Way back when we knew we were going to move, we decided that we would need a utility trailer to use around the property, so we started looking for a used one. Pretty soon we found a great deal on a heavy duty, dual-axel trailer. And since the shop has a carport, we have a great place to store it.
Last May we went down to California to visit my dad and planned to rent a U-Haul trailer to bring some stuff back in. We were just going to tow it back one-way and drop it off after we unloaded. But due to a series of problems with scheduling, they didn’t have a trailer available for us. Time to figure out plan B.
My dad happened to have a small utility trailer, that he was already planning to get rid of, so we quickly came up with plan B. He signed his trailer over to us (thanks again daddy, we really appreciate it!) and we cancelled our hotel in Oregon and planned to drive straight through on the trip home. It all worked out great and we got home a day early, and with a second trailer. Score!
With the overhang behind the shop taken up by the tractor, and the carport next to it devoted to the big utility trailer, the new trailer was relegated to parking next to the shop, out in the open. In the summer, this wasn’t a big deal. However, we had plans to get something built to get the trailer under cover. It’s taken us a few (like 8) months to get started, but we’re finally breaking ground on a carport for the trailer!
We picked up a canvas covered carport at Harbor Freight for the trailer, when they were on sale a few weeks before Christmas. We figured the canvas covered “temporary” shelter would work perfectly for our needs, since it wouldn’t be out in the wide open and exposed to as much wind next to the shop. Eventually we’d like to replace it with a permanant structure to house the trailer, as well as the tractor accessories, but that is further down the line.
Over Christmas break, we planned to get out and get the carport up. Unfortunately, the weather conspired against us and it rained nearly every day we were off. On New Year’s day, it was finally clear and we could get out and clear ground for the carport. First things first, we started cutting brush back. We had a lot of blackberries and vine maple growing where we planned to put the shelter.
Once we cleared most of the brush, it was time to widen the area and level the ground. Which meant it was time to get the tractor out! Of course, it’s never as easy as we first planned, and we soon hit our first snag. Literally. When we moved a load of dirt, the loader came back with all the dirt still attached. It turned out that there was a huge pile of hog fencing buried under dirt and ferns on the side of shop! So we unearthed the rusted fence panels and loaded them into the trailer to take to the dump on the next run.
With that we were able to start leveling the ground in ernest! And soon we had our new carport pad cleared. Now we just need a clear day, without high winds, so that we can get it put up!
Farm Fresh Adventures 