my mind but I will probably reenforce the corners with fiberglass and cover the entire exterior surfaces with resin to seal it. I have built a few trailers in High School and that worked fine for sealing them.

 

[robmob]

Assuming the inside of #2 is just an empty box and is big enough for your needs, I would go with that one. You will already have a nice tight box that just needs the bench and shelving. Does the back on it open as well? If not, that would be the only draw back IMO.

BTW, great idea.

 

[El Pirata]

I don't know that was the only pic they included, but the price of trailers like that in good condition is about 2k+. I was using both pics as examples of what I was looking into rather than actual ones I was specifically looking at.

 

[CJ-FOREVER]

Knowing that you have knowledge (background) in this area, Then I would design it and build it to your needs! Monterize it. Beer Keg, BBQ, 46" flat screen tv.

 

[El Pirata]

Originally posted by DarthRacer
You're a crazy dude, EP.

Certifiable...

 

[Waste Land]

I'm shell shocked a bit formt hat damn bomb you just dropped. I like the enclosed one with a table and stuff would be great. Just have a portable shop at the bash site, I'm diggin it but i makes me jealous!, lol

 

[SkyMaxx]

I, personally, would go with the second option; however, you did say you had experience making trailers in high school.

In the end, it is your money and time. Choose the one that will give you the space and options you need and desire.

 

[Throttle]

A guy at work is building one just to haul his copters and planes. It's not enclosed though. We also talked about installing a set of shocks on his so he doesn't damage his toys while traveling. You might want to look into shocks but hey I live in Buffalo(pothole central).

 

[El Pirata]

Originally posted by SkyMaxx
I, personally, would go with the second option; however, you did say you had experience making trailers in high school.

In the end, it is your money and time. Choose the one that will give you the space and options you need and desire.

If I had the space and equipment here I'd build it from the ground up, but since I never owned a welder, my father did, and the fact that an apartment complex is not a great plave to be able to build from the ground up I am thinking of buying a flatbed with 1/4 walls and build from there. Hell I can take it to work when I return and do it during work hours in our warehouse, I might even "borrow" some brand new plywood from the warehouse too.

 

[tbsleeper]

yes do not steal it just liberate it. i think it would be smaller to build it from the flatbed because most inclosed trailers arent no higher than 5 feet. Another idea would be to use a snowmobile trailer and cut the top off then extend it higher up.:whistle:

 

[bill61]

I think the build it yourself idea is better. It gives you the freedom to make your own height, floor plan, and any other RC specific options. You might even think about a sky light, as it will be awful dark in there. You could install cabinets above a work bench to store all of your RC vehicles.

 

[olds97_lss]

Piss on it, buy an RV! Then you have sleeping quarters, air conditioning and a shower for those not so clean race days!

No more going home because it's dark.

Regardless, it's a good idea. But since you do live in an apartment (like myself), it would probably be easier to go with the second one.

 

[El Pirata]

Originally posted by bill61
I think the build it yourself idea is better. It gives you the freedom to make your own height, floor plan, and any other RC specific options. You might even think about a sky light, as it will be awful dark in there. You could install cabinets above a work bench to store all of your RC vehicles.

With the exception of a skylight I was already thinking of those options. I was, however, thinking of installing lights and maybe a little 1k generator too.

 

[GilBeQuick]

I'm going with the style of #2 all the way. But I would have to have bay doors that opened up in the back.

Check the classifieds in your local newspaper or maybe even some surrounding areas. Also check the auto trader, truck trader, boat/rv trader, and motorcycle trader magazines. There are always good, used trailers in the back of those.

Sometimes you can even find old catering trailers. Those come with shelves and drawers and everything. I just saw one here on the side of the highway with a for sale sign on it about a month ago for $1500.

 

[nitromaniac]

A good friend of mine bought a bare bones concession trailer from this company a few years ago, He only had to do a few mods on it to make it right for his needs,I dont have any pics of the finished product but below is the one he got with a link to where he got it, he paid $3000 for it ,He really liked that it had a door/window on the side for added light and just a great outdoors open feel!

he put a work bench, cabinets and even a decent size sleep area under the bench. This site also has a great supply of used trailers,I like the idea of a concession trailer because of so much potential for personal mods. its endless what you can do we these things,, just like anything else I guess! heres the site,this place has everything and he said they are always willing to deal with you and get you what you want, good service as well!

http://www.cargo-trailers.com/index.html

check this one out! you could go to bashes all around the country,sell ice cream and soda to the kiddies between mains, and sell beer to your fellow bashers! pay for you gas money with the prophits, haha! the possibilities are endless!

 

[lykan]

Being a semi-retired carpenter I would say buy an enclosed trailer.

From the building aspect, there's just way too much involved. in putting together the exterior of a trailer. You'd probably be 1k into the materials and tools for a good exterior.

I would find one with all the exterior walls ready to go. That way you can focus all your efforts into making the trailer fit your needs. knowing the hell is 100% complete and waterproof.

If you do build a shell how different is it going to be from the one that is already built?

Afterall your hobby is R/C's are you willing to take the time away from your hobbby to build another project?

Shoot pop a vent in the roof, a couple of nice R/V windows and you are good to go. You could add wiring/furniture/tables as you require them. They make some killer 12v/110v appliances these days. If it's cold up in your are 12v propane furnaces are pretty inexpensive for the benifiet.

I see it as an awesome idea not just for R/C's but kind of a portable shop, great idea.