Winter storage and a quick 7 x 17 V-nose build

[drsm]

First, a sincere thank-you to all who have provided great ideas on this site. This Fall, I purchased a cargo trailer and did a very quick build to get it ready for a two-week trip to Colorado. The ideas on this site served me well, especially those of FlyFisher and gadgetman. You can see the build here: http://www.skmcbride.com/camping_trailer.php . My plans are to upgrade it over the winter and Spring.

This leads into my main question: Does anyone have a great idea for covering and protecting their trailer over a Michigan winter? It is too tall to fit in my garage or shed. I've thought about portable garages, like the 12'Wx20'Lx10'H Round Portable Garage featured on http://www.portablegaragedepot.com/index.cfm, but don't know how sturdy or durable these things are.

Obviously, the best idea is to head South for the winter, but that just isn't going to work, at least not this year

Thanks for any ideas,

Steve

[pete42]

Steve nice build so far I too like RNR trailers in fact I had a 7X14 ordered until to many hospital visits curtailed my plans.

The only thing I can come up with to keep your trailer out of a cold, snowy, rainy, Michigan winter would be
drive down to Dayton, Ohio and give me a call ( I live close by) and I will take it to Florida for the winter

pete

[BC_Explorer]

Cargo trailers do not need to be kept covered. They are constructed completely different then a travel trailer and are not nearly susceptible to water leaks etc.

Although we do not get snow such as Michigan does, here in the Pacific Northwest, we get rain measured in feet per year. This past month alone has been no exception for rain and coincidentally, I thoroughly checked my CT on Friday for any signs of water leakage and I am glad to report that the interior is bone dry. As I have a flat roof trailer, I keep the trailer slightly tilted back via the jack stand off so that any potential water build up will simply run off much easier.

As for any concerns about large snow accumulations on the roof, I would think that a regular clearing off would be sufficient. That said, others here may have other ideas...

[drsm]

Cargo trailers do not need to be kept covered. They are constructed completely different then a travel trailer and are not nearly susceptible to water leaks etc.

What about the air conditioner? Is there a problem with snow accumulating around it?

[drsm]

The only thing I can come up with to keep your trailer out of a cold, snowy, rainy, Michigan winter would be
drive down to Dayton, Ohio and give me a call ( I live close by) and I will take it to Florida for the winter

Might be tough for me to finish my build long-distance. I assume you would take care of that for me, right?

[David_L6]

Nice trailer!

Down here we don't have to worry about snow. There are several places around here that sell a square tubing and sheet metal "carport" for $600 to $800. Just about every place that sells portable buildings around here sell those. They come in various styles and heights. To me they look to be perfect for parking a trailer under. I've seen them built tall enough to park a motor home under. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture or link to what I'm talking about. I may be able to get a picture tomorrow.

[pete42]

steve I have a couple questions for you.

1st) did you get the extended tounge if not does the one you have work ok?
turning, backing ect.

2nd) are the windows the 22X30 ones R&R sells if so how far off the floor are they?
I like to sit and look out during those rainy days and I want the windows low but
not to low

3rd) did you look at the entrance step they offer, I have seen one but didn't really like it

4th) what is behind you small cargo door I like what barb did to her cargo trailer and how she installed her AC unit
it's on a sliding shelf she opens a side cargo door and slides the AC out
the door hinges on top and offers some shade to the unit.

thanks for answers
Pete

[rowerwet]

I plan on making a winter roof for my TD, just a couple 2x6's on edge sitting cross wise on the roof of the TD, cut both 2x's into a V with the peak in the middle. then add stringers fore and aft nailed to the V's and extending out to over hang the front and back of the trailer. Then put steel roofing over the frame work. the trailer will hold up the roof just as well as it holds itself up, no need to build a shed to support the roof.
for a larger trailer make a similar roof in sections to make it easier to remove.

[pete42]

Steve where did you go?

pete

[drsm]

I answered Pete in a PM, not realizing the question was originally posted here. Here's what I wrote, in case anyone else was interested in the answers:

Pete,

1. I got the standard tongue, and it seems to be fine. With the relatively sharp V-nose, there is little danger of pinching too tightly on a turn backing. The only reason I might recommend the extended tongue is if you wish to mount something on it, like LPG tanks or a large battery box.

2. Yes, the windows are the standard ones offered by R&R. You can specify where and how high you wish to have them placed. I chose to have the one over the table at 40" off the floor, which seems just about right. The one on the right side, opposite our bed is 2" higher, because I built the build quite high for storage purposes and didn't want the window below the level of the top of the mattress.

3. I did not like their entrance step. It was fixed and looked like a great place to get the trailer hung up. We originally contemplated a folding step, but we currently do well with a plastic step that doubles as a step to aid my wife climbing into the bed.

4. The smaller access door on the V-nose is for access to my fresh water and gray water tanks under the sink. I can easily remove them via the door. The factory installed the door a bit higher than I had called for in my specifications, probably to avoid the stone protective plating, but it still works adequately.

Steve