Enclosed trailer setup.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

Hey, any of you guys running enclosed trailers for your Landscape/Hardscape company? I haved seen plenty of trailer set ups for LCO's on here, but not any hardscaping guys. I was considering getting a 16 or 18 foot trailer to park on the job site and leave while working. Use it like a mobil garage so that i don't have to always be loading and unloading tools in my shop at the house. I also figured it would make a great way to advertise my company. Another thing that crossed my mind with an enclosed trailer is i could get a porta potty to put in side so that i don't have that occasional trip to the store for one of the guys to use the bathroom. Thanks.

[mrusk]

Best pic of the inside of my trailer i have. We started the shevling the being of the season and have yet to have time to finsh it.

[GreenMonster]

Here's a few of ours. This is a 16' enclosed that also has irrigation stuff. We also have a 14' set up similarly. They're great. No more loading/unloading into truck anymore, and begging for the use of homeowner's garage.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

great set up guys. "Mrusk" post some pics when you get a chance to finish yours. I like the organization. I am a very organized guy and love to see everything having a place. I guess that is why chunking everything into an open landscape style trailer bugs me to death. thanks.

[ChampionLS]

Oh man... guess I'll have to post some of mine tomorrow...

[ZX12R]

Looks nice,whats the heater for? Drying blocks before applying glue?

[STL Ponds and Waterfalls]

Looks nice,whats the heater for? Drying blocks before applying glue?


Everything when it's cold out.

[LB1234]

We just purchased a 18' enclosed trailer last year for this very purpose. Pack that thing and just leave it at the job site. We are finding it saves a number of hours on the job from having to pack/unpack all the time. However, we haven't had the time to install the shelving and the like like the others above.

My question is what have you guys used to secure the shelving. Self-tapping metal screws to the metal studs of the frame? How has the shelving held up over time? What type of weight have you been placing on the shelving?

thx

:waving:

[zedosix]

We just purchased a 18' enclosed trailer last year for this very purpose. Pack that thing and just leave it at the job site. We are finding it saves a number of hours on the job from having to pack/unpack all the time. However, we haven't had the time to install the shelving and the like like the others above.

My question is what have you guys used to secure the shelving. Self-tapping metal screws to the metal studs of the frame? How has the shelving held up over time? What type of weight have you been placing on the shelving?

thx

:waving:

I use 1.5" self taping screws for my steel shelving. It holds whatever you want to put on it. No problem. Hard to tell but its a 19' v nose with upgraded 5200lb axles. I was going to get a unit with a built in washroom but I was realistic and knew I would be the one doing the cleaning. Now I just put a pail with javex. (someone asked earlier about a bathroom)

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

All The Pics Look Great. Another Question...what Is The Magic Length. I Would Love To Have A Trailer That Is Long Enough For Shelving And All As Well As Have Enough Room To Load A Mini Skidder, But I Have To Be Realistic That I Have To Get This Thing Around Some Pritty Tight Neighborhoods.

[zedosix]

All The Pics Look Great. Another Question...what Is The Magic Length. I Would Love To Have A Trailer That Is Long Enough For Shelving And All As Well As Have Enough Room To Load A Mini Skidder, But I Have To Be Realistic That I Have To Get This Thing Around Some Pritty Tight Neighborhoods.

Its more about the width of the trailer than length, with shelving on one side and the heavy equipment on the other side it still leaves room down the middle to get around. We used to have a 7 x 14 and struggled all the time with getting to the front of the trailer. Now we have 8 x 19 v nose and there is tons of room. Tows nice too!

[chesie]

Our's is similar to Zedo. We used wood for shelving until we decide on a final layout(stayed that way for 4 years now :confused: ). Size 8'x16'.

[chesie]

Another.........

[LB1234]

I use 1.5" self taping screws for my steel shelving. It holds whatever you want to put on it. No problem. Hard to tell but its a 19' v nose with upgraded 5200lb axles. I was going to get a unit with a built in washroom but I was realistic and knew I would be the one doing the cleaning. Now I just put a pail with javex. (someone asked earlier about a bathroom)

Interesting about the axle upgrade. I have a 7k# trailer or 3500# axles. I'm going to be reall close once the dingo is loaded with the shelving, screed bars, compactors, saws, and the like. Curious how much that cost...upgrade of the axles that is....

[LB1234]

All The Pics Look Great. Another Question...what Is The Magic Length. I Would Love To Have A Trailer That Is Long Enough For Shelving And All As Well As Have Enough Room To Load A Mini Skidder, But I Have To Be Realistic That I Have To Get This Thing Around Some Pritty Tight Neighborhoods.

Our maintenance trailer is a 20' enclosed trailer (24' nose to rear) that is I think 7 or 7.5' in width. Put it this was our 61Z fits in between the wheel wells comfortably. Anyway, we use that thing about twice a week and have no problems manuevering it around. And we do some work in Rahway, NJ which can be pretty darn tight if you or anyone else is familiar. Granted it takes some getting used to but it works. BTW we tow with two pickups both short beds, one ext cab other crew cab.

[zedosix]

Interesting about the axle upgrade. I have a 7k# trailer or 3500# axles. I'm going to be reall close once the dingo is loaded with the shelving, screed bars, compactors, saws, and the like. Curious how much that cost...upgrade of the axles that is....

Upgrade isn't expensive, don't remember exact #'s but under a grand for sure.

[LB1234]

Upgrade isn't expensive, don't remember exact #'s but under a grand for sure.

Not bad at all. I'll have to check into it. thanks again :)

[GroundScapesIncorporated]

We have a 7'x16' (neatly organized and shelved) and are wanting to upgrade.
I think 18'x8' would be the magic size for us (right now), unless you are hauling a mini skid of some sort.

Seems like I had heard someone who had a 20' that it was just a tad to big (maybe CG, I dont remember though)

speaking of Chris, Arent we still waiting on some pictures of your setup from a thread this past spring.

[5.0]

Anyone know of somewhere online that sells enclosed trailer exterior pieces. I need a new front corner protector for my 20'. :hammerhead:

[5.0]

Found a pic-
http://brentroad.com/photos/00487481.jpg Was taken day after I got it- it rides level now with a drop/load leveling drawbar.
Don't have pics of the inside, but it has metal bins and shelves like in an enclosed work van cross the front. Cabinets, sink, and countertop along the driver's side wall that extend to the side door.
We use it ~50% for hardscapes and ~50% for irrigation.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

5.0, Is That Awning For When You Are Kicking Back Watching Your Guys Work? Lol. It Must Either Be A Second Hand Trailer Or You Use It For More Than Work.

[5.0]

sometimes :angel:
In all seriousness, we do setup the bricksaw and whatever else we can under it whenever it is feasible. Seems silly, but it coupled with a big fan has helped productivity substantially on 100+ degree summer days. We talked about doing an AC unit on the top of the trailer.... :laugh:

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

A/C WILL RUIN YOUR GUYS. WE SOMETIMES TAKE A 10X10 POP UP TENT TO PUT THE SAW UNDER. i DON'T KNOW HOW THAT WOULD HELP PRODUCTIVITY SINCE I COULND'T THINK OF A SINGE PROJECT OF MINE WHERE MY TRAILER IS ONLY A FEW FEET AWAY FROM THE PATIO OR WALK. OTHER WISE I WOULD THINK THAT YOU ARE KILLING YOURSELF WITH WALKING.

[shovelracer]

Anything over 18' is gonna get hard to manuver around tight areas. I cant believe all of you leave those on the sites. I have heard far to many stories over the years of trailers getting cleaned out over night. It may be a PITA but I take everything off site when I can. When I cant I make sure you wont get whatever it is off the property.

So... where can I view any current jobs? J/K

[GreenMonster]

Anything over 18' is gonna get hard to manuver around tight areas. I cant believe all of you leave those on the sites. I have heard far to many stories over the years of trailers getting cleaned out over night. It may be a PITA but I take everything off site when I can. When I cant I make sure you wont get whatever it is off the property.

So... where can I view any current jobs? J/K

I agree on the length. We work in a lot of tight spots, where the 16' trailer is a chore to get in place.

As far as leaving stuff on site, there's a big difference between Joisey and New Hampshire. I wouldn't leave anything unattended in Jersey either.

[zedosix]

I agree on the length. We work in a lot of tight spots, where the 16' trailer is a chore to get in place.

As far as leaving stuff on site, there's a big difference between Joisey and New Hampshire. I wouldn't leave anything unattended in Jersey either.

I can't see hauling home my trailer and skidsteer and excavator every night, I'd be on the road too much. My chit stays on site. If it gets stolen, it gets stolen. We have insurance for that.

[LB1234]

That's what insurance is for. We have insurance any everything for replacement value. We also include any tools over $500 as an additional insured. Knock on wood haven't had to use it yet but it is there. We are also coverd up to something like $2500 for miscellaneous tools and equipment (i.e. screwdrivers, hammers, etc.)

[ZX12R]

"Interesting about the axle upgrade. I have a 7k# trailer or 3500# axles. I'm going to be reall close once the dingo is loaded with the shelving, screed bars, compactors, saws, and the like. Curious how much that cost...upgrade of the axles that is....:

Everyone getting a new trailer shoud surley get 10k axles.Contractors here were getting tickets and fines like crazy from road side checks on weight.

[zedosix]

"Interesting about the axle upgrade. I have a 7k# trailer or 3500# axles. I'm going to be reall close once the dingo is loaded with the shelving, screed bars, compactors, saws, and the like. Curious how much that cost...upgrade of the axles that is....:

Everyone getting a new trailer shoud surley get 10k axles.Contractors here were getting tickets and fines like crazy from road side checks on weight.


When you think about it, the cost is irrelevant. We buy a one ton truck for a reason, and thats to hook a 12k trailer to it, or to haul your 75 hp skid steer. You don't try and get away with that chore with a 1/2 ton. Same goes for trailers and axle upgrades. I do know that when it was time to trade up my old trailer I took it with all my tools in that I normally carry from job to job and had it weighed at the quarry's scale house. I was shocked to see how heavy the load really was.
The one in the picture is a united expressline 8 x 19 uxt model with the upgraded axles. I paid somewhere around 9k for the trailer. As you can see in the picture it is really a frame for a 16 footer but has the added V on the front of the frame. Tons of room and easy to haul.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

I know it sounds crazy, but has anyone seen an enclosed trailer with 8ft ceilings and 10k axles that could accomodate a skid steer. I am assuming that no one makes one strong enough to hold up to this, but figured i would ask anyway.

[LB1234]

I know it sounds crazy, but has anyone seen an enclosed trailer with 8ft ceilings and 10k axles that could accomodate a skid steer. I am assuming that no one makes one strong enough to hold up to this, but figured i would ask anyway.

no, however, I have seen a landscaper in somerset county with an dual axle open trailer and he had a custom canvas placed on it. He could basically unroll it and roll it up. If the goal is to keep the equipment covered then it would work really really well. IF its to secure all the small tools then I beleive you are pretty much crap out of luck.

[ChampionLS]

Why would you want to put a skid steer in a enclosed trailer anyway? That's not using up floor space effectively. Pull it with a separate flatbed trailer and use the enclosed trailer for your hand and power tools that need security. Besides, a flatbed trailer for your skid steer can now be used to pick up product on pallets and also carry your loader's attachments.

[LawnsRUsInc.]

I have seen only one on the road it is crazy tall though and the back ramp is really beefed up

[McLandscapingInc]

You guys may want to consider using large jobsite boxes, they can be kept within feet of where you are working and keep things safe and out of the elements. The enclosed is nice for irrigation and jobs where you can park it really close, otherwise thats a whole lot of walking.

[LawnsRUsInc.]

Personally i feel that our 12-14' trailers work best for us we can put many things in it for our hardscaping.

[Rex Mann]

We run one enclosed trailer, that has 8-foot interior ceiling height.
We never tried to put a skid loader inside, but I guess it would fit.

Peace,

Rex

http://PaversInstalled.Com

[JimmyStew]

How much weight do you guys typically haul in these trailers? I'm thinking about getting one for next year to keep all of my "project" equipment in. It would have all of my hardscaping stuff like saws, screed pipes, edging, hand tools etc. plus odds and ends for planting projects like hoses and shovels and the like. I wouldn't be hauling any equipment like mini skids or motored wheel barrows, however. I'm wondering if a single axle 6x12 would suffice. There seem to be some fairly good deals on lightly used ones in this area. Most seem to be homeowner who used them a couple of times for hauling an atv or motorcycle.

[cgland]

My advice is to get a dual axle no matter what! You will definately use the space over time and, of course, more stuff = more weight.

Chris

[GroundScapesIncorporated]

I agree,
If you run a full time Hardscape crew, I wouldnt go with any anything less than a 14' with 2-3500lb axles.
Our 16' is getting pretty tight and we are preparing to purchase a bigger plate compactor which is going to put us over cramped.

Its the odd stuff that really takes up needed space.
We buy our geo-textile fabric in 12.5' x 432' rolls. we also have aluminium screeds that are 3',4',5',6',7',8'10, and 12'
these two items alone will fill up alot of room in a trailer.

[mrusk]

Yea its the fabric, geo grid, extra pipe that really take up the space in the trailers. Then you have some extra wood for forms, some rebar, couple bags of concrete, and a ton of other stuff. It is very easy to fill a trailer.

[cgland]

Here is ours. Its a 20'x8' carmate. Believe it or not, we are pressed for room. A bunch of you have been asking for inside pics, I just haven't had the time, plus most of the time it's trashed on the inside. I will get some though...I promise!

Chris

[Ramairfreak98ss]

Lotta you guys have some nice setups inside the trailers. Eventually my 24' will be converted into a landscape/hardscape only trailer, it is nice to work out of even doing lawn cutting, but it is heavy. Empty i think it weighs around the ~4200 mark, add in tools, stuff i leave up front, two ztrs or three this spring, a walk behind and your usual tools and your tugging around a lotta weight for cutting lawns. Ill probably get a 10k rating trailer thats 20-24' total thats just much lighter, around 3000-3300lbs as my lawn enclosed, im planning to use an 18' open landscape for all the days theyre calling for sunny skys only :p

[02DURAMAX]

Here is ours. Its a 20'x8' carmate. Believe it or not, we are pressed for room. A bunch of you have been asking for inside pics, I just haven't had the time, plus most of the time it's trashed on the inside. I will get some though...I promise!

Chris

Any inside pic's yet?

[BOEpavers]

We purchased the pictured trailer last year and it has been great. It is a Stahl SST, 16', 8' inside height, 10,000GVW, many custom options. Best feature, and main reason we purchased, is the outside compartmentation. Eliminates building cabinets inside, and all hand tools, cut-off saws, adhesives, pins, etc. are accessible without going into the trailer. Inside are compactors, table saws, splitters, Mirafi, Geogrid, handtools, screeds, Snap-Edge, etc. Expensive compared to a generic enclosed trailer, but much heavier built and more functional off the lot.

[Adam's Lawn and Garden]

Hey Bentons,

Is this the father benton or the son? My name is adam, i was the young guy at the EP Henry class at Standard Concrete last may. You guys seem like you do good work, you should post some pics sometime of your work.

Adam

[BOEpavers]

Adam -

This is the father. I do remember you from the class. Son moved to Western PA to start a new career and let me tell you finding a qualified replacement wasn't easy. Thanks for the complements on our work - we're doing something right as we have no shortage of customers lined up and waiting and that is not the case with others in the area. It's not price either because as a custom design/build company using only high quality products we're more often than not the high bidder in multiple quote situations.

Good luck to you and hopefully we'll run into each other soon.

[DoetschOutdoor]

Wow Benton, that is a sweet trailer. It sure would be nice to have all that stuff on the outside and not always having to go in the trailer. Wanna give the price away??

[Adam's Lawn and Garden]

Your son seemed like a really hard worker, sorry to hear he left. I sure standard has some class signed up that i'll attend to give me something to do. I don't intend on doing any hardscaping, too complicated. I remember your wife saying you guys were booked solid. How did that project turn out that you ran into foundation problems that you were doing when that class was going on? Your first names terry right?

Adam

[BOEpavers]

Doetsch,

Base 16' trailer was just under $10k. We added around $5k of customs, the big one being GM Dark Green Metallic base coat/clear coat to match our trucks. Many were functional, like rear ramp door, rear stabilizer jacks, floor mounted d-rings, line-x type coating on all compartment shelves, and interior lighting. Some were vanity items like aluminum wheels, aluminum stone guard, etc. Trailer graphics were another $2k some of which was recoverd through co-op advertising funding by our preferred paver mfg. Expensive - yes, functional -yes, efficient - definitely, just knowing where everything is at saves so much time on a jobsite. Also - can't beat a 16' billboard parked in a neighborhood for a week or traveling down the road.

[SOUTHERNGREENSCAPES]

Benton, the trailer looks great. i am working on a similar situation with my local rep. If all goes well i should have my new 18'x8.5' wrapped here soon.

I will post pics for everyone since i started this thread a while back. I just wanted to get my shelving and all taken care of before sharing pics.

[BOEpavers]

Here's a pic of what people sitting in traffic behind our trailer have to look at!

[02DURAMAX]

Here's a pic of what people sitting in traffic behind our trailer have to look at!

Mind if i ask how much all the lettering was..:cry:

[BOEpavers]

Not at all - 2 sides (each approx. 4' by 16' - see previous photos) and rear were around $2k. We provided a bunch of photos, logos, etc. and the graphics shop did all the design, setup, printing of the wraps and installation.

[JohnnyRoyale]

Here is ours. Its a 20'x8' carmate. Believe it or not, we are pressed for room. A bunch of you have been asking for inside pics, I just haven't had the time, plus most of the time it's trashed on the inside. I will get some though...I promise!

Chris

Sharp Trailer-what are you pulling it with?

[JohnnyRoyale]

Here's a pic of what people sitting in traffic behind our trailer have to look at!

Nice trailer, 2k is money well spent, in my opinion. We just purchased 3 new 18 footers to replace our landscape trailers and we're getting them wrapped as well-I'll post pics when they're done. Our trucks go up and down the highway twice a day-can't buy that much local exposure with a yellow pages ad for that price.