New member: Just outfitted my new 6x10 work trailer

[mjozefow]

Well first a little about me: I'm a long-time lurker on here. I'm 22 and have been in the remodeling/renovation world since I was a small child. Recently, I got on Angieslist and got some good ratings and now my phone is ringing off the hook. I got the 2011 Super Service award in 2 categories, so recently has been even busier! I do almost exclusively finish carpentry work.

Anyway, about 6 weeks ago I custom ordered a 6x10 Haulmark Transport DLX w/ 7' interior height from the factory in Elkhart.

I finally have it "finished". That is until I see a way to improve it or add more tools.

I bought a Festool TS55 track saw and CT26 dust extractor just prior to starting the project. They make an incredible combination. I was truly blown away by how FAST and how SMOOTH I could cut sheet stock. I new I would love it when I demo'd it, but now that I have used it for a real project and figured out the methodology I'm hooked!

I started by insulating it (about 80% done in this photo) :

Then came the walls (3/8") ply with a semi-gloss white paint.

Here is how it came out:

With this setup I should be able to handle nearly any on-site fabrication.

I now have with me at all times (had to make a list for insurance anyway) This may give someone an idea of a good base of tools for a mobile shop:

-Bosch 10" Table Saw
-Bosch 12" Sliding dual bevel compound miter saw
-Bosch router table w/ Milwaukee 2 1/4hp router
-Bosch Jig Orbital Jigsaw
-Bostich Trimair Compressor
-Jawhorse (a bit hokey but handy as a router table stand)
-18ga, 16ga, 15ga, palm, and framing nailers
-Bosch Finecut
-Makita 4x24 belt sander
-Porter Cable Laminate Trimmer
-Milwaukee Cordless Drills (two 18v and one vintage 12v), 6.5" circular saw, hatchet, Sawzall, work light.
-Milwaukee 7 1/4" corded circular saw
-Milwaukee 3/8" corded drill 5.5 amp
-Milwaukee 5.5 amp 1/2" hammer drill
-Milwaukee Super Sawzall
-Milwaukee 1/2" Right Angle Drill
-Milwaukee 3/4 cap "Falcon" rotary hammer
-Milwaukee Magnum 4.5" angle grinder
-Kreg K3 Jig
-Festool Compact Cleaning set
-Festool TS55 Track saw
-Dremel Multimax (to be replaced w/ Fein soon)

I also have a complete socket set, wrenches, bits, and accessories to support all of the above tools.

 

[mastercabman]

Nice set up! and [welcome] 

 

[Kev]

Nice little shop on wheels.

The all weather annexe will probably be next  [smile]

I love the pie & pizza warmer in the corner (though you'll probably tell us it has some technical purpose ... warming a special adhesive or something).

Any plans to put a bit more classy green stuff in there?

Kev.

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the FOG and congratulations on your success and your new mobile tool home.  My trailer looked that nice once- 11 years ago. [big grin]

Fight the urge to fill up any available space with new tools.  Fight hard.  Then just give in.  The fight is futile. [doh]

Now we need to help with you color scheme.  To much red, not enough green.

Peter

 

[rdesigns]

New to me was the way you used hinges to make your flip-down retainer ledge for tool boxes.
A very classy job all around.

 

[EWTHeckman]

Nice setup. Of course, my first thought was "He's gonna need a bigger trailer. Maybe not this year, but it's not gonna be long."  [big grin]

Where do you put the TS tracks?

 

[mjozefow]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

If you notice virtually all of the Milwaukee stuff is NOS USA made (well it's used now). Milwaukee stuff used to be built to last. I will definitely be adding more green soon. The OF 1010 or 1400 is the next purchase after the 118" track. I'm 22 so these tools should see a long career!

Milwaukee selling out to China and the subsequent reduction in quality is actually what drove me to Festool. I could not find the quality I desired in any of the formerly great brands such as Milwaukee, Black and Decker (vintage aluminum bodied stuff), or Porter-Cable. I am very happy with the tools, but saddened that there are literally NO main line American tool companies left. Until there is I will gladly support the Germans' unwavering standards.

The tracks (two 55") go behind the Craftsman boxes. There is a 2.5" ledge pocket screwed in to prevent the boxes from shifting back and to allow clearance for the lids.

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the FOG !

Great set up!  If you hang around FOG you will need a second trailer.  Good thing your shelves are sized to hold Systainers.

Good luck with your business  [smile]

Seth

 

[mjozefow]

Nice little shop on wheels.

The all weather annexe will probably be next  [smile]

I love the pie & pizza warmer in the corner (though you'll probably tell us it has some technical purpose ... warming a special adhesive or something).

Any plans to put a bit more classy green stuff in there?

Kev.

Ya, that's it... adhesive warmer.

Actually that is the fuel warmer... for the carpenter.  ;D

 

[Steve R]

mjozefow ,

Welcome to FOG and know that Green is only color some here will look at.  You have done a great job with your first trailer.... and like some others here... I'm betting is is not the trailer you will have a few years down the road. But hey... in this economy just getting going is what counts. You have done a great job on the inside.

I commend you for getting it going in this economy.

I would ask one safety issue... if some dink driving does something stupid will the bungees really protect your tools? I like the fold over hinges you have on some shelves...but if they are not locked in some manner will they hold?. Just one little old lady/man or young kid on the road doing something stupid and your tools are going off the shelves. Yea insurance will replace them...but can you get the job done that day...or will you be down for a few days till new tools are purchased. Just asking..

In my area Sprinter are becoming the container of choice. Better mileage and more security.  Trailer theft is so high here that you can't leave then on site and even attached to a truck is an issue. The trailer gone is theft... but if you have the sprinter with the same stuff in it is is grand theft auto... bigger crime and better coverage...  insurance rates are overhead....wondering what you have found?

Good luck with your career
Cheers,
Steve

 

[ELMO]

brilliant love it  [big grin]

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Very nice set up! As mentioned above, you will likely "remodel" your setup several times in the coming years as you refine your work habits and swap various tools.

My Sprinter was stolen in September, which gave me an opportunity to reevaluate which tools I carry and HOW I carry them. For instance, I had a CT-36 but replaced it with a CT-26.

The first photo shows how I had my drivers side cabinets built, the rest of the photos show my current configuration. Since the vast majority of my equipment lives in Systainers, I built modular cubbies that match the rough dimensions of Systainers. The Passenger side cabinet is 1 systainer deep, the Driver's side is 24" deep to allow for 2-deep systainer storage and to accommodate CT vacs.

As far as insurance goes, you may do well to record as many of your SERIAL NUMBERS as possible. The police were able to recover many of my tools, and they said that the pawn shops have a hard time with descriptions or model numbers but are good at recording serial numbers. The police were able to recover (among other tools) my Kapex, Domino (with the PINS!), RO-150, DTS-400, and most of my pneumatics.

Also, make sure you're insured for replacement value rather than actual value.

Great set up, make sure to keep us posted as you come up with new ideas!
Best,
Tom

 

[Alan m]

lovely set up there. nice colection of systainer there. im aiming to be as close to 100 % systainer for all my woodworking tools.

whats the aluminium fram in the last pic

 

[peter halle]

Tom,

What a GREAT latch detail.  I took the liberty of blowing up a piece to show here.  If that is not ok, please let me know.

[attachimg=#]

Peter

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

lovely set up there. nice colection of systainer there. im aiming to be as close to 100 % systainer for all my woodworking tools.

whats the aluminium fram in the last pic

Thanks! Buying everything in shot was a great opportunity to really evaluate what tools would fit in which systainer. Festool actually had to ship the order in a Semi tractor trailer on a pallet. Pretty sweet  [cool]

The aluminum frame is a Eurekazone EZ-One. PM me if you'd like more info, I've been very happy with mine. I have a TS75 on order, I'll post pics and feedback on using a Festool rail on it.

http://eurekazone.com/product-catalog/ez-one-power-bench

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Tom,

What a GREAT latch detail.  I took the liberty of blowing up a piece to show here.  If that is not ok, please let me know.

[attachimg=#]

Peter

Thanks Peter! Here's another one in higher resolution. The latches are simply steel mending plates held on with Kreg screws, loose enough that the plates are easily swung out of the way. I wanted a latch system that was a low-profile as possible due to the narrow aisle.  [smile]
Best,
Tom

 

[mjozefow]

Very nice Sprinter setup!

I still have to insulate the back doors, then there will be cord wraps on those.

I bought the trailer because of a few reasons:

I have two pickups. One 1993 Dodge W250 w/ the Cummins that is a 3 season vehicle (no winter salt for this truck). The other is a 2008 F150 V6 w/ a 5spd manual. Therefore I have the capacity to tow already. These vehicles are paid for. I will never finance anything if I can help it.

A trailer is relatively cheap. IMO this is a much nicer than average trailer (thicker frame, brakes, thicker aluminum skin, LED's, etc) and it still only cost about 4.5k and 35hrs to get it as you see it in the pictures. A decent Sprinter van would have been at least 4-5x that.

I will leave the trailer at home when it is not needed. This still gives me a personal vehicle without towing a 6x10x7 box behind me.

I could buy it with cash NOW. Crawling over my tools and having them banging around in the back of a pickup was NOT working for me. I was starting to misuse tools merely to avoid the hassle of grabbing the right one.

I am a hobby machinist/fabricator. While nothing is ever theft-proof, this trailer will not be easy to steal, nor will it be easy to break in to. I will make sure it is heck to even try.

OOOOOH fancy auto correct on the He**. I guess I had better keep it squeaky clean.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I agree about working out of the back of a pick up. YUCK!  [tongue] Below are some pics of how I had my Tundra set up.

Do you anticipate transporting materials in your trailer or truck?

I imagine you've got some clever ideas in mind for theft-prevention  [cool]

Keep us posted on any changes you make, and best of luck on your new venture!!
Best,
Tom

 

[HowardH]

Eureka Zone?  uh oh.... [scared] [scared] [scared] [scared]

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Eureka Zone?  uh oh.... [scared] [scared] [scared] [scared]

LOL, yeah, I don't want to start any flame-wars. Alan inquired and I provided him with a name and a link.

Gotta say I feel a bit caught between two worlds these days. I think I have a healthy mix of both lines (Festool and Eurekazone).

Bring up Eurekazone at the FOG and people get their undies in a bunch, bring up Festool at the Track Saw Forum and you get some serious backlash there as well. I just post photos and ideas, if folks want further details they're free to ask.

Best,
Tom