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Dix
02-05-2012, 06:40 PM
My wife & I are about to make the plunge & buy a 10 X 6 trailer. It has one side door & a ramp door in the rear.

So how have you designed your trailer inside so tables, speakers & especially light trees (what I have, not a truss) are stored, hung or mounted in your trailer so they wont get banged around & are secure?

Looking for written answers but pictures are my main goal here for this post.

Thanks... all relevant answers & pictures will be +rep'd.

TC

DJ Watty
02-05-2012, 07:17 PM
I just bought a 6x12 v-nose. Something to consider is if you are plan on using trussing. I was originally going with a 10' and ended up going 12 v-nose because most trussing is too long to fit in a 10' without breaking it down. With most brands of trailers I looked at a 12' was only about $150 to $200 more then a 10'. And no extra for v-nose. Also the ramp rear door and stabalizing jacks at the rear are a must. On the inside the only thing I have done so far is add a recessed strap down plate ever few feet on each side.

rec
02-05-2012, 07:52 PM
Dixieland, check out my ghetto set up for my light trees. I stapled some old pillows to the wall and made my own J-hooks from plywood.
All I have to do is carry the tree top in and put it on the tripod and I am done. Works like a champ and I dont have to worry about my lights getting slammed.
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii31/outerbounds/DJ%20Stuff/100_0228.jpg

DJ Watty
02-05-2012, 08:03 PM
rec, those are cool,. They have never come off on you? If you hit a big bump I would be scared of the tree coming off. Is there a strap I can't see?

Dix
02-05-2012, 08:08 PM
Hey Watty.. Welcome back. Good to see you here again.

Thanks for your reply. We wont ever use trussing here as we don't do many large events. Most of our events are smaller - under 150 or so in small venues. Most people here don't event take lights with thier events. So I just use a tree with a "T" bar & two arms. If I decide to go any bigger, I will just get another tree.

We had planned to get a 5X8 actually but a guy who has gotten out of DJing & used to also be in a band is selling his trailer. It extremely clean... like new condition & is letting it go CHEAP. I cant pass this one up. So as this deal goes, I really don't have a choice in sizes. By the way, its not a V nose.

Dix
02-05-2012, 08:18 PM
Dixieland, check out my ghetto set up for my light trees. I stapled some old pillows to the wall and made my own J-hooks from plywood.
All I have to do is carry the tree top in and put it on the tripod and I am done. Works like a champ and I dont have to worry about my lights getting slammed.


Now that's the kind of pics & info that I am looking for. Great job! I had tried to come up with something similar to that as we bought pillows for our speakers. We have those huge SP4 Peaveys & we use two of the pillows to put on the floor & stand each speaker on one pillow so it will be cushioned. I also thought about old couch cushions that are flat & square to set the speakers on. Then we take one pillow & put behind the speakers against the wall... & one one the side of the speakers against the wall.

In short, I have three pillows for each speaker. The sit on one & two are between the speaker & the wall. Then we take bungy cords/tarp straps & put around the speakers to hold them in place.

Thanks again for your pictures & + rep for you & Watty both for your input.
TC

Mystic
02-05-2012, 08:23 PM
We use steel pieces attached to the roof of the trailer with C clamps that hold the truss in place and keep it from slamming into the walls. Works well and is very quick to load in and lock in place.

You can see the C clamp behind the strobe kinda. :P

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h280/Mystic_Of_Cats/IMG_0223.jpg

Dix
02-05-2012, 08:38 PM
Hey Mystic! Welcome back to you too!

Thanks for your pics & advice as well. +rep for you...

Just a note to add for everyone before we get too far along. Its not just about the lighting so, even pics of the whole setup &/or your layout would be good..
Location, mounting etc for all equipment.. lighting, speakers tables, mixers, amps, everything. Just trying to get a good idea of the equipment, layout, storage etc... I don't want to have to set this trailer up but one time if you know what I mean. I just want to get it right the first time.

Again, thanks a bunch for the responses, notes & pics :)
+rep for all relevant posts...

Mike D
02-05-2012, 09:49 PM
Just my preference, but I don't like hanging my lights in the trailer, I still store all my lights in boxes, whether they are originals or something different. As for layout, I'm looking at buying a 10 foot trailer this year as well to replace my 8 footer, mostly because I want something that I can stand up in. For the layout I'm keeping it simple and plan on keeping my subs on the floor (have casters) and basically building a shelf above to house the majority of my lights on that, cab's opposite them up a little so I can slide my truss under and store all my uplighting at the front of the trailer.

Something to keep in mind, odds are you'll want to change the setup at some point in the future, we all do. So keep it flexible in how easily you can move things around. But I also don't have the full truss anymore that spans my table, I just use tree's.

rec
02-06-2012, 11:04 AM
I have not had a problem with them coming out of the J brackets but they probably would if I him a big enough bump. I am probably going to add a bungie at each J bracked to secure things.
LED lighting being so light makes the load out/in so much easier.

A#1 DJ
02-08-2012, 11:57 AM
I had shocks fitted to my trailer and also radial tires (single axle trailer) for a softer ride.:tup:
I had a rough riding trailer years ago that used to rattle my gear quite a bit.:freak:

djtanveer
02-09-2012, 12:10 AM
another nice thing to have is E-track. it a long section that you can attach special hooks and straps to. I use it in my trailer and its very helpful.

Dix
03-18-2012, 10:54 AM
Do yall set your speakers on the floor? If so, do you put something under them to cushion the ride or do they sit on the floor? Just wondering how much shock speakers can normally take riding in a trailer all the time...

Da Animal
03-18-2012, 01:14 PM
I am kinda lurking here in the background too as I just bought a 12' trailer for all my gear, the jigsaw puzzle in the vehicle was just too much to take anymore....

I was looking at building stanchions for my carts that will hold the cart and speakers tight, with a shelf above for wires, lights (in cases) and the odds and ends that we all find we need from time to time... Looking at making all the racking out of 2x2 and 1x6 pine to keep the weight down. If I get to it this week I will try to get pics up...

I am with you though Dixie, I only wanna do this once!

DigitalArtDJs
08-26-2012, 09:32 PM
So how have you designed your trailer inside so tables, speakers & especially light trees (what I have, not a truss) are stored, hung or mounted in your trailer so they wont get banged around & are secure?

Looking for written answers but pictures are my main goal here for this post.

Hey Dixieland - how did your trailer turn out? I'm still working on mine (5x8) but it's coming along. I will be mounting brackets for the tripod lighting (see the open space on the left side above my main flight-case) soon and have decided to add some 2" memory foam on the walls of that side where the lights will rest (verse the pillow idea posted earlier in this thread).

Here are a few pics. BTW - I custom ordered my trailer so I was able to get the E-Track exactly where I wanted it. I also primed, painted and sealed the entire trailer, then added epoxy (floor and ramp) and a light dusting of sand on the ramp to help prevent slipping. Everywhere you see hooks, I bought and painted 1x4's and screwed those into the trailer and all the hooks are screwed into the 1x4's. That way if I need to move things around I can do so without leaving a ton of holes in the trailer structure itself. I was also able to get most of my main (used every gig) equipment towards the back (less the table) and balance the weight front-to-back and left-to-right (once the tripod lighting is in place) fairly close. I know it looks tight, but I can easily walk through to the front of the trailer and bring the table out without moving anything else.

Post some pics of yours when you get a chance.

Prepping for prime & paint:
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1450.jpg

Almost finished (still need to add tripod lighting bracket on left side:
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1520.jpg

Table bracket:
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1522.jpg


DMX & Power cables (My Arriba puck light cases stack and fit to the right of the yellow power cord)
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1523.jpg


View looking towards the back:
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1526.jpg

RodneyL
08-27-2012, 07:17 AM
^ That's like Mobile DJ porn right there! + rep!

Nick_EventPro
08-29-2012, 12:26 AM
Usually goes right in the truck looking something like this...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376599_10100550722389895_631268221_n.jpg

Small show in the truck before everything is tied down...
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/387144_10100566254872675_580129459_n.jpg

Ampedproductions
08-31-2012, 11:07 AM
I am so jealous of everything you do Nick....

martydale14
08-31-2012, 11:43 AM
I am so jealous of everything you do Nick....

+1


Ryan

Drewbdo
08-31-2012, 01:33 PM
I like the trailer finishout that DigitalArtsDJ posted. :) I got some ideas I may add to my rig.

I will try to get some photos of my rig posted.

Nick_EventPro
09-02-2012, 02:15 PM
Thanks for the kind words guys! I really do appreciate it. Let me know how I can help you. I may be far away but I'm always available for advice, to talk shop, hook you up with gear, whatever I can do... and I'm just getting started. =)

A few shots of what was in the cases...

Torrent F5s
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/614554_10100550716821055_188058304_o.jpg

Blizzard Puck Q6A
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/462050_10100550670364155_394119801_o.jpg

Legend 412 Washes
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/338208_10100550663552805_189959817_o.jpg

and outside shot of the end result...
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/290943_10100540429447035_22949144_o.jpg

Mike D
09-09-2012, 08:40 PM
How are you guys securing your speakers in your trailer? Right now we use tie downs and I hate them because they're always a pain in the ass to get loose it seems. I'm working on my new trailer now and I have a concept in mind but I'm looking for other ideas as well. What I'd like is fast and secure of course, looking for the best combo.

DJ Higgumz
09-09-2012, 09:15 PM
sometimes it's nice having a small rig, you don't need to tiedown nothin when it's in a car. whilst you're browsing heres some more pack porn
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/563276_504884679537047_1805827203_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/319469_504884846203697_223527238_n.jpg

I've finally decided to stop using that crazy truss and go all stands (old picture). looks much neater. I still don't beleive it myself that I can fit 2 t60s in a Chevy Venture!

digitalizedeath
09-10-2012, 12:39 AM
sometimes it's nice having a small rig, you don't need to tiedown nothin when it's in a car. whilst you're browsing heres some more pack porn

I considered a trailer to haul equipment with, but I ended up with two major factors against it. I have a 5 speed Jetta which fit everything I owned with the seats folded. Turntables, mixer, amp rack, speakers, stands, ect. Then I bought well priced subs off a friend, (Gigantic Mackie 1801s.) I don't think I'd be able to find a small enough trailer that fits everything that could realistically be pulled by a front wheel drive car which wasn't designed to tow in the first place, and be under the tongue weight. Incidentally, I'm picking up an older but well taken care of Caravan on Thursday.

SockoPro
09-10-2012, 10:01 AM
How are you guys securing your speakers in your trailer? Right now we use tie downs and I hate them because they're always a pain in the ass to get loose it seems. I'm working on my new trailer now and I have a concept in mind but I'm looking for other ideas as well. What I'd like is fast and secure of course, looking for the best combo.

One word, E-TRACK! It is worth every penny.

SockoPro
09-10-2012, 10:04 AM
sometimes it's nice having a small rig, you don't need to tiedown nothin when it's in a car.

That is the most dangerous and illegal advice I have heard in a while. Any load by law needs to be properly secured and for a good reason. Secondly if you get in an accident wait till you see what happens with that unsecured load when it all becomes projectiles.

Another thing I see is most of these vehicles are loaded over weight and probably handle very poorly. In this sue happy society, if you cause a wreck because of being overweight prepare to empty your pocket book.

DigitalArtDJs
09-10-2012, 11:51 AM
One word, E-TRACK! It is worth every penny.


It really is only pennies - I paid $7/ft for mine and had it installed during build (from the manufacturer). However, you can add it aftermarket as well. It's just installs differently (likely won't be welded to the studs and will prutrude a bit more), but still a must have in my opinion.

If you look back at my photos on page two of this thread everything (except my cables) in the trailer is either directly secured via E-Track or strapped to something that is directly secured to E-Track (my Global Truss is secured Top/Bottom to E-Track and then my speaker stands are bungied to the Global Truss).

I did finish my lighting tripod mounts and will try to post some pictures of them tonight.

DigitalArtDJs
09-10-2012, 07:29 PM
Here are a couple of pictures of the brace I made to hold my tripod dance floor lights. I still need to paint, add a rubber (anti-slip) cover to the edge of the brace (where the lights rest), and then add 2" foam to the trailer wall to provide some additional cushion.

Dance Floor Light Brace:
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1532.jpg


Brace (side view)
http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx325/jasplat88/5x8%20Trailer/IMG_1531.jpg

DJ Higgumz
09-10-2012, 09:58 PM
That is the most dangerous and illegal advice I have heard in a while. Any load by law needs to be properly secured and for a good reason. Secondly if you get in an accident wait till you see what happens with that unsecured load when it all becomes projectiles.

Another thing I see is most of these vehicles are loaded over weight and probably handle very poorly. In this sue happy society, if you cause a wreck because of being overweight prepare to empty your pocket book.

That's true I never thought of that. The weight isn't that much though, those subs, though they look big weigh about 120lbs. As far as projectiles the only things that can move are my suitcases and lights. I guess I'll have to go through my setup again.

SockoPro
09-10-2012, 10:46 PM
I am not trying to be a jerk, I am speaking from experience. I rolled and truck and trailer in 2011. I got hit in the head with gear that was laying in the back seat...

Drewbdo
09-11-2012, 07:59 AM
I am not trying to be a jerk, I am speaking from experience. I rolled and truck and trailer in 2011. I got hit in the head with gear that was laying in the back seat...

I remember seeing photos from that on the old forum. God is good, bro! You could have been majorly hurt or dead... or your hard head could have broken all that gear! :D lol

I'm trying to figure out how to upgrade the inside of my trailer now. I have great shelving on one side, but on the other side, I have really thin sidewall paneling that I can't hang anything on. It looks like you guys have 1/2" or 3/4" wall paneling.

Also, the nose of my rig is curved, rather than pointed with flat angles. I can't figure out how to install E-track, unless I cover the nose inside the trailer, and make the front wall all flat and square inside.

SockoPro
09-11-2012, 10:38 AM
All trailers come with 3/8 sheathing unless ordered otherwise. I would do e-track on the flat parts and screw it directly into the trailer ribs in the wall.

If you want to put hooks or fasteners on the wall into the plywood, get yourself some 1 x 10, glue and screw it to the existing plywood. Install your hooks into the 1 x 10 after the glue has dried. The surface area will make it very strong.

A#1 DJ
09-11-2012, 12:59 PM
My trailer is small (inside: 4wide. 6long 5tall) so I'm able to pack my gear tight as if you were packing a van.
With 15" radial tires set a 25psi and the built-in shocks, makes for a van like ride with no bouncing or rattling like most trailers. I have owned a couple of "regular" trailers in the past and my gear was always rattled in someway with screws coming out and getting scratched up etc..

Drewbdo
09-11-2012, 01:50 PM
Tried to give you +1, but I have to "spread the rep before giving to Sockopro again".



All trailers come with 3/8 sheathing unless ordered otherwise. I would do e-track on the flat parts and screw it directly into the trailer ribs in the wall.

If you want to put hooks or fasteners on the wall into the plywood, get yourself some 1 x 10, glue and screw it to the existing plywood. Install your hooks into the 1 x 10 after the glue has dried. The surface area will make it very strong.

This one's interior wall paneling is like maybe 1/4" thick... maybe, if that thick. I bought it used, so I don't have the original paperwork from the manufacturer. It's the brand of trailer that they sell at Lowe's, 5'x8' size.

Are there special fasteners I need to screw into the ribs? I think there are three or four ribs on each side. They are the little 1" square metal tubing.

I was thinking of putting in thicker plywood, screwed to the ribs, then a 1x4 or 1x6 on top of the plywood, with the E-Track screwed to that, running the length of the sidewall, maybe 24" off the floor (or an inch or two below the top of the KW181). Maybe another row of E-Track near the roof for light/speaker stands, etc. Would that work, or is that much wood overkill?

Should I put E-track on the floor too, or just the wall?

DigitalArtDJs
09-11-2012, 05:51 PM
This one's interior wall paneling is like maybe 1/4" thick... maybe, if that thick. I bought it used, so I don't have the original paperwork from the manufacturer. It's the brand of trailer that they sell at Lowe's, 5'x8' size.

Standard walls are 3/8" as stated above - I would almost guarantee that is what you have.


Are there special fasteners I need to screw into the ribs? I think there are three or four ribs on each side. They are the little 1" square metal tubing.

Yes, use 1" self-taping metal screws if you want to secure something into the side wall studs.



I was thinking of putting in thicker plywood, screwed to the ribs, then a 1x4 or 1x6 on top of the plywood, with the E-Track screwed to that, running the length of the sidewall, maybe 24" off the floor (or an inch or two below the top of the KW181). Maybe another row of E-Track near the roof for light/speaker stands, etc. Would that work, or is that much wood overkill?


The extra 1x4 or 1x6 is not needed. It would also prutrude into the trailer more than I personally would want, but perhaps you don't mind. Another option is to take it to a local trailer dealer - they will do it for you and it is not too expensive. Go back to page 2 and look at my trailer pics again. I have E-Track at 18" and 42" (to the bottom of the E-Track) AND I also have my KW181 strapped to the bottom E-Track so you can see EXAACTLY where E-Track at 18" would put your strap on your KW.


Should I put E-track on the floor too, or just the wall?

I wouldn't. They make floor tie-downs if you wanted to add a few of those that would be my preference.

SockoPro
09-11-2012, 10:23 PM
As stated about I use 1" self drilling metal hex screws. Use number 10 or 12 (this is the width of the screw) Before you start always check to make sure the screw won't go threw the exterior (it shouldn't but you never know if the trailer manufacturer didn't build to standard.)

As for the e track I went to the local scrap yard and found a refer trailer that had e-track (refer trailers will have galvanized due to the sharp temperature changes) and removed all 3 rows of it. 288 feet of it for around $100 along with a days worth of work and some blood and sweat.

SockoPro
09-11-2012, 10:27 PM
Here was the interior of my old trailer before I wrecked it. I added the e-track and upgraded the lighting and roof vents...


http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/154646_458802681492_7717204_n.jpg

Mike D
09-14-2012, 03:15 PM
I guess I was curious as to how you are physically keeping them down.. tie downs, bungee's, etc.

My old trailer, I hate. It was a 5x8, and we had the speakers all tied in with tie downs which was a pain in the ass to load and unload and with all the crap I have you couldn't get to the front of the trailer without climbing over all sorts of bags/speakers/tables (i of course wasn't smart enough to snap a pic before I emptied it, I was too excited to not have to deal with it again). So, I just finished the interior of my new trailer, and wanted to make the speaker storage secure, but also easy to get in and out, so I came up with the below system....

This is from the back...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/cardinal5150/DSC_0002.jpg
Looking down the side at the speakers....
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/cardinal5150/DSC_0003.jpg
Speakers are held in place by pressure so they won't move, I still need to put padding on the back too, but the idea is simple, because there is an indentation in the speaker at the tweeter I can put the padded 2x3 there, and it'll hold it in place both vertically and horizontally with one board.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/cardinal5150/DSC_0005.jpg
Using hooks I can move them in and out to fine tune how much pressure is put on the boards/speakers to hold them in place.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/cardinal5150/DSC_0006.jpg
When the hook is pulled off the arm opens 180 degree's allowing for the speakers to come in and out.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/cardinal5150/DSC_0007.jpg

My subs are held in with the same concept of using pressure, only there's not indentation, so I have a little heavier duty backet to hold it in place. I've pushed and pulled them and they don't move at all. All the shelving was built on it's own then braced to the floor and walls in multiple places.

All my lighting is held in place with Bungee's and my truss's are in bags at the front. Mixer box is sitting on 2x3's and is the only thing that is still held in place with the tie downs, I'm still tried to figure out how I can get away from this, I may end up moving it to the front of the trailer and putting the truss bags on top of the subs.

Let me know what you guys think, or if you see any problems with how I have things, very interested to get feedback. So far I love it because I can walk around in it easily and my back won't be killing me from trying to lift those subs while bent over in my old trailer. That sucked.

brian102
09-14-2012, 05:09 PM
plus another one on e track! awsome stuff!! we had ours installed when trailer was built but you can buy it on ebay cheap!

SockoPro
09-15-2012, 12:01 AM
@ Mike D.

If it holds your gear securely in place during transit, stick with it. My only suggestion is ditch the bungee cords. They stretch and allow stuff to bounce out of place.

Mike D
09-18-2012, 11:07 AM
Yeah, the only bungee's I have are on things that won't really move in general. The bins below the speakers I only need to keep under there, the items on the shelves are all pretty snug as they are, the bungee's are just reinforcement.

Mike D
09-22-2012, 05:01 PM
Hey guys, one thing I completely forgot to throw out there for those of you with ramp doors, the first thing I noticed was the casters on my sub were falling in that gap between the ramp and trailer when it was down. I threw a 2x3 in there and it fits damn near perfect. Now I just roll everything right in, no matter what the wheel size, works like a dream. Pick up the 2x3 when I'm done and lay it down right at the back, it's wedged in between a couple things so it won't move.

Again, I'm trying to be as lazy as possible when I'm loading/unloading, I found this to be a cheap and effective way to keep you from cussing out your gear. Hope it helps someone.

egriggs
09-22-2012, 08:42 PM
Here are a few pics of my 5x 8 trailer setup... I purposely set it up to where the entire trailer can be free of obstacles if need be. The top hooks hold my speaker stand bags and truss bags, but they can be folded away if I don't need them. Nice things is I still have room to grow being that almost all of my gear is loaded in for these pics.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/golfergriggs/FF96B2D1-2BF9-4ABC-BEAD-B2E6B1881715-14339-0000087A466026C1_zpsdbd5b3e4.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/golfergriggs/CAA07885-9123-4625-B060-30C98143450E-14339-0000087A4ABD9897_zps94ad8dc0.jpg

robare99
03-03-2013, 02:32 PM
Hey Mystic! Welcome back to you too!

Thanks for your pics & advice as well. +rep for you...

Just a note to add for everyone before we get too far along. Its not just about the lighting so, even pics of the whole setup &/or your layout would be good..
Location, mounting etc for all equipment.. lighting, speakers tables, mixers, amps, everything. Just trying to get a good idea of the equipment, layout, storage etc... I don't want to have to set this trailer up but one time if you know what I mean. I just want to get it right the first time.

Again, thanks a bunch for the responses, notes & pics :)
+rep for all relevant posts...

Don't get too locked into a trailer pack. Mine varied a lot from the first pack to what I have now. Try different things, you'll figure out eventually what works the best for you. Try to keep the subs over the axle, and also try to have an even side to side pack as well.



Go back to page 2 and look at my trailer pics again. I have E-Track at 18" and 42" (to the bottom of the E-Track) AND I also have my KW181 strapped to the bottom E-Track so you can see EXAACTLY where E-Track at 18" would put your strap on your KW

New guy here, always down for talking shop. I custom ordered a 5x12 trailer, because I couldn't find one that fit what I needed: low enough to fit in my garage. I was able to add things like a threshold plate for the ramp door, and 2 rows of E-Track. Interestingly enough, I went with 18" and 42" centers. I strap everything down and it's so nice to be able to leave it loaded between gigs.



Do yall set your speakers on the floor? If so, do you put something under them to cushion the ride or do they sit on the floor? Just wondering how much shock speakers can normally take riding in a trailer all the time...

Mine just sit on the ground, strapped into the E-Track.



Also, the nose of my rig is curved, rather than pointed with flat angles. I can't figure out how to install E-track, unless I cover the nose inside the trailer, and make the front wall all flat and square inside.

How wide is your trailer? Mine has a curved nose and the factory was able to curve the E-Track to fit. Maybe you can contact the factory where it was made and they can hook you up.


Here are a few pics of my 5x 8 trailer setup... I purposely set it up to where the entire trailer can be free of obstacles if need be. The top hooks hold my speaker stand bags and truss bags, but they can be folded away if I don't need them. Nice things is I still have room to grow being that almost all of my gear is loaded in for these pics.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/golfergriggs/FF96B2D1-2BF9-4ABC-BEAD-B2E6B1881715-14339-0000087A466026C1_zpsdbd5b3e4.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i212/golfergriggs/CAA07885-9123-4625-B060-30C98143450E-14339-0000087A4ABD9897_zps94ad8dc0.jpg

That looks really good! I'd suggest looking into ratcheting straps instead of bungees. I'm in Canada, and we have a place called Princess Auto. You hav buy a 16 foot long 2" ratcheting etrack strap for about $16. Just cut it to length.

Gerardamo
03-03-2013, 03:52 PM
so much nice gear!

robare99
03-03-2013, 04:38 PM
Here's my set up. I'm a sound guy by trade, moving into the DJ realm.

5x12 single axle trailer. Its low inside, 5'6" of headroom, again, the main thing is that it fits into my garage safe and sound. I don't have to unload between gigs and it protects the gear from the element.

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/36cb9ee9.jpg

They had forgotten the front E-Track, so I had it installed after.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/C58F695D-80FE-4C35-B79A-D6F74A38E8C0-4277-0000038D27F412C3.jpg

(Old pic, snake is in a proper box now)
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/FFC1372E-CCD5-400C-9519-89CEB0FABEB3-2817-000002D90506AE3E.jpg

Trailer all loaded up. You can see the threshold plate where the ramp meets the trailer.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/FD942015-2A75-4C90-8606-C2B68CC3CEB8-15733-00000CD4C5AE5115_zps986c3ad3.jpg

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/7ACDC115-0404-4AEE-9226-8D9A71F2C404-15733-00000CD521EF4AEF_zpsfbfb8a62.jpg

DjNeedleSharp
03-04-2013, 01:25 PM
Hey Robare99, I could be mistaken but aren't you supposed to have the majority of your load in the front/center part of the trailer? From the pics you posted in looks like most/all is towards the back. Just be careful as you may run into issues at higher speeds or high winds.

Great organization though man! Looks real professional and makes me want to throw all my gear in road cases so they look all sexy.

robare99
03-04-2013, 01:46 PM
Hey Robare99, I could be mistaken but aren't you supposed to have the majority of your load in the front/center part of the trailer? From the pics you posted in looks like most/all is towards the back. Just be careful as you may run into issues at higher speeds or high winds.

Great organization though man! Looks real professional and makes me want to throw all my gear in road cases so they look all sexy.

Hi, I have the subs over the axles, and the U15's at the rear.

Here's the whole pack. There still some good tongue weight going on.

;)

Front:
4 - YX12's
StudioLive 24.4.2 on top
Mixer stand in front.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/C2FB3B5C-97CB-4CE7-89FD-853528D07C7D-15733-00000CD02ED0C281_zps6a8dcbe3.jpg

Next:
Old light box
2 Marshall guitar cabs on the left
2 YX15's on the right (old pic, now held in with blue straps)
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/2E2E9876-FAC6-436B-B8CB-0D4B14E1C292-15733-00000CCEFC0FE2AF_zps11b2a8dd.jpg

Next:
LS800p
Unity15
Power amps on top
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/683E0DEC-D740-4C74-B839-3F9715025091-15733-00000CD484B7C742_zpsbc87bd00.jpg

Same for the other side:
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/FD942015-2A75-4C90-8606-C2B68CC3CEB8-15733-00000CD4C5AE5115_zps986c3ad3.jpg

Truss, stands in the middle
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/54B8BF20-8495-4AFC-8A03-2157D5F79B05-15733-00000CD4E90DBD5D_zpsd2e0b1c8.jpg

Drum mics & mics on the left
Computer stuff in one box & misc box on the right

Hand truck. (This pic I didn't have the truss inside)
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/7ACDC115-0404-4AEE-9226-8D9A71F2C404-15733-00000CD521EF4AEF_zpsfbfb8a62.jpg

Inside:
JCM800 head (now in a case)
AC/Speakon box
Snakes/misc box
Long & short XLR Cables
Mic stands
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/8DEFD821-6C40-4A4A-96D3-1B515BCDB4E9-15822-00000CD794C32E2B_zpse9e828dd.jpg

When I don't bring lights, there's more room inside.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/67E180DF-9E13-420A-BBAF-DF9BF29B460B-15733-00000CD53B4BF684_zpsf2f88cf8.jpg

I replaced my old light box with a new trunk, along with the snake box and a box for my Marshall head.

robare99
03-04-2013, 02:07 PM
Great organization though man! Looks real professional and makes me want to throw all my gear in road cases so they look all sexy.

Thanks! I had some gator cases with outboard gear for my old powered mixer. When I upgraded to the Studiolive24.4.2 I needed power amps and cases, so that's when I decided to move to ATA cases. More rugged, but heavier as well. But the gear is well protected and stacks nicely, in the trailer and on hotel luggage racks.

;)

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/4F346FF6-6F56-45F3-9772-ADCDB8BB3C87-8914-00000B0A86954478.jpg

My newest cases are a new light trunk, a snake case, and a case for my JCM800 he'd.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/63DD4BF7-83B9-4076-B759-AFF254AB1FD3-8194-000009F7A1337635.jpg

My next case will be for 4 of my Martin Minimac Profiles. Something like this...
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/5094F497-8C86-4B91-92C6-D74994F2506F-2304-0000017A4B5FF667.jpg

I did the math one day and I have just over $2500 in cases alone, but I didn't get them all at once, and they've all been paid for by gig income. Plus I shouldn't have to replace them, so buy once, cry once.

;)

robdquick
03-04-2013, 04:31 PM
Man, some of you guys have lots of gear! I'm very impressed with some of there trailer setups!

If I ever end up buying enough gear to warrant a trailer (someday, hopefully!), I'm coming back here for tips!

Ampedproductions
03-04-2013, 06:04 PM
Hey Rob good to have you! Man we hang out on a lot of the same forums!

robare99
03-04-2013, 06:41 PM
Hey Rob good to have you! Man we hang out on a lot of the same forums!

Hey broheim!

I'm expanding into DJ'ing so I might as well come someplace to learn the ropes!!

:)

Ampedproductions
03-04-2013, 11:17 PM
Sweet, lots of good info here. Lots of money to be made in our area of the world doing weddings.

robare99
03-05-2013, 08:35 AM
Yeah really hey. It should be a lot of fun. I know my rig is better than anything in town, especially my lights, so I should be able to make a name for myself as a DJ.

ampnation
03-05-2013, 09:47 AM
Just my preference, but I don't like hanging my lights in the trailer, I still store all my lights in boxes, whether they are originals or something different. As for layout, I'm looking at buying a 10 foot trailer this year as well to replace my 8 footer, mostly because I want something that I can stand up in. For the layout I'm keeping it simple and plan on keeping my subs on the floor (have casters) and basically building a shelf above to house the majority of my lights on that, cab's opposite them up a little so I can slide my truss under and store all my uplighting at the front of the trailer.

Something to keep in mind, odds are you'll want to change the setup at some point in the future, we all do. So keep it flexible in how easily you can move things around. But I also don't have the full truss anymore that spans my table, I just use tree's.

+1 on all this. I wish my trailer was taller. But I also wish it was lower so it would fit in the garage. Wells Cargo makes a (more expensive) small trailer with a very low ceiling, but the entire roof is on a hinge so it's like a convertible. I'm also not sure that one is available with a ramp door which is a must IMO.


another nice thing to have is E-track. it a long section that you can attach special hooks and straps to. I use it in my trailer and its very helpful.

I also wish I had E track. I have four recessed floor rings and that works for some stuff. It's easy to secure the front most item(s) with that and ratcheting tie downs, but I'd like to use a load bar at the rear and/or strap stuff to the walls.


Hey Robare99, I could be mistaken but aren't you supposed to have the majority of your load in the front/center part of the trailer? From the pics you posted in looks like most/all is towards the back. Just be careful as you may run into issues at higher speeds or high winds.


It should be 60 percent of the weight in front of the axle and 40 percent behind.

What I don't get with most of the rigs I'm seeing is this. WHERE ARE THE WHEELS?? I have a road case of sorts for all my cables. Right now, cables are in plastic rolling trunks I found at Home Depot or Big Lots, but will eventually upgrade to proper road case trunks. I have real road cases for a lot of other stuff, but it isn't all uniform like Nick's. I've always had a hand truck and stacked stuff on it and wheeled it in, one load at a time. Well, for my last gig, I had almost everything consolidated to a few movers' dollies strapped down with ratcheting tie downs, or in a road case with wheels like my 14u vertical slant top. Loading and unloading was a breeze! Even though I was already most of the way to where I got this time with wheels under about 1/2 of everything, the difference was pretty dramatic. There's something to be said for KNOWING you can roll a load of smaller road cases, all strapped to a caster plate, and not worry about it going anywhere.

Think about the difference this makes vs. having your wires on hooks in the trailer if you have a gig where you can't park right next to the place you're setting up at. I'll post a pic of my unloaded gear staged at the as yet unopened door at my last gig. I think the only things remaining not on wheels right now are my K10's, speaker stands, and a card table I use to put my live sound mixer on. And I'm really thinking hard about getting a road case for the K10's from audiopile.net which is where my live sound mixer case, mic case and one of my amp racks came from.

So yeah. The point of the ramp door is to use it with WHEELS. No matter how you do it, get yourself to the point where your stuff is on wheels and it is all ready to be rolled out of the trailer when you get there. Unless something is strapped to the hand truck during transport, it is probably the wrong item to bring along. You're wasting time strapping gear to it.

Also, one ghetto thing I've done. I was at the grocery store just before Thanksgiving and they had turkey boxes stacked ready to take out back. I asked if I could have them because they are nice thick boxes with full height nesting tops. I find they make great load fill to keep things from shifting during transport. I have just a 5x8 so I don't need many of them. This would be unnecessary if I had the E Track.

Houdini823
03-06-2013, 08:00 PM
Here are pics of my 6x12 trailer from last summer. I don't have any load in pics but I will this spring. I fully insulated my trailer to help with the temperature swings here in Michigan. My floor is rubber used at the bottom of horse trailers. Helps dampen some of the road vibration and aslo acts as an insulator.

http://www.823entertainment.com/djf/trailer1.jpg

The shelves are on an angle on purpose. To prevent items from walking during transport.

http://www.823entertainment.com/djf/trailer2.jpg


http://www.823entertainment.com/djf/trailer3.jpg


http://www.823entertainment.com/djf/trailer4.jpg


Thinking about some E-track to the front. Also that road case has in my 4 MX4 scanners which is extremely heavy. Going to build some cases this spring and turn it into 2 dualies from a quad.

robare99
03-06-2013, 08:35 PM
Did you glue down the rubber on the floor?


How did you attach the E-Track?


Looking good!!


Is the headroom low? Mine is around 5'6" and I'm 5'11". One thing really handy is my hand truck. It folds flat to a cart, or to a 45 degree angle which is really handy. That way I don't have to balance the load while ducking (hard on the back).

It's made by Cosco and SO handy!!!

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/53D2C17F-64A6-4EAD-B254-EAC34D5CC113-7426-0000090A2BC8BC3C.jpg

Also, I have 4 Minimac profiles. At 25lbs each that's 100lbs if they are all cased together. So you think 2 seperate cases would be more manageable?

Houdini823
03-06-2013, 09:18 PM
The rubber floor has some weight to it but I cut it so it will nest against the sides. Its a pain to move like those slip resistant mats in restaurant kitchens.

I bought this trailer used and refurbished it with new 3/8 plywood on the sides. To apply the e-track I screwed it to the framing of the trailer with self tapping screws. I did a pilot hole first to make it easier. I then used wood screws for additional support along the track. Those I drilled directly into the plywood. Just be cautious on the screw length. The interior height is about the same as yours. I always have to remember to duck when coming out.

I want to go to dual cases so when I have gigs that only require 2 lights I don't have to lug all 4 out or pull 2 out of the case. Going to a vertical case will also save me on space. I have an aluminum platform cart that is 26"x48". Got it off eBay. Easy loading and the handle can come off and moved to opposite end. I have 2swivel casters on now but considering going to 4.

robare99
03-07-2013, 03:38 PM
That's a good idea. I'm debating having 2 or 4 to a case. I generally won't be using my MiniMacs without the full meal deal, so that means using the trailer. All in one would be nice to move around.

DJ Higgumz
03-09-2013, 06:37 PM
I have a snowmobile trailer that is 22ft long that I am going to transform into a enclosed trailer for the use of DJing. It will also be my all year storage, outdoors. As of right now it is oversize for what I do, all of my equip fits in a minivan w/o cases.

What I would like to do is make a bunker in the front with 2 bunk beds and a propane powered refrige. That way I can just sleep in the parking lot after my event, along with my helper/s. I will build the side frames out of doubled up 2x4s, and line the inside with plywood. I will Insulate between the plywood and the outer aluminum wrap. I will probably add an a/c unit to the roof, along with a heater that I will plug into 120 volt in extreme temperature situations. I will have recessed hooks to strap stuff down with.

Other than that what should I do? Any other things to add? It is a snowmobile trailer, so it has the small fat wheels, but they are the heavy duty 5 lug ones.

Sorry to hijack but it wouldn't make sense to make another thread on the same subject. My dad worked at a trailer fab place for the longest time, and he will be working with me on it. It will be of higher quality than to buy one FYI, so don't give me the lecture ;)

robare99
03-10-2013, 01:44 PM
Do you need the fridge? If your just crashing overnight hit a Denny's in the morning. For weekend gigs, stick one of these in here...

http://www.blessthisstuff.com/imagens/stuff/marshall-fridge-2.jpg

DJ Higgumz
03-10-2013, 04:25 PM
haha that's pretty cool!

robare99
03-10-2013, 04:55 PM
haha that's pretty cool!

I know hey!!

:D

$400.

It's on the list!

Midspot
03-11-2013, 11:42 AM
I have a snowmobile trailer that is 22ft long that I am going to transform into a enclosed trailer for the use of DJing. It will also be my all year storage, outdoors. As of right now it is oversize for what I do, all of my equip fits in a minivan w/o cases.

What I would like to do is make a bunker in the front with 2 bunk beds and a propane powered refrige. That way I can just sleep in the parking lot after my event, along with my helper/s. I will build the side frames out of doubled up 2x4s, and line the inside with plywood. I will Insulate between the plywood and the outer aluminum wrap. I will probably add an a/c unit to the roof, along with a heater that I will plug into 120 volt in extreme temperature situations. I will have recessed hooks to strap stuff down with.

Other than that what should I do? Any other things to add? It is a snowmobile trailer, so it has the small fat wheels, but they are the heavy duty 5 lug ones.

Sorry to hijack but it wouldn't make sense to make another thread on the same subject. My dad worked at a trailer fab place for the longest time, and he will be working with me on it. It will be of higher quality than to buy one FYI, so don't give me the lecture ;)

You are going to hit the GVW of the trailer axles before it's even loaded if you use 2x4's and plywood for the shell. Most snowmobile trailers have pretty lightweight axles in them compared to a proper enclosed trailer (2k pound versus at least 3.5k pound)

DJ Scotch
03-11-2013, 01:11 PM
Do you need the fridge? If your just crashing overnight hit a Denny's in the morning. For weekend gigs, stick one of these in here...

http://www.blessthisstuff.com/imagens/stuff/marshall-fridge-2.jpg

:lol:

I need to order one of this.

robare99
03-11-2013, 02:58 PM
:lol:

I need to order one of this.

Perfect for the practice room.


;)

DJ Watty
03-11-2013, 03:25 PM
@Robare. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out a way to convert two old road cases to carry my movers. It never even came to me to lay them down vs hanging possition. Off to the workshop :-)

robare99
03-11-2013, 04:20 PM
@Robare. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out a way to convert two old road cases to carry my movers. It never even came to me to lay them down vs hanging possition. Off to the workshop :-)

That's not my pic, but I'm going to use that idea. Just think of how to support the heads sideways like that. Probably layers of foam to take the weight.

DJ Higgumz
03-11-2013, 06:20 PM
You are going to hit the GVW of the trailer axles before it's even loaded if you use 2x4's and plywood for the shell. Most snowmobile trailers have pretty lightweight axles in them compared to a proper enclosed trailer (2k pound versus at least 3.5k pound)

I think it is much more heavy duty than that. The frame is steel, and it has 5 lug hubs compared to the 4 lug hubs on most trailers. I'll double check that

robare99
03-26-2013, 02:53 PM
Nice enough day I finally put on that grip tape on my ramp. I used some spray glue first. Worked out really well. I might trim the sides to be even. Not real anal about it. For the record, getting the trailer has been my best purchase to date!!

:)

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/436DBF0B-CD03-40E7-86BE-05464448738F-13623-00000AFA3F8472C6.jpg

Drewbdo
03-27-2013, 12:39 PM
^^^ Love the roll down ramp/back door. My trailer has a swinging door, but I found it at a very good price. Maybe next trailer will be longer, with a front door, and a ramp door. :)

robare99
03-27-2013, 02:59 PM
^^^ Love the roll down ramp/back door. My trailer has a swinging door, but I found it at a very good price. Maybe next trailer will be longer, with a front door, and a ramp door. :)

For me, height was everything. Since I had to go custom order, I debated between ramp and barn doors. I decided that rolling everything on and off myself was another big thing. I like the threshold plate as well. It was an extra, along with the etrack, but I decided to get exactly what I wanted. Bought it last year, it will be paid off in a year. So that's pretty good.

Dix
03-29-2013, 06:07 PM
Here are a couple of pics of my trailer. I finally got around to taking some & posting them after all this time.

In the first pic, you will see that I used screws with washers to screw cheap foam filled bed pillows to the floor & wall so my big SP4 Peaveys could sit on them & against the wall so I could use small ratchet straps to secure them. The pillows on the floor & wall keep the speakers from taking so much shock when the trailer beats, bangs & bounces down our Louisiana roads.

All the way to the front, you will see my lighting tree mounted on hangers with pillows behind them to keep them from banging. Below them are my two rolling tool boxes with one setup in each box, plus some extra parts, cables, sound cards etc... small stuff. One box is for the primary setup, the other box is for my small setup like ceremonies etc.
Next to them on the left are 4 small speakers that I bought when I first went into business & now use for small setups like ceremonies etc (You cant hardly see them).
Next to them on the left are my SP4's & beside them is my dolly.
The shelf above the speakers on the left is a padded shelf with an old electric blanket that doesn't work anymore & another old blanket to absorb shock. On the shelf is my main amp & mixer along with my small backup amp & mixer as well as reels with speaker cables. These items are wrapped in the blankets & secured with straps to keep them from sliding off the shelf.
On the right, I have my table mounted flat against the wall. With in the next couple of weeks, I got to get my other table mounted along with it.

849

848

martydale14
10-28-2014, 09:47 PM
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4H_MTEaQmoRbktJRmRYbjlvakU/view?usp=sharing

robare99
10-29-2014, 08:27 AM
I ended up going with a similar method for my minimac profiles, making them fit the case I have for them.

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/64B06958-8AB0-47C3-AE53-FBEF408E064C-19541-00000D4AF017AE55_zps40225cda.jpg

And my other lights:

4 Intimidator spot duos
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/5AB29A00-3E68-425B-8B10-BAFA48EB2B29-19541-00000D4AF726B914_zps3535d6b5.jpg

And 20 blizzard 3NX/Fab5's
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/7943CD90-88D9-4C6A-AF30-F533A0F3A230.jpg

Ntertainment
10-29-2014, 01:23 PM
ROBARE99 where did you get all the black foam? I've been looking for some for a while now.

prof_fate
10-29-2014, 01:30 PM
Google is your friend..
https://www.google.com/search?q=buy+black+packing+foam&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb

robare99
10-29-2014, 01:42 PM
ROBARE99 where did you get all the black foam? I've been looking for some for a while now.

In Canada there's a place called Foam King. They have 3 different densities for case foam. Not too pricy. I think the top set was $80 and the set for the spot duos was around $60. They cut to whatever dimensions you give them.