Trailer modding
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Trailer modding
Last weekend the deep freeze of the area subsided and I did a little trailer modding 
I installed a little E-track, for a tire/bed rack and my tool chest
I measured twice because I was shocked to see just how low my car was. But she fits under the racks with no problems at all. The racks up front are for my tool chest, that actually rolls in and out of the trailer with no problems. My goal is to be able to carry 2 sets of wheels/tires and have a place to sleep, with the car in the trailer.
Next on the list, is a breaker box... anyone know where i good 30-50amp RV breaker box can be found?
I installed a little E-track, for a tire/bed rack and my tool chestI measured twice because I was shocked to see just how low my car was. But she fits under the racks with no problems at all. The racks up front are for my tool chest, that actually rolls in and out of the trailer with no problems. My goal is to be able to carry 2 sets of wheels/tires and have a place to sleep, with the car in the trailer.
Next on the list, is a breaker box... anyone know where i good 30-50amp RV breaker box can be found?
Last edited by spazegun2213; Mar 10, 2010 at 10:37 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 8
From: Jackson TN
Looks good!
Got a question. What are you going to put on those wood 2x4's? You might want to use aluminum 4x4 decking bars instead.
I truck for a living and have worked/loaded trailers all my life. We used that set-up with wooded 2x4's years ago when I loaded and decked furniture over cars. The company eventually went to a metal 2x4 bar that bolted into the wall sockets you already have.
Later,
Got a question. What are you going to put on those wood 2x4's? You might want to use aluminum 4x4 decking bars instead.
I truck for a living and have worked/loaded trailers all my life. We used that set-up with wooded 2x4's years ago when I loaded and decked furniture over cars. The company eventually went to a metal 2x4 bar that bolted into the wall sockets you already have.
Later,
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Looks good!
Got a question. What are you going to put on those wood 2x4's? You might want to use aluminum 4x4 decking bars instead.
I truck for a living and have worked/loaded trailers all my life. We used that set-up with wooded 2x4's years ago when I loaded and decked furniture over cars. The company eventually went to a metal 2x4 bar that bolted into the wall sockets you already have.
Later,
Got a question. What are you going to put on those wood 2x4's? You might want to use aluminum 4x4 decking bars instead.
I truck for a living and have worked/loaded trailers all my life. We used that set-up with wooded 2x4's years ago when I loaded and decked furniture over cars. The company eventually went to a metal 2x4 bar that bolted into the wall sockets you already have.
Later,
I've looked at the metal 2x4's and at the moment they were not in the budget (being $80+ a piece with astronomical shipping costs) I know a few people using them and they LOVE them. However, I think for the ~200 total lbs between them I'm hoping the 2x4's will be fine for a while.
I might end up adding some cross bracing if i see them start to warp in any way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 56
From: Troutman, NC
Hey Ross,
How tall is your trailer on the inside? Make sure there's enough room from the top of the 2X4's to the top of the ceiling to fit the tires in there. When I first put my shoring beams in my trailer, I hadn't left enough room under them to get my tool box under it, and had to move them higher.
Then I discovered I had set them too high and the tires wouldn't in so I had to lower it a bit so the tires would go in. The inside of mine is 6'6".
How tall is your trailer on the inside? Make sure there's enough room from the top of the 2X4's to the top of the ceiling to fit the tires in there. When I first put my shoring beams in my trailer, I hadn't left enough room under them to get my tool box under it, and had to move them higher.
Then I discovered I had set them too high and the tires wouldn't in so I had to lower it a bit so the tires would go in. The inside of mine is 6'6".
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,439
Likes: 920
From: CONCORD NC
"shoring beams" are only around $45 each. I have 3 of them, and use them to make 2 rows of tires. I have just enough room to drive the car under them, and still get the tires in and out.
UScargocontrol.com has them, and shipping (for 3) is only $30 ($15 for 1). 3 of them only weight 57lbs, so I think they are likely only a bit heavier than wood, and much stronger.
I would also note that if that is where you park the car in the trailer, getting in/out of your window will be difficult when it's full of tires.
UScargocontrol.com has them, and shipping (for 3) is only $30 ($15 for 1). 3 of them only weight 57lbs, so I think they are likely only a bit heavier than wood, and much stronger.
I would also note that if that is where you park the car in the trailer, getting in/out of your window will be difficult when it's full of tires.
Last edited by davidfarmer; Mar 10, 2010 at 02:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Hey Ross,
How tall is your trailer on the inside? Make sure there's enough room from the top of the 2X4's to the top of the ceiling to fit the tires in there. When I first put my shoring beams in my trailer, I hadn't left enough room under them to get my tool box under it, and had to move them higher.
Then I discovered I had set them too high and the tires wouldn't in so I had to lower it a bit so the tires would go in. The inside of mine is 6'6".
How tall is your trailer on the inside? Make sure there's enough room from the top of the 2X4's to the top of the ceiling to fit the tires in there. When I first put my shoring beams in my trailer, I hadn't left enough room under them to get my tool box under it, and had to move them higher.
Then I discovered I had set them too high and the tires wouldn't in so I had to lower it a bit so the tires would go in. The inside of mine is 6'6".
"shoring beams" are only around $45 each. I have 3 of them, and use them to make 2 rows of tires. I have just enough room to drive the car under them, and still get the tires in and out.
UScargocontrol.com has them, and shipping (for 3) is only $30 ($15 for 1). 3 of them only weight 57lbs, so I think they are likely only a bit heavier than wood, and much stronger.
I would also note that if that is where you park the car in the trailer, getting in/out of your window will be difficult when it's full of tires.
UScargocontrol.com has them, and shipping (for 3) is only $30 ($15 for 1). 3 of them only weight 57lbs, so I think they are likely only a bit heavier than wood, and much stronger.
I would also note that if that is where you park the car in the trailer, getting in/out of your window will be difficult when it's full of tires.
$45 each is much better than what I've found, I'll look them up for sure!
As for the tires and getting in and out, yup, I'll have space blocked off so i can get in/out with no problems. I also need to mount a car stop, so i can park the car in the same spot every time.
nah, this is going to be a rough year for me time wise, but I'll be out there.. sometime! 
I cant wait to see where you are going once your bimmah is gone. GL!
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,439
Likes: 920
From: CONCORD NC
I have a 2x4 bolted to the floor. I then attach my front straps (I keep them at a fixed length), then roll the car back to tighten them. I use the rears to secure everything, and never change the front straps. I like the car in the same spot, and this is the system I've used for 12 years
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 56
From: Troutman, NC
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
David, did you just wood screw a 2x4 to the trailer?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 56
From: Troutman, NC
Ross,
You can get the garage stops at Lowes for < $10. They are made of plastic and have 2 bumps on them that create a cradle for the front tire. When you roll over the first one, the car settles into the cradle, and you know you're centered. It has double sided tape on its bottm and can stick anywhere and is movable.
You can get the garage stops at Lowes for < $10. They are made of plastic and have 2 bumps on them that create a cradle for the front tire. When you roll over the first one, the car settles into the cradle, and you know you're centered. It has double sided tape on its bottm and can stick anywhere and is movable.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: USA
It's up for sale at the moment. I need more powah!
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1413365
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1413365
Last edited by magnetic1; Mar 11, 2010 at 10:38 AM.