Trailers and containers

[tunnakerosene]

Alchemy www.alchemyfestival.com is looking to buy a 53 foot trailer or container to store our stuff in instead of a storage unit, to make it more accessible to work on. Anyone got any advice? Pitfalls to look for in buying, a company that can move containers? Which is better?

Any thoughts, help is greatly appreciated

tunna

[C.f.M.]

That doesn't sound very safe. I'm going to have to run your plan by the committee, first.

We'll get back to you.

[tunnakerosene]

you seem to have alchemy confused with another event, if you think that alchemy organizers have your safety in mind, you are sorely mistaken. Personal Responsibility

[mdmf007]

Youd be better of buying a trailer than a container -

Then all you need is a tractor to haul. Not every O/O has access to self loading trailers for 53 foot containers. Otherwise you need a massive forklift, container handler or crane to drop it and pick it up.

so for 4-5K you can buy a severely used 53 van that will suit your needs for years.

[TomServo]

I'm sure, buying a cheap trailer, will leave you with few options, but if you do find one available, get one with an aluminum floor. The wood floors are heavier and prone to break throughs by forklifts. If a loading dock isn't available to you, you might also invest in a cheap pallet jack, to keep in the trailer...and pallets. And rent a forklift..their not too expensive for a daily rental.

[TomServo]

Also...they're expensive, and hard to find..but who knows? They make roller bed dry vans...the rollers extend and retract pneumatically. I've uloaded 30,000lbs of cargo, by hand, and in about 15 minutes, using these trailers.

[gyre]

You can pay considerably less than $5000.
For anything less than 53 feet, you can pay close to scrap value.
I recommend reefer trailers.
You will pay far less w/o the reefer unit.

Containers are far more secure and heavier.
You'll need a chassis or arrangements for moving.
Insulated containers have been rare where I am.
Far more secure than a trailer.

I can make a number of suggestions for locks and lock upgrades.
I am currently changing to the A2500 locks.
I have used the 6325 and 6327 on standard trailer keepers.
There are many higher end options.
A proper kingpin lock may be called for, as well.
The best ones are expensive, but fairly foolproof.

Tracker devices are now an option.


There is a wider offset hasp for doors with raised gaskets.
Container doors present special issues, but there is a clever solution.
There is also a remote lock with interior lock points.