If you followed us through our Canadian trip in 2013 you may remember we had quite a few days with bad weather in Newfoundland.  Being cramped in the van for a week got a bit old.  Linda and I discussed how nice it would be to have a small camper trailer.  After our 2015 trip out West , in the van, we realize that probably many of our future trips will just be to Florida for a month or so at a time.   We both like to fish in our boat so that makes a problem. You can't pull a boat behind a camper trailer. So what is one to do??

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.

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.



We Picked the trailer up at the factory

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).

 

Linda gives the interior a final inspection.

Linda working on curtain tie-backs

Kitchen layout.

Come and get it,

Folding closets



Kitchen table & Linda's curtains.

 

 

Bath has full size shower,
linen closet and laundry shute.

Everything folded for loading the boat



 

  

 

 

In she goes...

It Fits!!

Break time.