New guy looking for ideas for a multi-purpose 7x16

[Allan]

Hi everyone!! What a great place!!!! I have been lurking for a few weeks. I can't get over how helpful and friendly everyone is. What a great community.

Well, my build is going to be a little different that most others that I see here. I'm in construction and I travel quite a bit for now. I have a 7 x 16 tandem axle with a rear ramp door. I use the trailer to move from building site to building site. When I move, it's packed to the rafters. Every inch of space is used. Once I arrive, I offload all of my personal belongings and tools. I also have a Harley that goes everywhere with me. Once I empty the trailer, it sits for long periods of time. I occasionally use it for work on rare occasions.

I have a blank canvas to work with. I am currently planning the electrical system and have done some basic wiring primarily for lights and a few service outlets. I have added 10 ply tires and a roof rack. I also have added 2 shelving units for portable power tool storage. These units are easily removable. Since I use the trailer for moves to new locations and occasional work situations, I need to keep permanent built in items to a minimum.

I plan to use the trailer to travel on long weekends and between construction projects. I plan to travel to remote locations to ride the motorcycle and see the country. I am usually traveling alone at this point but would like to be able to bring up to 3 people and 2 motorcycles along with me.

Maybe this is all TMI but those are my goals.

[Curtis in Texas]

Hi Allen,
Do you clean that trailer out to go camping or on rides? That is one full trailer. Don't you worry about dropping something on your Harley?
I bought a similar 16’ Construction trailer from a guy who used it for his Drywall work.
He retired and didn’t need it anymore so I got a heck of a deal on it.

I too like to take my bikes with me and am thinking I’ll convert my cargo trailer to do some camping duties and carry my Dual Sport bikes in. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking of the best way to utilize my space.

Here are some suggestions. But, I’m basing this on you emptying your tools and stuff out of it and putting in your camping gear and bike and hitting the road when you not working and headed out on a vacation.

Plan on using some good quality cots for sleeping, because of their ability to be collapsed down to a small package!
Look into folding camping tables chairs and gear that you can use inside and outside the trailer. Maybe a carpet you can roll out on the floor for comfort. Maybe some curtains for room dividers.
Maybe make a kitchen cabinet on rollers that can be tied down with your motorcycle tie downs to several places inside the trailer. Like across the back door opening or on the ramp like an outside patio kitchen. Add a canopy to the outside of the trailer and some screen to add a porch seating area. I did this to a pop up trailer I had years ago and it effectively double my usable floor space. We did most of our cooking outside that trailer to keep the grease and odors off the walls outside.

In other words, try and get as much double duty out of your gear as possible.

That or get a bigger trailer. If I had the money I would buy on of those nice horse trailers with the camper in the front half. If you had one of those all you’d have to empty is the tools and equipment to get your bike out of the trailer.

When you are away from home on the job do you stay in a hotel or get an apartment? Can you stay on the job site inside your trailer? I know some guys who have converted some car hauling trailer over to some nice camper toy haulers.

Oh, and welcome to the Insane Asylum.

[gwan2cruz]

I am considering doing a similar setup with a 6x12 tandem axle to carry my motorcycle and some camp set up. Good luck with your project.

[getvrtcl]

Here is mine.

http://harleyhauler.blogspot.com/2010/02/blog-post.html