Trailer Workbench Ideas?

Mike B

I just picked up a 6 x12' enclosed tandem trailer and just started working on the shelving and tool layout......question for guys that have BTDT.

I have a rolling tool chest that I have secured to the front of the trailer, keeps it clear of the curb-side door and out of the way of materials that will undoubtedly need the floor space. Plus the brooms, shovels, rakes can hang nicely up there as well on either side of it.

Ladder racks are going along the long wall opposite the side door, and power tool cases will go into a unit on the short wall, along with some pull out drawers for small misc. stuff. Table saws and the like that are too big for that cabinet will remain on the floor for the time being.

What I'd like to do though, underneath that, is build a hinged, collapsible, yet sturdy, work surface in the event I need one. I don't want a permanent bench because I want as much floor space and moving room as possible.

Problem is, I'm having troubles coming up with any ideas on how to construct this thing so that it isn't a flimsy piece of turd.....any ideas?

bert0168

I put one like you described in my trailer. Depends on how "sturdy" you want it.

I used a piano hinge and built a frame of 1 x 4 with a recessed 3/4 ply top. I put a piece of 1/4 Masonite in the recess that is removable for when I crap it up with cut marks, stains, glue etc.

For the legs, I used two of those adjustable aluminum flange sockets, the kind you see on tubular railings, and bolted them to the bottom. http://www.hooverfence.com/pipe-fitt...rices/LC58.htm

The adjustment allows me to fold up the legs into the underside of the bench and drop the bench down to lay against the side of the trailer. I used sched 80 PVC conduit with a rubber cap foot for the end.

I wouldn't want to pound on it with a hand sledge, but it is plenty sturdy to clamp a vice to and hold plenty of anything I want to put up there.

Tin Cup

don't overthink it, a portable, folding plastic table or two, you can leave it set up inside, and be able to take it outside if necessary. I had a permanent table for years, now I keep two folding tables on short side against wall, only open them up if i need them.

Also, my shelves on the long side are angled up so i don't have to strap them down.

I've also always had a large tool chest in the front but that's alot of weight, be carefull not to overload it.

Tin Cup

Dustball

Screw/bolt a 2x4 horizontally to the wall the length of your work bench. Attach your piano hinge to this 2x4. Attach your bench top to the piano hinge (1-1/8" ply?). On each outside corner, attach 2x4 legs using hinges so that the legs will flip towards the center of the work bench the long way. To use bench, swing the top up and flip the legs open.