Dive Trailers - any suggestions?

[SDAnderson]

If you have a trailer or step van fitted out for hauling or storing dive gear, I'd like some advice...

My ongoing gear storage/hauling crisis is getting serious and I’m considering the acquisition and outfitting of some kind of trailer. I’m looking for suggestions and “don’t make the same mistake I did” kind of advice.

No room in the apartment for all the gear, so I’ve been storing it at a rental place. Not bad, but pricey and it’s a pain in the butt to have to drive to the storage place, sort through the gear and decide what to leave behind and what to stuff into the back of the SUV, then take everything home after the dive, clean it up, drag it back to storage, etc. A common problem, but I'm tired of it. The cost of storing a trailer is actually less than the storeroom, not to mention more convenient and I’ve got several longish road trips lined up this coming year that would be more fun if I could just haul everything along with me.

Whatever needs to be big enough to hold everything for at least two divers – wet and dry suits hanging, a couple sets of doubles plus a dozen stage bottles, regs, weights, miscellaneous doodads, spare parts, etc. I also definitely want room for rinse tanks, powered ventilation and a refrigerator. Maybe a small generator. Not to mention room to grow, etc. My wife says I should save time and get a semi-trailer, but I’m hoping that I can compromise with something more along the lines of a 5x8 landscaping trailer.

Thanks in advance,:help:

 

[Zagnut]

Don't forget the kitchen sink!

With all that stuff, I don't know if a 5x8 trailer will get it. Your wife might be right. Sounds cool though.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Livestock trailer would be my suggestion.

Good luck,

Tom

 

[Ontario Diver]

Recreational Vehicle - has a shower, microwave, and stereo too!

 

[scubakat]

Don't forget the gas grill!

-K

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Check with your local department of transportation about how many tanks you can carry without needing a hazardous cargo placard. The university doesn't have a trailer because we carry too many tanks. That's the reason I was given when asking why we didn't just rig up a trailer and compressor. Don't know how accurate the info is but you might want to check it out, better safe than sorry.
Ber

 

[Scuba1]

I used a 1.5 X 3.0 mtr twin axle trailer to get my stuff about. I got it used and it had a frmer life as a refrigeration transporter. Get a twin axle so you can get inside whithout it being connected to the car wihout everithing inside it meeting you at the tailgate when you step on the back of it. One more reason to get a twin is, that single axle trailers tend to run a bit bouncy behind the car.....and who wants tanks and other gear hopping about.
Hope this helps

Michael