Haulmark Cargo Trailer
Click for my Haulmark Review or scroll down to see my initial impressions and modifications.
Well I got tired of renting U-Haul trailers so I decided to get a cargo trailer of my own. It's a 6'x12' Haulmark Cargo Trailer I picked up October 2004. The trailer is black trimmed in aluminum diamond plate that perfectly matches Truckie. I hadn't planned on such color coordination, it was simply the only trailer left on the lot.
The trailer features a rear ramp, side door and more than 6' of head room.
I don't really have a pressing reason to own a trailer, but they do come in handy (particularly for furniture and pinball machines). It obviously has more cargo capacity than the truck and the low floor and ramp makes it more convenient than the truck for some items. Even if I only use it a few times a year, I guess it'll eventually pay for itself.
First thing I did was buy a spare tire to hopefully pacify Murphy's Law. Next I installed an "E-Track" cargo restraining system (check your local trailer or RV supply store). I got four 10' sections. Two are shown above on the door side of the trailer. I mounted one high and one low and I cut out 5" sections of the vertical battens so the E-Track would fit flush along the wall. I used 12x1" self-tapping screws to secure the E-Track to the steel wall frame members, which are 24" on center.
This shot shows the E-Track installed on the opposite wall. Since there's no door on this side, the 10' sections weren't long enough to cover the whole wall. But it's good enough.
And here are a few of the E-Track accessories including rings and straps. Each part has a spring mechanism to lock it in the track. I only bought one strap. Otherwise I'll use the rings along with an assortment of conventional straps that I already own.
When the ramp folds down there's a gap left between the ramp and the floor. I cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to fill the gap. This should come in handy when loading cargo with small wheels such as a furniture dolly.
While I was at it I made a ramp extension using more 3/4" plywood and a piano hinge. I've seen other cargo trailers with this feature, which is where I got the idea. Again, the extension should help with rolling cargo up the ramp. The picture also shows the filler piece in place between the ramp and the floor.
Hauling pinball!