Enclosed trailers - Do you have one and how do you use it

[Hindsight]

There was some discussion about this in Frank's thread since a couple of us are looking for trailers and/or tow rigs, so I thought I'd create a new thread for this.

I'm considering getting a pickup and an enclosed trailer to tow the 818 to track days. I'm most curious to hear from people who use their enclosed trailers for more than just car/tool storage. IE do you sleep in the trailer while at events, etc. I thought using the trailer as a mini hotel would be a great idea, but I borrowed a friend's Suburban and 20' enclosed trailer to take the 818 to Road Atlanta and on the very first day, I realized there was no way I would be sleeping in the trailer. It was in the 90's with like 80% humidity... completely miserable, and of course it was about 20 degrees hotter inside the trailer even with all the doors and roof vent open. I ended up leaving the 818 in the trailer overnight, and driving the Suburban to a hotel (which gets expensive fast, but the air conditioning after a day of heat and humidity over asphalt was extremely welcomed).

So for those of you with an enclosed trailer, do you use it for sleeping, or other functions aside from just car storage? How have you dealt with the heat?

Thanks.

[tmoretta]

I used to track my car (old BMW) with an open trailer. I am considering a trailer for my 818 but I think it would have to be an enclosed trailer. With this open top roadster there would be a major jeopardy of potential rain- with gauges, some wiring and components and entire interior exposed to the weather.

[Olli]

Hindsight search the web for "toy box" trailers. That just might suit your needs.

Olli

[Pearldrummer7]

Great idea for a thread. I chimed in there, but I totally want an enclosed trailer vs. my current 1984 Econo open trailer. My reasons are:

1: easier loading than the open deck. Most enclosed trailers (hell, most trailers in general) are lower than mine and would make loading easier
2: tool storage overnight/permanent (safer and more protected from the elements)
3: sleeping in the trailer (I currently sleep on a mattress in the bed of my '93 F-150, so this is a small upgrade, at least in terms of space)
4: protection of the car from elements/road gunk
5: ability to leave the trailer locked with the car/tools protected and go somewhere else (leave the car at a track and go to a hotel, etc.)

the cons of the enclosed trailer
1: more expensive
2: no one can see how badass your toy is while you're towing
3: heavier than comparable open trailer
4: harder to clean/work on


I have slept in the truck 17 or 18 times this season, with probably 2-4 more times coming up in the next few weeks. I do enjoy it, but I sleep like crap. The few times I slept in campers or trailers I slept much better. Again, not great, but a small upgrade at least in that regard. That said, I'm also 25 and I realize that not everyone wants to sleep in discomfort :)

[frankeeski]

Take a look at (no pun intended) Look Trailers option for a pop-out in the Element and Vision line of trailers. With this option you could add a small generator and a roof mounted air unit. Getting a decent nights sleep at the track may be possible.
http://www.looktrailers.com/trailers?trailer_id=1140

[Derald Rice]

I have considered sleeping in the trailer (20ft enclosed) , but the difficulty to easily lock the trailer from the inside, and the easy ability to lock the trailer from the outside
( with me in it ), coupled with the lousy ventilation ( my cobra stinks like... a cobra ), have kept me from actually trying it out. I usually either sleep in the back of the truck, pitch my tent beside the rig, or get a room. Hotel rooms have showers, but..... a few tracks have showers in the pit restrooms.

It is very convenient to stay at the track, but the next morning, I usually wish that I had gotten a room.

I suppose the ideal situation would be to get a pop up slide in camper for the truck, or a toy box trailer, but I can buy a lot of hotel rooms for the cost of either of those options.

Derald.

[Mitch Wright]

Derald, See it is work a trip to beautiful Bowling Green KY, we have really nice restroom showers and they have heat and AC.

[Mechie3]

I've done some research into converting box trucks into a car hauler. People have done it and used the "mom's attic" area as a bed. They've added water, generators, tool boxes/shelves, AC units on the roof, skylights, and side doors (easier to lock from inside). I was looking only because my HOA says no trailers parked in teh driveway. I don't want to spend $100/mo to store a trailer.

[D Clary]

I have 20' enclosed trailer, I have never considered sleeping in it. Cars smell to bad. The convenience is that you can lock up your stuff and have a rolling workshop., Mine has a/c so I could cool it but I would be sleeping on a bench. To get any kind of sleeping room you would need 24 feet.

[RM1SepEx]

I use my 16 foot with v nose 8.5 wide for both. It has walls that are 1 inch thicker with aluminum struts to make it deeper. The walls are filled with spray foam. I added a big window on the left side that opens. I made brackets to hold a table, chairs, two 10 foot easy ups etc... I have two 100 watt solar panels on the roof and three 185 AH storage batteries mounted inside the front cabinet in the V. It's very roughly finished and I sleep in it when we go to long distance events. I'm pretty sure that a small generator and simple $100 wall unit could be rigged up for air. Cut and finish a hole with a removeable door. slide in the AC when you need it. done.

I sleep on an air mattress on the floor. The 818 was under one of the 10 x 10 easy ups in the low position at Loring in early August. One night we has rain that stopped your vision after 30 feet!. 818 was dry as a bone. Be prepared and set up the trailer to attach the easy ups. I also use kart tires filled with cement with handles set into the concrete. I use propane stuff for cooking and grilling with the little 2 lb canisters. I have all LED lighting and use a Coleman electric cooler as a fridge. You can't run it continually, it freezes everything. I have a little volt meter to monitor the batteries. Propane tanks are always avail and easy to store. I even have a cheap backpack shower that runs on propane and four D cells. Bring a 5 gallon bucket and keep the shower head in the bucket when soaping up etc... a 5 gallon bucket is good for three showers. The little enclosure for it costs an add'l 30 but could also be used with a bucket, plastic bag and a toilet seat as a privvy.

[Bob Cowan]

I purchased a Serpent Express trailer. Small, easy to tow, easy to park, and easily holds my car with a few extras. It's a good compromise.

If I was by myself, I would probably cheap out and sleep in it. But we go to the nearest hotel: Heat, AC, pool, WiFi, breakfast, maid service. Sort of expensive, but certainly cheaper than a toy hauler. Quite a b it cheaper than setting up an enclosed trailer for living in. And, there's no maintenance involved.

[eggman]

I don't have any insight on enclosed trailers as I'm just starting to think about a towing setup, but I'm curious if folks have ruled out cargo vans for towing vehicle for some reason. A 1/2 ton pickup and 1/2 ton van don't have comparable tow ratings, but you can certainly get a heavier van that'll tow 7,000+ lbs. Install some contractor shelves on one side and I'd think the benefits would be all the enclosed space to carry tools, spare parts, camping type gear Dan mentioned, with floor room for a small air mattress, but maybe I'm overlooking a downside. Or maybe it's just personal preference?

[Hindsight]

Dan - I love your setup!!! Sounds very well thought out. All we need now are pics of it!!

Eggman, I actually love vans. I have a 1993 VW Eurovan that I use all the time. It fits 4x8 sheets of plywood in the back, has an extremely low floor (since it is FWD), has a huge interior volume, is great for dogs, has a table, back seat folds out into a full-size bed that sleeps two very comfortably, two rear-facing jump seats etc etc. Only issue is that it has an under-powered 5 cylinder and can't tow much over 1,000lbs. A bigger van would be awesome but the truck I buy for towing also needs to double as my daily driver. I don't have to commute to work anymore so from a gas mileage standpoint, it makes sense for me to do that. I just wouldn't want a big van to be my only vehicle. Pickup with four doors, ok. If you were going to have the van as a second vehicle, then it's not a bad idea at all. More room for your tools and you can get away with a smaller/lighter/cheaper trailer.

Here is my friend cooking bacon out of the back of my van LOL
http://i.imgur.com/El1Ts3Lh.jpg

[Bob Cowan]

My big issue with a van is that they don't come readily with 4 wheel drive. I live in snow country, and 4 wheel drive is sometimes necessary. If I could get a diesel 4 wheel drive van from the local dealer for a similar price as as pick up, I'd probably do it.

[C.Plavan]

Take a look at (no pun intended) Look Trailers option for a pop-out in the Element and Vision line of trailers. With this option you could add a small generator and a roof mounted air unit. Getting a decent nights sleep at the track may be possible.
http://www.looktrailers.com/trailers?trailer_id=1140

That's what I have. I had a custom Look 22' V-nose built. A/C, generator, insulated walls/ceiling, lights, winch, in floor spare, windows, rubber coin floor, tv, dvd, microwave, stove. I have slept in it many times. Just depends on the track and weather. It doesn't smell at all. The son of the Haulmark trailer company owner stated his own business (Look Trailers)- Quality is excellent for price.

Once you go enclosed, you never go back. It's nice getting out of the sun at the track, and then the added security for all your stuff.

http://i.imgur.com/Mxy7vxIl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4DSfzbKl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RCE7U5jl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8qEFOghl.jpg

[Hindsight]

I have trailer envy Chad. That's a really nice setup. How big of a generator do you need to run that AC and will the AC unit keep the trailer cool in mid 90 degree temps?

[C.Plavan]

I have trailer envy Chad. That's a really nice setup. How big of a generator do you need to run that AC and will the AC unit keep the trailer cool in mid 90 degree temps?

Thanks- I rewarded myself after pulling an open POS wood top trailer I had for 10 years.... Enclosed is sooooo much better if you have the tow vehicle for it.

I think my generator is 6500 watt max or 7500 watt max. It runs everything fine. If the AC is running, lights/TV are on, and I want to microwave some lunch, I shut the A/C off for a few seconds just in case.

[frankeeski]

That's what I have. I had a custom Look 22' V-nose built. A/C, generator, insulated walls/ceiling, lights, winch, in floor spare, windows, rubber coin floor, tv, dvd, microwave, stove. I have slept in it many times. Just depends on the track and weather. It doesn't smell at all. The son of the Haulmark trailer company owner stated his own business (Look Trailers)- Quality is excellent for price.

Once you go enclosed, you never go back. It's nice getting out of the sun at the track, and then the added security for all your stuff.


I hear ya. We bought our Look Vision soon after they came on to the market. Julie and I both wish the pop-out had been available at the time we purchased. If we do ever start using it regularly for track events we may just find a way to add the pop-out on our own. And I agree, quality is excellent for the price or at any price for that matter.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa78/frankeeski/20130622_102114_zps6e720db7.jpg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/frankeeski/media/20130622_102114_zps6e720db7.jpg.html)

[Zach34]

Once the idea popped into my head of selling my Mk II Roadster and building some sort of racecar, part of that idea was an enclosed trailer, before I had even settled on the 818R. It's all about protecting the car from the elements and security. Although I like the looks of the 24' FFR enclosed, I almost wish it didn't have the big "5" logo on the back. The more incognito, the better, IMO. It's pretty easy to pick out a car-hauler vs an enclosed trailer that has a bunch of landscaping equipment on it, but at first glance it's just an enclosed trailer. A Cobra replica or a flashy racecar with carbon fiber bits hanging all over it sitting on an open trailer turns every single set of eyeballs in the vicinity. I would have many sleepless nights at some hotels. Then there's rain, sun, dust, long road trips to a race track and the question of where are you going to keep/secure all the tools and equipment you want to bring.

Sleeping in it has been in the back of my mind, but for what it will cost to outfit even an already-nice enclosed trailer to be comfortable (decent air mattress arrangement, generator, A/C) you can pay for a lot of nights at a decent hotel.

I think if an enclosed trailer is an option for you, then it should be the only option, but I don't consider the sleeping arrangement to be a big factor.

[John Tongish]

Here is my trailer story. Six years ago I decided I wanted to take my roadster and drive it on all the road courses in the US and Canada. I needed a trailer that was enclosed, able to haul everything I would need to maintain my car, be lightweight to be towed behind my ageless '92 Blazer, and it had to fit in my garage at home. I found the solution to all my needs in a 16' Montrose trailer. Built one at a time in Montrose, Michigan, it is based on a snow mobile trailer in that the front and back hinge up. Seems show mobiles don't have reverse. The side door let's you get out of your car and out of the trailer. The owner, Gary, modified mine by lowering it 3 inches and shortening the tongue 6 inches so I could park it in my garage at home.

In the six years of ownership, I have towed the trailer and car over 40,000 miles visiting more than 20 different road courses. On those few occasions I have stayed at the track, I have slept in my tow rig. My setup is perfect for my needs. Montrose Trailers builds a great product to your specifications. Check out their website.

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[Pearldrummer7]

That's what I have. I had a custom Look 22' V-nose built. A/C, generator, insulated walls/ceiling, lights, winch, in floor spare, windows, rubber coin floor, tv, dvd, microwave, stove. I have slept in it many times. Just depends on the track and weather. It doesn't smell at all. The son of the Haulmark trailer company owner stated his own business (Look Trailers)- Quality is excellent for price.

Once you go enclosed, you never go back. It's nice getting out of the sun at the track, and then the added security for all your stuff.

http://i.imgur.com/Mxy7vxIl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4DSfzbKl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RCE7U5jl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8qEFOghl.jpg

beautiful trailer, Chad. Any idea what is weighs, unloaded?

[avgjoe]

Check out http://tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42&sid=b21caf012f6c288b4046ba3bebb62959 for some ideas. This is a great resource for trailer stuff.

[C.Plavan]

beautiful trailer, Chad. Any idea what is weighs, unloaded?

Thanks- ~4000 pounds from the factory. Depending on the car I'm taking to the track, loaded it is ~7300-7700 pounds

More info: I have a collapsible cot in it that I use. It stores in the upper cabinets along with pillows, towels, food items. The Ez Ups store in the closet along with chairs, broom, sleeping bag, car covers. The bottom cabinets are deep (because of "V" nose). I have the remote winch behind the left door, battery, jack, inverter, air compressor, the all important Keurig coffee maker, food/utensil bins, propane stove, spare part boxes, 18v Dewalt tools etc. I really need a bigger tool box than that rolling Beta unit. I have to carry both Metric/standard tools grrrrr.

[C.Plavan]

Once the idea popped into my head of selling my Mk II Roadster and building some sort of racecar, part of that idea was an enclosed trailer, before I had even settled on the 818R. It's all about protecting the car from the elements and security. Although I like the looks of the 24' FFR enclosed, I almost wish it didn't have the big "5" logo on the back. The more incognito, the better, IMO. It's pretty easy to pick out a car-hauler vs an enclosed trailer that has a bunch of landscaping equipment on it, but at first glance it's just an enclosed trailer. A Cobra replica or a flashy racecar with carbon fiber bits hanging all over it sitting on an open trailer turns every single set of eyeballs in the vicinity. I would have many sleepless nights at some hotels. Then there's rain, sun, dust, long road trips to a race track and the question of where are you going to keep/secure all the tools and equipment you want to bring.

Sleeping in it has been in the back of my mind, but for what it will cost to outfit even an already-nice enclosed trailer to be comfortable (decent air mattress arrangement, generator, A/C) you can pay for a lot of nights at a decent hotel.

I think if an enclosed trailer is an option for you, then it should be the only option, but I don't consider the sleeping arrangement to be a big factor.

That logo is just vinyl, you could take it off easily. I took the Look decals off mine easily (sooner the better). Look Trailers now makes aluminum trailers also (in Phoenix). Aluminum is great, but where we live, we don't have to worry about rust. That's why I went with the lower cost steel. I'm not hauling around 4K pound monster cars, It just comes down to your tow vehicle and pocket book. :)

[wleehendrick]

If I could get a diesel 4 wheel drive van from the local dealer for a similar price as as pick up, I'd probably do it.

Mercedes Sprinter Van? Available as 4x4 with a 3 liter diesel V6 and 5000lb towing capacity under $50k. It's not going to tow Chad's behemoth, but if you outfit the van nicely, you could keep the trailer simple.

[eggman]

Eggman, I actually love vans. I have a 1993 VW Eurovan that I use all the time. It fits 4x8 sheets of plywood in the back, has an extremely low floor (since it is FWD), has a huge interior volume, is great for dogs, has a table, back seat folds out into a full-size bed that sleeps two very comfortably, two rear-facing jump seats etc etc. Only issue is that it has an under-powered 5 cylinder and can't tow much over 1,000lbs. A bigger van would be awesome but the truck I buy for towing also needs to double as my daily driver. I don't have to commute to work anymore so from a gas mileage standpoint, it makes sense for me to do that. I just wouldn't want a big van to be my only vehicle. Pickup with four doors, ok. If you were going to have the van as a second vehicle, then it's not a bad idea at all. More room for your tools and you can get away with a smaller/lighter/cheaper trailer.



That's a great rig you have there for adventures and a bit of hauling! I'm definitely looking at the van as a second (well, third, because 818) vehicle so I don't need everyday practicality.



My big issue with a van is that they don't come readily with 4 wheel drive. I live in snow country, and 4 wheel drive is sometimes necessary. If I could get a diesel 4 wheel drive van from the local dealer for a similar price as as pick up, I'd probably do it.

Good point, Bob. I live in the snow belt, too, so if this was to be my DD I'd want more than RWD as well. I know the Chevy vans are available with AWD but I don't know what the price premium on that is; there are are 4x4 conversions for Ford's E-Series and Transits but they're very pricey at 10K+.

[Sgt.Gator]

Cargomate EHW820TA2 http://www.cargomatetrailer.com/pdf/CargoMate%20Econo%20Quadfold-web.pdf Basically a 20" interior plus a 1' wedge. It's has 6" optional taller interior.

58350

I sleep in it when:
A) My wife is not with me
B) When the weather is not too hot or too cold. And never if mosquitoes are around.
Mostly I stay at hotels.

I have race friends with the full camper on their pickup, or the long 5th wheel 40' with a bed/kitchen/AC. Very nice. Or even better is a Beaver motor coach pulling a 26' trailer!

What I'd do again or change next time:

Longer. 26' is my minimum now. 10,000 lb dual axles with electric brakes on both axles. (That is not necessarily standard to have brakes on both, be sure to check).

1' or 18" taller interior. That gives you the ability to mount tire racks high enough along the walls that your car fits under them no problem. You WILL need tire racks if you're racing, optional for HPDE stuff. My racks were tall enough with the extra 6" for an Integra to get underneath, but not for my STI or LGT. Obviously an 818 will get under with the 6", but more is better!

Paint your interior walls and ceiling white. Makes it much brighter inside in general and especially at night.

Paint your floor with Porch and Deck paint. Add the anti skid sand to the paint, helps a lot when the floor is slippery with water/coolant/oil.

A built in winch at the front is nice. I make do with a winch on chains I can connect to D-Rings at the front. Yes, you will probably have to winch your car into the trailer every now and then.

An all aluminum trailer would be really nice. They are more expensive but retain their re-sale much better too.

And of course a Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel. And don't forget to add a BuckStop front bumper. I don't brake or swerve for deer, I just drive thru them. Braking or swerving for a dang deer while pulling a trailer is a recipe for a flipped trailer in a ditch. Our local Umpqua forest rescue rig was getting taken out of service by deer several times a year till they installed the buckstop. Now they have deer and elk stickers on it like a fighter plane, no days out of service. http://www.buckstopinc.com/

[Hindsight]

It would be easy to spend more on a tow setup than on a nicely equipped 818R!

Thank you everyone who has shared all their setups and ideas. This is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping for.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

It would be easy to spend more on a tow setup than on a nicely equipped 818R!
Thank you everyone who has shared all their setups and ideas. This is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping for.

I like this tread also. I'm in the market for an enclosed trailer.
My $250 (correction $150) old boat trailer has served me for 7 track days and about 30 autocross events. plus the trip to FFR.

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bob

[Zach34]

It would be easy to spend more on a tow setup than on a nicely equipped 818R!



For real. I'd be a lot closer to finishing my R if I hadn't bought the trailer. Had to be done, though. It was a good decision.

[Wayne Presley]

I started with an open trailer and it worked ok. I got a v nose 16' enclosed and it was great for putting just the car and a few tools. Then started racing and got an air conditioned 32' bumper pull with load leveler hitch with 2 lotus elises inside. That was not a lot of fun to pull. Then I got a 40' gooseneck and it's a dream to pull. If I only carried one car, I'd have an air conditioned 34'-36' gooseneck. If I had to sleep in it, with the full width over the neck for a bed. If not get the tapered or V nose. If you pull less that 4 times a year, the diesel tow truck isn't worth the non towing offset. If you have a big trailer, I sure like my Cummins!!!! I've pulled 60000 miles over the last 5 years with the Dodge 2500 6.7L Cummins and it's great. I've pulled with a 2015 silverado duramax and it very nice also.

[johngeorge]

Jayco makes toy haulers that are big enough for cobra. That is what I have, 2006 Jayco Talon ZX, with a 14ft garage. It is so nice to have full kitchen, shower, enough to sleep 8, 2 AC's, sattelite HDTV, etc.

My only downfall is loading/unloading the racecar. First I have to remove the front splitter, then setup ramp extensions I made of wood/steel to extend the door as its too steep for cobra loading. We did have to redo the floor as it wasnt strong enough for car weight.

http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2016/06/20/20160620065214-c0855cca-me.jpg

http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2016/08/31/20160831094849-ba51658e-me.jpg

http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2016/08/31/20160831094940-48e1b8b1-me.jpg

http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2016/08/31/20160831094858-92f2ba26-me.jpg

[C.Plavan]

It would be easy to spend more on a tow setup than on a nicely equipped 818R!

Thank you everyone who has shared all their setups and ideas. This is exactly the kind of discussion I was hoping for.

My trailer was less than half the $$$$$ i spent on the 818R... Sad but true.

[mikeinatlanta]

My solution was to buy a used 18' and modify.
E-Track flush mounted in the floor. Not only for cars, but use it to tie down saws for remodel jobs. I set it up as a mobile shop for this.
E-Track flush mounted in the walls. This allows securing cargo and/or a removable bunk/shelves 4' off the trailer floor.
interior stripped and 1" of EPS foam bonded in all the walls plus 2" bonded in the ceiling.
LED lighting and 110V outlets.
Due to the insulation, I can cool it to beer temps with a small colman A/C using a Honda porable 2000W generator. This allows the generator to also be used for powering tools in areas the trailer can't go, and is much quieter than a built in.

58390

[Pearldrummer7]

My trailer was less than half the $$$$$ i spent on the 818R... Sad but true.

yeah but I bet your truck was a good bit more than the 818! Thanks for the trailer info, Chad. Very nice setup; really what I want to have someday.

Here's my setup. 1984 Econo trailer and a 300 straight 6, 5 speed 1993 F-150 (with heavy duty suspension and brakes :) ) from Texas (no rust). Yes I sleep in the back on a mattress, and yes it is incredibly slow when towing. It clears the nose at R height by about 0.0" (light scraping) with the race ramps

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8485/29457867512_e10aaf04d8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LT6gHs)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8534/29533525226_18f3a5dfbc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LZM37N)


Car: ~$25K
Truck: ~$2.5K
Trailer: ~$1.5K

[Hindsight]

My solution was to buy a used 18' and modify.
E-Track flush mounted in the floor. Not only for cars, but use it to tie down saws for remodel jobs. I set it up as a mobile shop for this.
E-Track flush mounted in the walls. This allows securing cargo and/or a removable bunk/shelves 4' off the trailer floor.
interior stripped and 1" of EPS foam bonded in all the walls plus 2" bonded in the ceiling.
LED lighting and 110V outlets.
Due to the insulation, I can cool it to beer temps with a small colman A/C using a Honda porable 2000W generator. This allows the generator to also be used for powering tools in areas the trailer can't go, and is much quieter than a built in.

58390

Based on all the replies here and my own research, I think for my budget and needs, this is nearly exactly what I have been planning on doing. Maybe add a little bit in the front, for living space and tools.... and possibly going 2-4' longer to accommodate all that.

[RM1SepEx]

My all aluminum trailer cost me only $3000 used and I pull it with a V6 04 Silverado... 6000 lb trailer max.

I have 6 big d rings mounted through the floor and frame. I have about 1 1/2 block of wood at the top edge of the door/ramp and use my aluminum ramps from my Bendpack four post lift. Put three 2 x 4 under the frame at the rear and lift the front with the jack and the 818 with street splitter drives right in. I also have a HF winch with remote to tow stuff up hooked to the front center D ring with a heavy duty S hook. The winch is portable and has been used all over the place.

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[mikeinatlanta]

Based on all the replies here and my own research, I think for my budget and needs, this is nearly exactly what I have been planning on doing. Maybe add a little bit in the front, for living space and tools.... and possibly going 2-4' longer to accommodate all that.
You are welcome to stop by and give it a look. I'm south of the airport.

[Wayne Presley]

You are welcome to stop by and give it a look. I'm south of the airport.
Make sure he leaves the chihuahua at home...

[mikeinatlanta]

Make sure he leaves the chihuahua at home...

Does it drink beer? Can't be much.

[Wayne Presley]

58426
Maybe a little....

58427

[Hindsight]

Thanks for the invite Mike - I may take you up on that offer when the time gets closer for me to buy a trailer. I'll leave the dog at home :P

[mikeinatlanta]

Thanks for the invite Mike - I may take you up on that offer when the time gets closer for me to buy a trailer. I'll leave the dog at home :P

You can bring him as long as he doesn't eat my beer fridge.