After studying the idea of a radio/video uplink trailer for some time in early 2020, Doug, N0NAS and I discussed at great length the use case for such a rig. It would be for events, where we needed an indoor, all weather operating space for a day or longer. In COVID, a large, multi-operator space (i.e. motorhome) was problematic.
On impulse I found a good deal in mid 2020 on a 15′ Palomino hybrid camper. The u-shaped dinette area was ideal for one or two operators. I drilled a one inch hole under the dinette seat and put in a hinged cover. The cables went in and out easily via the access door under the dinette seats. It had a kitchen area, sink and a built in 12V and 120V power system. It worked well at Field Day 2021.
Disadvantages were: It was big. Lots of drag/wind area. High fuel consumption. My 300HP tow vehicle was at times unhappy. It was wide- 8′. And tall- 10′ ish. And all the systems needed to be winterized. I worried about the sun-worn rubber roof. It took up lots of driveway space. These are three season campers really. The fold out tent beds are useless in winter. You cannot sleep and operate in the same trailer. An ideal camper for Ham Radio – the Casita- 15′ + fiberglass and similar brands – seems good but rare and pricey.
Prices on new enclosed cargo trailers are crazy. I wanted a 5’x7′ with extra height to be driveway friendly. New these are $4000. Doug was arguing for 6’x10′ or so. A local club got a 28′ – no. Locally I found a 5’x7′ at auction- very rusty. But it had a side door. And about 6″ of extra ceiling height. Around 5′ inside height seems good.
I put in a forward laminated counter in the pointed nose. And one in the rear. These are easily made from 1×3 pine lumber, 2×2 pine legs and laminated 3′ wide lumber yard shelving. We added an RV style translucent roof vent and 20′ Harbor Freight aluminum flagpole. It now has a Group 31 marine deep cycle battery (~100AH) and 20 amp marine shore power supply and inlet. And a 100W solar panel and the smallest “SUV” awning we could find. And some 12V LED lighting and a microwave oven. It worked well at Hams in the Park 12/21 and numerous events since. It was towed out on the ski course by a tracked ATV for the Loppet Winter Festival.
For event/recovery deployment, it will travel with a pair of the 30′ diesel tower trailers. This brings three towers, fully redundant 6KW 120/240 power and 120 hours of onboard diesel.
The use cases for our trailer so far have been at least four:
- During the Pandemic, the tasking was cold weather live mesh/IP ski race video uplinks to YouTube. This was run out of the forward (nose) operating position. Cable ports were set up for external mesh antennas and Internet Wi-Fi. Limits to 115V extension cords tended to point to 450W heaters vs 1500W AC heaters.
- At Field Day, the aft operating position was for VHF use- out of the foot traffic pattern. The nose operating position was for the diesel generator /site supervisor (me). And the microwave oven (unpopular with Doug) could make coffee. The overall site Wi-Fi for logging was run off the 20’ antenna mast. The actual contest beams and AC power were on tower trailers.
- At The Loppet Winter Festival, a borrowed built in DMR repeater used the built in antenna mast
- For Hams in the Park, the awning allows shaded social gatherings, the aft table was used for HF/FT8 operations. We have had the best luck with an ancient 40m twin lead dipole. End Fed Half Wave antennas wanted better grounding. We are fixing this.
FAQ:
What about hauling. Ours was severely rusted in the frame. Watch this on used trailers. In fact we use the ramp only for ventilation.
What do you store aboard. Just antennas, coax and extension cords. Radios and computers are loaded as needed. Bringing too much stuff is not always good.
What is the name for: My nickname at home is “The A Dog” – My XYL says if I bought another trailer for our driveway I would be living in it.
Why not LiPO batteries? Cost, we don’t care much about weight and the initial operation was in deep winter. The 100W solar panel + controller is used at all times.
Did you add the opening windows and screens? Yes. Bigger hatches are best, and we can crack open the rear door. You can add screens.
How much were the add ons? The tables were cheap- lumber and laminate shelving- $75? The mast was $55 on sale.
Would we do this again? Yes. We have had occasion to need two of these at once. Cheap and abundant vs $100,000 is best.
Is 5×8 big enough? Doug was still hoping for more room- 6×10 is still a small trailer to him. I like the ease of storage/parking/towing. Big trailers are unpopular with event organizers in urban areas due to close in parking constraints.
Erik, NY9D and Doug, N0NAS
73 de NY9D
Ham Radio Tower Trailers 