trailer mounted course??? need input from SCRC members

[jetboat]

I was approached about having a crawler course at I hobby next year. That gave me the idea to build a trailer mounted course that could be taken from location to location fo events. I have 2 different ideas... 1 is to build the course on a dedicated trailer, the course would be permantly attached to the trailer. option 2 would be to build the course so it could be loaded and unloaded easily from a flat bed trailer. I have an old camper popup camper turned flatbed that I would donate for option 1 and I have a flatbed that I use for my atv's that could be used for option #2. Let me know what everyone thinks, I can provide the work space/tools and trailer but some help with building supplies would be nice.

 

[JAS82]

Great idea "thumbsup" both option 1 & 2

 

[addictedtonitro]

Just a question. What would it be used for besides 1 hobby show a year? Don't actually know if it would be cost efficiant versus just bringing in a trailer full of rocks to set up you know. To be large enough to have a comp on at a show or hobby shop it would need to be a 24' trailer. I could be way off here though. Trying to picture it in my head. My course setup in my yard could yeild about 8-10 gates and it is about 15' wide and 20something feet long. Plus about 6 feet high

 

[BJoe]

Those pop ups can get pretty big, our old neighbors had a good sized one taken out by a tree behind our garages about 13 years ago, IIRC it was a twin axle. If Jeff's flatbed is based off a camper that size, you could easily fit a course the size of what he, Zack, and Jay built at the Naperville HTU on it, maybe even the course RC Hobbies has as well. I mentioned this on Chitown, but if he were to make a portable one that would need assembly, it could be done in a way that can be altered for a different layout for some variety from even to event. No matter what though Jeff, you need to make sure your tow rig has enough brake so it can stop the load. Your Libby and my XJ should be able to drag it around slowly with little effort, but I sure as hell wouldn't want to have to try and stop it if you build it with Sandcrete!

 

[jetboat]

Towing it wouldnt be a problem...keep in mind I have the trailblazer and an F150 with trailer brakes.

If it was built as a slide off it would be about 6.5' x 12' and up to 4' tall. not sure about the perm mounted course. I can see using the course at LHR, maybe rent it out to HTU ,RC Hobbies, and Hills. The main idea is to make it so we can use it in the winter/early spring. I figure if we built it with a bulkhead/plywood frame and a 1/2" crete coat it would weigh in about 1200# and cost about $250. Keep in mind, this is just an idea.

 

[JAS82]

How often will it be use thats a big thing 2 ?

 

[addictedtonitro]

Those figures should yeild a decent course I would guess. Up one side down the other and around. I would think to make it able to be changed up a bit with a nice peak down the middle, like you said coated with crete. Do you have a big enough garage to store it in when not in use?

This comes at a bad time actually. I just got rid of a 17' boat trailer we could of made flatbed really easily. I got rid of it for nothing really. That would of been great to use.

 

[Ced RC]

Something like this?

http://www.xtremecrawl.com/

Check out the Pictures page.

 

[jetboat]

smae sme basic idea.

 

[thevulgarcowboy]

what about fiberglass rock couse. light anuff to tow ez. dam we could build mount rushmore if we real wanted to. and still have room for some real rock spot on the couse. and will to help build what ever you need jet . we ken build a water fall and pritty cheap to

 

[xirtic]

I may be in the minority on this, but I am partial towards the building a modular course and using the trailer as a transport mechanism more than a foundation. In a previous thread, it was talked about building 2'x3' or so modular pieces for an interchangable course layout. I believe that this method would lend to more possible variations. Locking formations together as well as stacking on cubes to give elevation variances. This is just my 2 cents. As long as a build day is set for when I am in town, I will be glad to assist.

 

[jetboat]

Ive been experimenting with the modular course layout... the only problem is that it ends up being pretty small. Any pieces over 2x3 get really heavy for 1 person. Given, storage of a modular course is much easier.

I tried the fiberglass layout before, made for an extremely light and strong course but it wasnt realistic and it was expensive.

 

[nothinbutpower]

My vote would be to do the modular course just due to the fact that it's easier to store and you won't be able to get your trailer in to every show. Plus then you can use your trailer for other things and just store the course. You may have to get a second or third person to help load/unload but I think that's more likely than wasting a trailer to a permanent course. You can always make the modular course have rocks that are removeable as well. The worst part of that is that you have to tow the rocks in as well but that also allows for flexibility in the course. Just my $.02.