Max Workflow: How to Organise Your Tradesman Trailer for the Ultimate Worksite Setup
No matter what industry or sector you’re in, or whether you’re city-based or out in the country, your tradesman trailer is an essential part of the business. However, its overall effectiveness (or the degree to which it hinders operations) is largely determined by how well your trailer is organised, and how the internal and external set up supports your work.
Why a well-organised tradesman trailer matters
Being able to put your hands on the right tool when you need it can make all the difference when you’re on-site. It minimises interruption, reduces frustration, and ensures you’re using the right kit rather than having to make do or improvise because you can’t find what you need.
Disorder might be the result of having to just throw tools in because they don’t have an allocated place, or because the load moved about while on the road, but either way, not being able to get what you need when you need it slows you down.
Another consequence of a tradie trailer that isn’t set up properly can mean that equipment gets damaged when you’re travelling to and from the worksite, especially if you’re having to use unsealed or rough roads.
On the other hand, a tradesman trailer that is customised for your storage and transport needs means that you don’t waste time on site, tools are easier to move from job to job, and you can be sure that when you arrive everything will still be in working order.
If you’re considering buying a tradie trailer and thinking about how it should be set up so that it does the job you need it to, have a look at these useful tips below.
Make sure your tradesman trailer is set up to meet your needs
When you’re planning where you’re going to keep tools and equipment in your tradesman trailer, it pays to take some time before you do anything else to think about what you use most often and so needs to be easily accessible. You should also think about any equipment that needs to be kept dust-free, or protected as much as possible from road shocks and vibrations.
This will help formulate an overall scheme for the trailer, where the stuff you use everyday can be quickly accessed, while kit that needs a bit of protection is stored in such a way that it stays safe.
One you’ve thought about this (a sketch diagram can be helpful), you can start to think about how shelving, tool boxes, racks and other storage features can be organised and integrated or customised to your specific needs if required.
If you need a hand with this, our friendly and experienced sales team can help you with regard to add-ons like roof racks, false floors, drawer units and any other accessories that will make life, and the job, easier.
Set up storage zones so that everything has its place
We talk to tradies all the time about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to trailer storage. The most organised, user-friendly trailers we’ve seen are divided up into clear zones where items that are similar, or used with the same frequency, are grouped together.
Most tradies set up their trailer so that the hand tools and power tools they use most often are always the easiest to get to. Wall-mounted racks near either the rear doors or side doors are a popular way of achieving this, as are lockable compartments that can be easily reached.
Keeping small parts, or consumables like screws, nuts and bolts in good order can be a challenge without the right storage set up. Instead of just throwing them in a box or tray, you’ll save time in the long run if you have your trailer fitted with drawers so that the contents aren’t at risk of being tipped out.
If you regularly carry machinery or equipment that’s large and takes up a fair amount of room, having a false floor installed in your trailer is an effective organisational tool. The false floor creates some additional storage room below, and also enables tie down points to be fitted, which helps to make sure machinery doesn’t shift in transit.
Roof racks and H-frames are the most straightforward solution for keeping piping, timber or other over-length materials secure, organised and easy to reach.
Don’t neglect safety, stability and security
Once you’ve set up and organised your tradesman trailer, it’s just as important to make sure everything stays in place when you’re towing, and that your equipment and tools are protected both against the elements and thieves.
For this reason, it’s important to include sufficient tie-down points so that you have the capacity to secure kit no matter where in the trailer it’s positioned. Ideally, this would take the form of a mix of flush floor tie points and internal racks to which ropes and straps can be attached. Being able to secure tools and machinery properly means that everything remains where it should be, regardless of the sort of road or terrain you’re towing on.
You also need to ensure that all the access points to your tradie trailer are fully lockable so kit is secure whenever you’re parked up.
Talk to the experts to find out more about organising your tradesman trailer
A well-organised tradie trailer delivers a variety of benefits, so it’s worth your while taking the time to make sure it’s set up in the way you want, and that all tools and equipment can be stowed properly.
At Basic Trailers, we specialise in designing and manufacturing tradesman trailers that can be fully customised to meet a range of needs. We can fit our single axle and tandem axle trailers with a variety of different storage options and security
options, including lift up rear doors, roof racks, mid shelves, skid rails, drawbar and removable H frames, false floors, flush floor tie points and more.
Call us on 1300 770 770 or email sales@basictrailers.com.au and we'll be happy to discuss your specific tradie trailer storage and security needs, and how we can customise your trailer so that it’s easy to keep organised and will ensure your tools and equipment are always secure.
