Old Semi Trailer

super99 · May 11, 2009

I have an old van trailer for storage and am thinking about taking wheels and dolly's off of it and setting it on the ground. The doors are getting bad and I have seen some with a roll up garage door on them. Do I need to pour some concrete to set it on or just some blocks? I want it down so I can drive lawn mowers inside and build some shelves for storage. Anyone ever done this and what would you do different? I looked thru my pictures and didn't have any just of the trailer, so you get some other scenery with it. Chris

Uncle Ernie · May 11, 2009

Dig a ramp and pit with a RR tie or block retaining wall. Back the trailer down into it. That way you can always just pull it out if you need to move it again. A van without running gear is pretty flimsy.

greygoat · May 11, 2009

Around here you can keep it on wheels, and it"s
ok,(as long as nobody complains-Yes people do!)
But the minute you take it off wheels, or put
it on a foundation, then you need a zoning permit,
as an accessory building, and it goes on the tax
rolls, as such and you are assessed on your tax
bill.

RobMD · May 11, 2009

This depends on the state in which you live in, and also depends on whether or not you'll get caught.

Anonymous-0 · May 11, 2009

I've had real good luck with mine. I poured two pads 2' wide x 2' deep x 8' across with plenty of rebar. Put a loop of rebar up on both ends of each pad. Located one pad so the front plate would set on it just behind the kingpin. Located the back one to set on frame between the wheels. Lifted the front up and torched out the landing gear, set it down then lifted the backend and torched out the axles and springs, and set it down. Once I had it all set I ran a cable up over the frame and tied it down to the loops in the pads so the wind din't blow it over. Has set there 10 years and been great storage. PS - I sold the axles and tires to make hay trailers out of that paid for the concrete.

bruster · May 11, 2009

If you remove the sub frame (single or duel axle) make sure that you have support under the crossmembers. Rail road ties work well, but give it a slag base to stop critters from digging under.

John B. · May 11, 2009

If you pour concrete to set it on you may need a permit or your real estate taxes may go up. I've seen people build ramps up to trailers still on their running gears. This way if they ever want to move the trailer the wheels are still on it.
Just what I've heard & seen over the years.

ldj · May 11, 2009

I put mine on 2 cross ties about 20 years ago. 1 under where it sits on the fifth wheel and the other under frame where the duel tandems went. I haven't put a level on it but if it has moved, it isn't much. the floor is about 6 or 8" off the ground. I built a small dirt ramp for pushing things in. I also put a regular 36" door in the side up near the front

Old Semi Trailer

super99

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Uncle Ernie

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greygoat

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RobMD

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Anonymous-0

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bruster

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John B.

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ldj

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