Then the light bulb lit!!
The idea is to build a
“toy-hauler” to carry a boat. We’ll call
it a “Boat Tote”.
Challenges:· Must be light weight enough to pull with a 1/2 ton tow vehicle.
· Must have room for a boat
16’ 3” Boat with motor on a trailer; Total boat, motor, trailer length is 20’; Total Width 6’6”, approximate weight 1200 pounds.
· Limited budget
But the van wasn't going to pull all this weight so we had to sell the van and buy a pick up. My aunt, Nancy, dubbed it "Big Blue" and the name has stuck.
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| Linda and me, and "Big Blue" |
At this point we realized if we
want a quality trailer and it appears that Haulmark is the hallmark. After emailing the factory in McAdoo, PA we
were scheduled to meet dealer Jeff Tresslar, of Chestnuthill Trailers and sales
representative John Varner at the factory to discuss the particulars of
ordering a custom built trailer.
After meeting with John and Jeff
we gave them our specifications and the said they would custom build the base
trailer with the optional air conditioning, RV windows and RV door in our specified
location. We opted for the deluxe trim
package with linoleum flooring and vinyl covered walls and ceiling.
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| We Picked the trailer up at the factory |
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| Interior as delivered |
We took delivery in May 2016 and
started building an interior that will fold to within six inches of the wall
making it possible to winch the boat 'on its trailer' up inside. By the end of November the project was completed and the “shake-down cruise” was to Round Top Campgrounds in Gettysburg.
(The boat was not in the trailer for
this trip).
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| Linda gives the interior a final inspection. |
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| Linda working on curtain tie-backs |
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| Kitchen layout. |
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| Come and get it, |
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| Folding closets |
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| Kitchen table & Linda's curtains. |
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| Bath has full size shower, linen closet and laundry shute. |
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| Everything folded for loading the boat |
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| In she goes... |
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| It Fits!! |
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| Break time. |
