ohiofleet
Well-Known Member
when i started working for my self it was out of a box truck worked great it was a shop on wheel great in the winter now i have a big service truck with a crain and its nice but i mis the box when the weather is bad
During WW2, there were many "field" or "mobile workshops" set up on the back of trucks. There are advantages and disadvantages with a trailer, you have to weigh them up, as to how your working conditions relate to the problems associated with dragging a trailer.
I think the guys above have covered most of the bases. A trailer is really restricted when it comes to accessing rough ground or steep slopes - no matter whether its bumper hitch or 5th wheel.
IMO, a truck with a half pan-type body, and half tray - along with a rear-mount crane - offers the best of both worlds.
You have the ability to lift major components and load them on the tray section for removal to service centers when major service is required.
Then the enclosed section gives you a secure storage and work area that is out of the weather. The height of the truck tray can be overcome with a set of aluminum steps.
A friend of mine had a school bus with everything, right down to a small lathe, with everything run off of hydraulics from one small diesel engine on the back bumper. That was one slick setup.
I've seen pictures of a medium length school bus that had the back 8 feet or so of the enclosed part removed to make a flatbed back porch with a crane, then had a nice enclosed work space. Sounds about like what OzDozer was talking about..