Nutts Enclosed Trailer project

[zmotorsports]

Eric, great looking work on the trailer.

For those plastic bins, after cutting and they leave that ugly looking edge, drag a standard razor blade backwards along the edges and it will shave off the "ugly" and leave a nice semi-rounded edge that is more appealing and definitely not sharp or rough.

I used to cut a lot of plastic ATV fenders and cleaned up the edges that way and the results were very easy to achieve.

As for the trailer plug, I used a marine style exterior receptacle on my race trailer that used the quarter turn engagement of the plug. I then had an extension cord that I would plug into the trailer and either a power pedestal or the coach when I needed to power up the trailer. It left a nice clean exterior and no open or access holes that lead into the trailer. Critters seem to always find a way in and I didn't like leaving them an opening to get in through.

Here is a plug similar to what I used. I believe the one I used was a Hubbell as well.
https://www.gamut.com/p/hubbell-non...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPDg_fTfu9UCFQkcaQoduhgBKw

Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

What are you building your cabinets out of? I just discovered this thread and haven't read the whole thing. Looks like it will be a great trailer

I custom ordered the cabinet faces from a place in White Pigeon, Indiana. The guy has building cabinets for the trailer industry for many years and lives in that part of the state where trailers/campers are made.

Honestly, they weren't exactly what I was envisioning but I made it work. Sometimes it's hard to get on the same page through email, however I did send him some drawings I had come up with but told him he could deviate some sizes to a standard size doors.

Basically what I got from him was the doors with aluminum frames, nice work which I have to say. I built them using some aluminum angle and white trailer metal siding. When I picked up the cabinets up, I stopped by some local places and bought some material like aluminum diamond plate, white metal siding, aluminum angle, screws and a few other odds and ends.

The metal is thin enough that I can use my Tapco siding brake to bend it how I need it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Eric, great looking work on the trailer.

For those plastic bins, after cutting and they leave that ugly looking edge, drag a standard razor blade backwards along the edges and it will shave off the "ugly" and leave a nice semi-rounded edge that is more appealing and definitely not sharp or rough.

I used to cut a lot of plastic ATV fenders and cleaned up the edges that way and the results were very easy to achieve.

As for the trailer plug, I used a marine style exterior receptacle on my race trailer that used the quarter turn engagement of the plug. I then had an extension cord that I would plug into the trailer and either a power pedestal or the coach when I needed to power up the trailer. It left a nice clean exterior and no open or access holes that lead into the trailer. Critters seem to always find a way in and I didn't like leaving them an opening to get in through.

Here is a plug similar to what I used. I believe the one I used was a Hubbell as well.
https://www.gamut.com/p/hubbell-non...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CPDg_fTfu9UCFQkcaQoduhgBKw

Mike

Thanks Mike.

I was trying to use the roloc disc to clean up those edges but I cut some of them through the raised lettering which makes it extremely hard to clean up.

I hear you on the critters. Supposedly dryer sheets will keep the mice away. I have a few of them still laying in the trailer from winter storage.

 

[krcoomer]

The wife thought I oughta put a bathroom out there but she will settle for a fridge and microwave.

Bucket and chuck it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Bucket and chuck it.

LOL, next time she says something I'll have to tell her that.

 

[NUTTSGT]

It was raining this morning so I had the door shut and didn't do a whole lot. I did break out the label maker and duplicate the breaker panel on the inside of the cabinet door....just in case.



Took down some corner trim and started to take apart the fluorescent light to add some items.



Put the speakers in their mounts. Although I have nothing to power them, they are off the workbench and out of the way.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was glad to see a very nice day when I walked outside today. No rain in sight and cool temps. Beautiful day to work on the trailer.

I started by taking the TV out of the box and the mount. I actually broke out the instructions as I don't want the TV to fall while enroute and hit the car. It's not much, just a 19" Proscan I bought at the now defunct HH Gregg.



Since I'll be supplying the TV from a Blu-Ray player, I had to figure out how to direct that to the TV. So I came up with a plan. Notice the shallow box (1 1/2" deep) to fit in the trailer walls.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I found that a switch plate with it's hole opened slightly will allow a HDMI cable to pass and give a clean appearance. However, a switch plate won't mount directly to a box. So I got the gears turning.


I put a hole in the backing plate with a hole saw and drilled the appropriate holes for the screws.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Off to the trailer to make the location for the TV mount. I've used a lot of masking tape marking locations on the trailer project. Drilled holes for the corners of the boxes.



I cut them out with the router, passed the wire through and screwed in the boxes. I pulled power from the outlet at the end of trailer so I had to pull all the corner trim down, including the fluorescent light.


Then I hung the TV in place to see if all was well.

 

[Strouty]

At least if you get kicked out of the house you will have a place to go. Looking really good!

 

[NUTTSGT]

At least if you get kicked out of the house you will have a place to go. Looking really good!

Funny you mention that. The wife asked me if I was planning in there tonight.

 

[NUTTSGT]

The last two days haven't gone as planned by any means. However, I did get the LED fluorescent light mounted above the toolbox benchtop.



Not shown but I did also hang a whiteboard over the bench top also.

 

[zmotorsports]

Trailer is turning out awesome Eric.

Really making me miss mine though.

Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

Trailer is turning out awesome Eric.

Really making me miss mine though.

Mike

Thanks Mike.

I bought the trailer empty so I could make it mine and the way I wanted. While some may think I'm going extreme, the trailer will become home when I'm at the track.

I've slept in a tent on the ground many times at the track, several times in a truck tent and now I have a spot a lot more comfortable. Sometimes the simplest things can make life more enjoyable.

 

[PugetDude]

Nutts, just read through all 13 pages of this thread;not sure how I missed it before. Great job on the build and the documentation. I never seem to remember to stop and snap pictures as I go. Subscribed for updates!

What is the verdict on the T5? Maybe you could get Ryan to sponsor you...

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks Mike.

I bought the trailer empty so I could make it mine and the way I wanted. While some may think I'm going extreme, the trailer will become home when I'm at the track.

I've slept in a tent on the ground many times at the track, several times in a truck tent and now I have a spot a lot more comfortable. Sometimes the simplest things can make life more enjoyable.

Absolutely. I completely agree and would encourage you to make it unique and fit your own criteria to make your experiences more enjoyable. I had mine setup for racing but not sleeping as we had our motorhome for that but I had it all setup for ease of working on things and work flow when at the track or the dunes and had it setup to plug right into our coach and run off the generator.

When we went to sell it I highlighted those things that made it unique wondering if it was going to hurt the sale but it turned out a racer saw it and had to have it because of the mods I had made to it.

Keep up the good work as I enjoy following along on your trailer build, even if it does make me really miss mine.

Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

Nutts, just read through all 13 pages of this thread;not sure how I missed it before. Great job on the build and the documentation. I never seem to remember to stop and snap pictures as I go. Subscribed for updates!

What is the verdict on the T5? Maybe you could get Ryan to sponsor you...

Ha ha LMAO, I don't think I'll get some sponsorship.

The T5, long story short. I bought an open box TKO600 at Summit. It wasn't as it was presented, not all their fault as they were told a story as to what was wrong with it.... "didn't fit in the car". It's more like some lowlife brought their beat up POS back as the one they just bought and got their cash back. Summit stood behind their word, took care of it refunding my money back and I didn't hesitate to buy a new unit from them. The open box was going to save me $800. I told the wife for that kind of cash, I could put it in, take it out and drive it back to Summit.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Absolutely. I completely agree and would encourage you to make it unique and fit your own criteria to make your experiences more enjoyable. I had mine setup for racing but not sleeping as we had our motorhome for that but I had it all setup for ease of working on things and work flow when at the track or the dunes and had it setup to plug right into our coach and run off the generator.

When we went to sell it I highlighted those things that made it unique wondering if it was going to hurt the sale but it turned out a racer saw it and had to have it because of the mods I had made to it.

Keep up the good work as I enjoy following along on your trailer build, even if it does make me really miss mine.

Mike

I was starting to look when you had yours listed. I told the wife about it but Utah was a tad bit too far to pick up a trailer.

 

[pentavolvo]

Been following your build on and off and your doing an awesome job

 

[zmotorsports]

I was starting to look when you had yours listed. I told the wife about it but Utah was a tad bit too far to pick up a trailer.

Oh it's not that far.

Could'a made a vacation out of it.

Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hmmm, I uploaded pics to PB in the last couple of weeks and doesn't appear that PB loaded them up. I downloaded them to the computer but now I guess I need to figure out where they are with Win10.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Since we got some nice weather after 7 months of ****, I started a little project on the trailer. Just a little extra detail that i have wanted to do. I found some black reflective vinyl striping online and got it ordered. I started on the back and have worked my way up the side to the axles. This is going to be some filler work between other projects when it's nice outside.

In the aluminum trim at the bottom of the trailer, you can see the black striping.

 

[HOTFR8]

Interesting material. Do you have a link or even a better picture of it?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Interesting material. Do you have a link or even a better picture of it?

No I don't Simon.

It's nothing more than what vinyl decals/stripes are made from but is reflective rather than a flat or shiny. When light hits it, it goes from black to a "shiny gray."


Basically what is used on LEO/Fire vehicles.

 

[HOTFR8]

No I don't Simon.

It's nothing more than what vinyl decals/stripes are made from but is reflective rather than a flat or shiny. When light hits it, it goes from black to a "shiny gray."


Basically what is used on LEO/Fire vehicles.

OK, sounds very different to what is used here on fire trucks it is red and white reflective like a tape and why I asked if you had a link to where you got it. On my Fire Trailer restoration I have red and white tape I will put down the sides.

 

[lightn95]

Interesting material. Do you have a link or even a better picture of it?

+1 on info as to where you got it/found it....

 

[NUTTSGT]

OK, sounds very different to what is used here on fire trucks it is red and white reflective like a tape and why I asked if you had a link to where you got it. On my Fire Trailer restoration I have red and white tape I will put down the sides.

+1 on info as to where you got it/found it....

After some searching around on the 'net, I thought these guys were priced the most reasonably. They also offer fee samples and I did request one. I was happy with that so I placed my order. I wasn't planning on ordering a 150' roll but for the price, it was an even better deal. I have enough that I can restripe it in the future if it needs it.

http://www.vinylstriping.com/

 

[HOTFR8]

After some searching around on the 'net, I thought these guys were priced the most reasonably. They also offer fee samples and I did request one. I was happy with that so I placed my order. I wasn't planning on ordering a 150' roll but for the price, it was an even better deal. I have enough that I can restripe it in the future if it needs it.

http://www.vinylstriping.com/

Similar to what i have for the Fire Unit.

 

[milwaukeephil]

Nice job... a lot of people who like tools, big or small, also like toolboxes. You're building a massive toolbox. It's kind of a cozy feeling.

I have an all aluminum enclosed 6x12 and I used the same floor kit as you. It's been a year and it holds up great. I used rubber base molding with the special base molding adhesive and I can just hose it out after use. Also if you look close I added a strip of angle aluminum to the rear lip of the trailer floor to protect it. I have E-track on all walls including the v-nose and have various tie-down clips, hooks, and a hanging basket that can all be moved.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Nice job... a lot of people who like tools, big or small, also like toolboxes. You're building a massive toolbox. It's kind of a cozy feeling.

I have an all aluminum enclosed 6x12 and I used the same floor kit as you. It's been a year and it holds up great. I used rubber base molding with the special base molding adhesive and I can just hose it out after use. Also if you look close I added a strip of angle aluminum to the rear lip of the trailer floor to protect it. I have E-track on all walls including the v-nose and have various tie-down clips, hooks, and a hanging basket that can all be moved.

I need to check that on mine. I have considered adding a hinged flap to cover that gap.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Haven't done much I did add a shelf in the lower cabinet.

 

[tncumminsguy]

how is the floor holding up

 

[NUTTSGT]

how is the floor holding up

So far, it's been fine. The trailer is stored inside during the Winter, in an unheated building and even after brought home from storage, it has seen cold temps.

I scratched one spot as mentioned earlier in the thread and another from a header tube but it's done well. I believe without a doubt I would do it again if I bought another trailer.

 

[oldwino]

Eric
Can’t believe I missed this thread until today. You just cost me about 2 hours going through from page one
Lotta great ideas to steal.

Thanks for taking the time to document your excellent build

 

[zc15]

Did you ever mount the winch? I saw you linked another user to this post recently, so I figured I would ask on here for posterity's sake

 

[NUTTSGT]

Eric
Can’t believe I missed this thread until today. You just cost me about 2 hours going through from page one
Lotta great ideas to steal.

Thanks for taking the time to document your excellent build

Sorry I missed your post a few years back.

Thanks for enjoying the thread.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Did you ever mount the winch? I saw you linked another user to this post recently, so I figured I would ask on here for posterity's sake

No, I never mounted a winch. I just drive the car in the trailer. I'm not going to say I will never put a winch in, but it's off the list for now.

 

[NUTTSGT]

So , since this is back to the top, I'll update.

The trailer has been to Norwalk, Summit Motorsports Park. Marion County International raceway, now closed and to National Trails in Columbus. It's also made a trip to Indy the year before last with no issues. We also went up to Martin Mi, at US131 Dragway.

The trailer has had no issues but the truck did coming back from Michigan. I think it's resolved and will be taking a short road trip pulling the trailer to see if all is good. If everything is ok, we'll be pulling back out to Indy for our last race of the year with the NMCA.

Since this thread was started, I bought a used Honda 2000i generator and then stepped up to a Honda 3000 generator. Both units are former HD rental units. I paid $440 for the smaller one and about $1200 for the bigger brother. Depending where we're going and for how long, is the deciding factor which power unit to take with us.

Now, the wife would like to upgrade from the Yamaha Timberwolf 250 to a golf cart. I'm not quite sure there will be enough room with my cabinets. A 32' trailer it would fit easily. . . no, we're not getting a bigger trailer. I'll be due for a new truck first.

 

[SilverJimmy]

The coolest golf cart I ever saw was at Firebird Drag strip probably 20 years ago. It driven by some old drag race guy like Ivo or whoever, but boy was it cool! The guy drove right up to the fence at about the 1000’ line and then he pushed his magic button. He had installed electric camper jacks at all 4 corners, so within seconds he and his wife were sitting above the fence and able to see the entire drag strip. When he was done watching who he wanted to see run, push the button and away he went! Very cool!

 

[NUTTSGT]

That would be awesome.


Going to a golf cart, it'll probably weigh 400 lbs more than the Timberwolf. If I went with a electric cart, I could add another 200lbs on top of that. The little bit of extra weight, isn't an issue, especially if I were to step up to a F350.

The issue I'm going to have is length. The extra footage of cart length. The Mustang will have to get moved farther to the rear. It'll still keep the majority of weight over the axles.... engine/transmission. Adding more cart weight, I think will offset the rear shifted weight of the Mustang. I'm just not sure I have enough room.

The other side effect of moving the car farther back is the location of generator in the trailer. The smaller unit would be fine, but the 3000 probably won't.