[HAM] Trailer

[Steve Leigh]

At 01:24 PM 5/8/2007, you wrote:
>Dear Group,
>I'm thinking about getting a trailer to haul my B-3 around.  My back
>won't take lifting it anymore into the truck bed.  Has anyone used a
>trailer for hauling one, and if you have, is there something that I need
>to know before I get one?   Does it pay to get the two axle trailer
>instead of the one axle?
>
>Thank you,
>Jim

It's just my suggestion - not shared by some, positively shared by 
others - GET an enclosed trailer.  There's been quite a bit of 
discussion lately about the merits and the problems with 
trailers.  There are *many* things to know before you decide.

Twin axles are usually found on trailers 10' and longer.  They add a 
bit of safety, in case of a flat tire, but also add a LOT of weight 
to the trailer.

My own 5' x 8' (single axle) can easily be moved around by hand - 
maybe with a little help - but the bigger they are, the harder they 
are to move, even with the front nose wheel.

Ramp: spend the extra money, and get a trailer with a fold down ramp 
rear door.  The trailers with conventional back loading doors still 
require a lift to get stuff inside.  The ramp eliminates this.

Inside height: if you ever plan to transport 1 (or more) model 31 
Leslies, you WILL need the height.  Mine has enough inside clearance 
to transport 4 31s if I ever needed to.  I've never needed to, but 
have moved 2, along with the B3 and 2 122 Leslies - no problem at 
all, and plenty of room left over.

Manufacture: although you could go to Home Depot and spend less, I'd 
highly recommend a local custom trailer manufacturer.  By shopping 
around, you'll learn a lot about frame construction, and you'll also 
be exposed to the many, many options which you might desire - either 
now or later.  Inside lighting, for example.  Rear stabilizer 
jacks.  Watertight air vents.  Several tail light options, special 
back up lights OR a video camera/monitor for backing up, electronic 
trailer brakes, a custom metal fold down for the ramp, which 
eliminates even the 1" height of the ramp door.

Interior: custom trailer shops can work with you and weld Echannel, 
shelf supports, clothing hanger brackets, and dozens of other options 
that YOU might require.  Home Depot won't/can't do that.

Tires/rims: this is one area not to compromise.  Full size 15" rims 
and tires rated for trailer use are mandatory.

The good thing about a trailer shop is that they build trailers.  So 
they KNOW trailers intimately, and they can suggest things we never 
even knew were available for our trailers.

Security: the shop where I bought mine has a whole wall full of mild 
to outrageous security devices, including remote motion sensor 
beepers.  Presumably, any trailer can be stolen, but some security 
devices can make it damn near impossible.  One example (which I 
didn't get) was a removable trailer tongue.  There's no place to hook 
up, and no way to drive it away!

I suggest you do some serious research, then get the trailer which 
REALLY fits your needs.  By the way, if you earn part of your income 
with that trailer, it's tax deductible - every dollar spent on it.



Steve Leigh  :::  steve at sl-prokeys.com
<http://sl-prokeys.com/>The ProKeys<http://sl-prokeys.com/> 
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