Sunday, November 29, 2015

Old Trailer Project

I've grown quite attached to an old trailer that was left behind on the homestead cabin property I bought a few years back out near Joshua Tree. It's really in terrible shape, so hard to explain my attachment. My weekend project for the past 6 months or so (I only get out to the desert every 2-3 weeks, so things move slowly!) has been to been to build a permanent foundation for the trailer and to run water, electric, and septic adjacent to the foundation. Here are the steps I took to make it happen.

Step 1: Move trailer!
The trailer is up close to cabin #2, on dirt, with the tires rapidly going flat. No way to get a truck in close to the trailer hitch, so difficult to move.

I found a local guy with a bobcat to scoot the trailer sideways away from the cabin so that a truck could get in close enough to the hitch to move the trailer back and away from the cabin.

 Step 2: Level the area in preparation for a concrete slab.

Almost forgot... prior to leveling the area, we built a small retaining wall with railroad ties to keep the soil from moving toward the cabin.

Step 3: Pour the slab and run electric, water and septic lines.


 Step 4: Move trailer back on slab
A little tricky, since the trailer hitch needs to be very close to the cabin. Time for the bobcat again!
Drum roll please... the finished product! Trailer on a new concrete slab. This weekend I installed concrete piers under the trailer that take the weight off the tires and provide permanent, stable support.

Step 5? Clean and rehab the trailer, do some additional landscaping, but that's about it. Other than the trailer, the property is ready for AirBNB, RV site rental, or whatever opportunities present themselves!
Hard to see in this photo, but adjacent to the trailer are a water valve, 110 and 220 electrical outlets, and septic hookup. It will allow electric and water to the trailer, as well as future guests with trailers and motor homes. If anyone is interested in a 5-acre desert RV site very near Joshua Tree National Park, please let me know!!
View from behind the property, looking north towards the 29 Palms Marine Base
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23 comments:

  1. Yogi♪♪♪November 29, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    Alright then, time to buy more trailers?? You don't want all that experience to go to waste.

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  2. CloudiaNovember 29, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    That's a lot of hard work off the grid. Having lived on jungle and lava way out on a Hawaiian Isle, as well as on an old boat, I know the million and one things that pop up and need to be solved with ingenuity. Respect! You did it









    Warm ALOHA,
    ComfortSpiral

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_('')

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CloudiaNovember 29, 2015 at 6:21 PM

      gonna flip it? Some techie might love to escape there and give ya big bucks - or survivalist! Or maybe it is YOUR bug out spot?

      Delete
  3. LizNovember 29, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    A job well done!

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  4. GailNovember 29, 2015 at 7:55 PM

    Great job.

    It will come in handy, I'm sure.

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  5. John @ Beans and I on the LooseNovember 29, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    Don't tempt me! I too would have grown attached to that trailer. Classic. By the way, I found your Arrastra on Google Earth and plan to go hike in to for myself next time I am down there. Adventure awaits.

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    Replies
    1. Spare Parts and PicsNovember 30, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Let me know if you want company. Would be fun to join you!

      Delete
  6. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)November 29, 2015 at 8:49 PM

    Wow - neat concept. What a lot of work you've done. That would be a perfect place for a winter get-away.

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  7. Laura~Pretty PixNovember 29, 2015 at 11:55 PM

    Great job you've done. Fixing up the trailer itself, though tedious, looks like fun.

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  8. AndyNovember 30, 2015 at 12:51 AM

    Wonderful photos and a interesting story of what is needed to get the trailer livable again.

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  9. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"November 30, 2015 at 12:59 AM

    Well done. You have more energy and persistence than I have!

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  10. s.cNovember 30, 2015 at 1:51 AM

    Lot of work indeed but I appreciate very much that you painted the concrete slab in the color of the surrounding surface. Not everyone would take that step.

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  11. Author R. Mac WheelerNovember 30, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    I'm sure they will come flocking

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  12. TexWisGirlNovember 30, 2015 at 4:55 AM

    congrats for getting it that far!!

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  13. trav4adventuresNovember 30, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    Great job! We need to get up to Joshua Tree over winter break. I have 3 weeks off school! :-)
    ~Cheryl Ann~

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  14. Linda KayNovember 30, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    If I were a camping enthusiast, it looks like a good place to spend some time during the winter. Good job on your project.

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  15. StephanieNovember 30, 2015 at 8:08 PM

    You did a great job!

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  16. AmyNovember 30, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    very good! an awesome scenery too

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  17. AnonymousDecember 3, 2015 at 6:03 AM

    What lovely shots.

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  18. TomDecember 5, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    What no trees?

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  19. Oakland Daily PhotoDecember 6, 2015 at 8:50 PM

    Okay, color me impressed. This is quite a project to take on.

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  20. Billy Blue EyesDecember 11, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    We call them caravans in the UK, Mine is a lot smaller that that one you have

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  21. Fleets WorldSeptember 11, 2024 at 4:14 AM

    Working on an "Old Trailer Project" can be both challenging and rewarding. Transforming a vintage trailer into something new is a great way to show creativity and craftsmanship. For more ideas, tips, and guidance on restoring trailers or similar projects, check out FleetsWorld for valuable resources!

    ReplyDelete

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