MatBirch
Well-known member
I have a host of issues on this one... All could be easily remedied with time, money, space, and different city ordinances. lol.
Starting up my one-man carpentry biz here shortly, and for the time being, I'm limited to the resources I currently own. I will need to arrive at the jobsite with everything I need using my Ford Ranger (without camper shell), and a 12' flatbed (ramp gate, removable sides but not fenders, wood floor).
I would like to NOT permanently modify the trailer, as it is used quite often as is for dump runs, firewood, dirt bikes, etc.
I've got a few thoughts on how to convert it for better use. Efficiency, security, and aesthetics are highly important. A few ideas-
1- Design and build a simple but efficient "pod" or box to add to the flatbed, which could be slid on and off with winches. I don't have access to a forklift or anything like that, so I'm a bit limited. I'm thinking of a frame on the ground with one winch, pull the pod off the trailer onto the frame. Another winch on the trailer to pull it on. Another thought was to build structure into the roof, and utilize camper jacks?
2- Multiple boxes, purpose built for each tool, allow for expansion, etc. 1)Tongue box, 2) Cabinet across the front accessed from the deck, 3,4) Box down each side accessed from the outside. Sort of wind up looking like an overgrown utility box for a pickup... This approach would leave at least some of the deck space down the center still available for lumber runs, hauling long items, and what-not. It would however require far longer to off-load for full use of the flatbed. It would be more difficult to store as well. It would also far more expensive, as well as heavier because of additional material, hardware, etc.
I of course have the capacity to build it all in such a manner as to not have it look half-assed, and leave potential customers wondering why they ever hired me. I'd love some ideas on how to make it look "engineered". You know- sort of "look how cool and efficient my system is..."
For those wondering- Any money and time spent on this should really be spent on an enclosed trailer... yes, BUT... We already own 3 trailers that can't go away. One is the wife's business, one camper, and said flatbed. The city is already on our backs about it, as ordinance allows for 1. Oddly, there is really no rule against the number of outbuildings, so when the pod is off the trailer, it would be fine.
I welcome thoughts, ideas, and criticism!
Starting up my one-man carpentry biz here shortly, and for the time being, I'm limited to the resources I currently own. I will need to arrive at the jobsite with everything I need using my Ford Ranger (without camper shell), and a 12' flatbed (ramp gate, removable sides but not fenders, wood floor).
I would like to NOT permanently modify the trailer, as it is used quite often as is for dump runs, firewood, dirt bikes, etc.
I've got a few thoughts on how to convert it for better use. Efficiency, security, and aesthetics are highly important. A few ideas-
1- Design and build a simple but efficient "pod" or box to add to the flatbed, which could be slid on and off with winches. I don't have access to a forklift or anything like that, so I'm a bit limited. I'm thinking of a frame on the ground with one winch, pull the pod off the trailer onto the frame. Another winch on the trailer to pull it on. Another thought was to build structure into the roof, and utilize camper jacks?
2- Multiple boxes, purpose built for each tool, allow for expansion, etc. 1)Tongue box, 2) Cabinet across the front accessed from the deck, 3,4) Box down each side accessed from the outside. Sort of wind up looking like an overgrown utility box for a pickup... This approach would leave at least some of the deck space down the center still available for lumber runs, hauling long items, and what-not. It would however require far longer to off-load for full use of the flatbed. It would be more difficult to store as well. It would also far more expensive, as well as heavier because of additional material, hardware, etc.
I of course have the capacity to build it all in such a manner as to not have it look half-assed, and leave potential customers wondering why they ever hired me. I'd love some ideas on how to make it look "engineered". You know- sort of "look how cool and efficient my system is..."
For those wondering- Any money and time spent on this should really be spent on an enclosed trailer... yes, BUT... We already own 3 trailers that can't go away. One is the wife's business, one camper, and said flatbed. The city is already on our backs about it, as ordinance allows for 1. Oddly, there is really no rule against the number of outbuildings, so when the pod is off the trailer, it would be fine.
I welcome thoughts, ideas, and criticism!