Trailer as Storage Shed Idea

ScoopCzar · Oct 25, 2011

I'm planning a PT425 purchase next year plus attachments and trailer of some kind. Since I have three different locations (hours apart) where I'll be using it and no ideal storage building at this point, I'm thinking of buying a large enough trailer to build a custom frame and cover that will enclose everything and serve as transporter and shelter in one. Has anyone heard of anyone doing this? Are there any old posts or other resources along these lines? Any suggestions? Thanks!

creekbend · Oct 25, 2011

Just a thought, and hope this helps. I just did this and there were all sorts of info available. Hopefully you will find info in regards to your inquiry.Just enter pt425 on Google. There are posts and threads from TBN there also. Good Luck.

:tractor:

George2615 · Oct 25, 2011

I just did this also. Bought a used 24' enclosed car trailer. Found one locally for less than half the price of a new one. I did register it so I can tow it around during summer months but for winter its parked in my yard. For the winter months I store my 29 street rod, motorcycle, John Deere rider, and Polaris 550 ATV inside. That frees up some garage space. I have padlocked the trailer doors and the it is parked where one of my surveillance cameras keeps it in view.

ultrarunner · Oct 25, 2011

George2615 said:
I just did this also. Bought a used 24' enclosed car trailer. Found one locally for less than half the price of a new one. I did register it so I can tow it around during summer months but for winter its parked in my yard. For the winter months I store my 29 street rod, motorcycle, John Deere rider, and Polaris 550 ATV inside. That frees up some garage space. I have padlocked the trailer doors and the it is parked where one of my surveillance cameras keeps it in view.

I use one for antique car storage... keeps it safe and out of harms way...

Did notice one problem this year... had it in all winter and it ran fine when I locked it up last fall.

When I took it out in the spring I could not get it too run for nothing... found out there was a lot of water in the 5 gallon tank... the trailer does not leak but is more susceptible to temp changes is the only reason I can come up with...

ScoopCzar · Oct 25, 2011

Thanks for the comments. Has anyone done this sort of thing with a Power Trac? Has anyone devised a good system for stashing the attachments?

greasemonkeyok · Oct 25, 2011

At least around here, trailers containing tools or equipment are a frequent target of thieves (they don't have to load, just hook up and drive off).

Last week there was an article in the paper about a man that lost his tools this way. But, he had a surveillance camera and video. When the police arrested his next-door neighbor based on the video, the perp took the police to his friend's house where he had stashed the loot.

Trailer hitch locks are virtually worthless for deterring thieves. They bust them with a hammer, hook up, and drive off.

ScoopCzar · Oct 25, 2011

Yes, security will be an issue. In one of my three locations, I wouldn't worry at all, but I'd still lock it up. In a second location, I'd have a little more concern, and in the third, a fairly high concern. So if I do this, I'll need something a lot better than just a lock on the hitch.

woodlandfarms · Oct 25, 2011

because the PT is front mount on implements, you are great in luck. It gets to be a bit of an issue with tongue weight so you need to think through this with your trailer but here is the plan.

You put shelving in the front of the trailer, no higher than 5 feet i think. use the PT and stack your implements. For the most part this will work well except for the Post Hole Digger. You are going to have to either disconnect the bit, or come up with an alternate storage spot (like rignt inside the gate). Also make sure you design secure strapping.

You have heard the water condensation / theft issues. I personally feel that if someone wants your stuff they are going to steal it no matter what precuations you take. (this is not to say don't take any) but it is to say make sure you are properly insured, and if possible financially, either lojack or video security in play as much as possible.

ponytug · Oct 25, 2011

You can check out racingjunk.com It is a good site for used trailers. (and trucks.)

I have a small solar powered fan in a 4" hole in the roof to keep it dry. Before that, I had issues with condensation, and after I installed it, the trailer has remained dry. YMMV. I used a marine style vent tube, so that if it turned out to be a bad idea, I would have a method to bolt it shut in a waterproof way.

All the best,

Peter