My primary purpose for buying the trailer and all the goodies that go with it was for hauling stuff. I didn’t know what at the time, but it has come in handy on a couple of occasions.
So, the trailer is lowered onto the hitch and the safety chains connected.
Safety Chains Attached
The ball latch on the trailer is lowered to secure the trailer to the hitch.
Tongue Latch Closed
And the padlock installed to secure the secure latch.
Tongue Lock in Place
Put yet another padlock on the trailer trunk and it’s ready to hit the road.
Trunk Lock in Place
I could have the trailer sitting on the bare jack tube …
Sitting on just the post is kinda dumb
Or on the wheel for maneuvering …
Really Helps to Move the Trailer
Or on the base plate for stability. This is the most common configuration for me.
Much More Stable
Before pulling away, I’ll have to remove the base or the wheel, and stow the jack.
Jack Stowed for Travel
Eventually, I came to realize that if I ever decided to bug out, and there was enough time to do so, I could load up my buckets and boxes from the basement and the kitchen and other locations in the house, into the trailer. If I can get there with my little car, the trailer will follow. I’ve tested that. (This is at the Lake Roberts launch ramp. It’s a 40 mile drive up and down the mountains of the Gila National Forest. Third gear in a number of places, but still made it!)
Made it to Lake Roberts!
There is only one thing more I need to do. As it is, the trailer is useful. I can use ropes to tie a load down. I can even lay out a layer of my storage bins all around the trailer.
Single Layer of Buckets
But I can’t stack them above the rather low rails. Well, not safely.
More Than One … BAD!
My plan then is to get three pieces of plywood and a collection of hardware. I will then convert the trailer to a box. I’m also contemplating making the “box” removable. In other words, I’ll be able to add and remove the plywood panels. I looked at some of the hardware I think I want to use. I want to equip my “walls” with a variety of rope and bungee hooks and rings. I may even try to design some kind of platform for a couple of jerry cans. Wouldn’t hurt to have some extra fuel to compensate for that extra weight. That will be my next trailer project.
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