[GreenKeys] further sugggestions.

[KC0NNC at aol.com]

I suggest you consider a used tractor trailer with wheels on it.

i have several storage containers in use, and have found that the "Box" style 
trailer on one or two rear axles works the best (I own a box car

I have been able to procure these items for about 1000.00 each.  With 
reasonable tires, and no defects.

The preferred one is a refrigerator trailer, as it is insulated.  You always 
park these items with the nose gear set higher than the rear.  Any water then 
follows the tilt "outside" and keeps the interior dry.  The floors are always 
aluminum serrated and have drainage channels running the length of the unit.

Always place all stored equipment on old salvage pallets (free for the 
taking) leaving a path up the middle as an isle.

always cover the individual items with 55 gal plastic trash can liners, or 
cheap plastic sheeting, (the really best stuff you get at lumber yards, as the 
tarps they place around plywood lasts forever and they throw it away)

The Refrigerator Box Trailers may or may not come with the diesel driven 
refrigerator package.  If so, run it once a month for several hours and it will 
drop the interior humidity to zero in an hour or so.

These refrigerator units are particularly cheap, as they have no salvage 
value, the imbedded insulation is too expensive in labor to clean off the walls 
before salvage.  Same way for railroad box cars.

The nice thing about the "over the highway" trailers is that you can have 
them moved any time without a crane or specialized carrier.

I recently purchased an over the road "tractor" to pull mine around when 
needed.  I paid $500 for the 1977 GMC 9500 tractor, with a genuine "Detroit 
Diesel" engine.  This is about what they are worth for salvage, and this one runs 
quite well.

Why so cheap... the DOT does not want professional haulers using "old" 
equipment on the interstate.  In Colorado, these older tractors fall into Farm and 
Ranch usage, and they are well received.

My Ranch insurance for this tractor runs $37 annually, and the plates are $80 
annually.  No CDL is required for farm equipment, as long as you do not 
exceed operations over 200 miles from the ranch.

Any property over two acres, that produces "farm product" including horse and 
cow shit is considered a farm operation.

But even if you had to hire a professional to move the item, when necessary, 
you are not talking over $200.

The one railroad Box car I have, I paid $100 for and $1000 to move it.  The 
stationary ocean transit containers I own have costed between $1000 and $4000 
each depending on size, and I must have a specialized carrier handle them, or I 
have to use my own 50 ton crane to do it.  the gent that complained about 
them sweating and rusting was correct, they do that very well, unless you leave 
the doors cracked.  always set any item you use for storage on 12 inch square 
wood blocks, otherwise the bottom rotts out.  Always use taller blocks on the 
"front end " away from the doors for drainage.  Whether you place a roof above 
it, is up to your comfort...  I have never seen it get over 180 degrees inside 
in the direct summer sun.  It helps to paint them white.

I have also purchased and placed into storage service some 20,000 gallon 
steel fuel tanks, 10 'diameter, and 20 or 40 foot long. but you have to install a 
flat floor [as it is a bitch trying to walk down a curved floor) and I 
generally bury them for year round comfort, and have to make them a "walk out" item.


Take my advise, ask around for the place in town that handles old box 
trailers an axles and wheels.  You will be ahead, and when you are done with the item 
for storage, you can resell it to someone else like me for storage use.

Harv

Harvey E. Smith
2020 Baculite Mesa Road
Pueblo, CO., 81001-2456
fka WA0BBG
nka KC0NNC

73's

RYRY/ZZZZ