Scope Storage/Transportation -> Trailer?

[DaveO (David)]

I am looking for good ideas!

Currently when I want to use the scope I have to move it from storage in the spare toilet next to the laundry (and yes, you can probably read my wife's opinion of astronomy from that! ) and pack it into my Magna. When its done, there is no room for anybody else.

After some discussion, we are considering the purchase of a lockable trailer - that way my wife gets the extra toilet back and I get to avoid packing and unpacking. She thinks its her idea, and I'm not arguing!

I have considered a "tradesmans" trailer, although the sides might be a little high for lifting the OTA in and out of. Its a shame you probably couldn't make one shock absorbing enough to set up a mobile observatory.

Anyway, has anybody seen any innovative ideas about such?

[h0ughy (David)]

one thing to consider is coil springs and shock absorbers, as you will have optics in there, caravan levellers would work to keep level and probably a pier to drop to ground for stability?

[DaveO (David)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

one thing to consider is coil springs and shock absorbers, as you will have optics in there, caravan levellers would work to keep level and probably a pier to drop to ground for stability?

Yep, good shockies would definitely be a must. I like the idea of the pier, but how would you:
a. isolate it from the vibration of walking on the trailer?
b. secure it to the ground at the destination?

There are some interesting examples on the web, but they are HUGE, and I was thinking something a little more modest!

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

I have been considering the same for our club gear & for offroad work I would certainly go with Houghy.
In addition I would be looking at transporting delicate optical components on an "airbed" arrangement as used by removalists going to remote areas.
A layered system of foam of different densities may work well for this.
To stop any "Shock" damaging the equipment. (especially Go-to's with circuit boards that can be prone to micro fractures in the PCB surface)

[DaveO (David)]

Most of my "bits" like EPs, GOTO handcontroler etc are in 3 aluminium cases with foam inserts. The OTA is in an ORION padded bag in which I also have 2 halves of the orignal styrofoam packing. I would also be looking at general padding of the storage sections as per gaa_ian's comments.

[DaveO (David)]

Saw this very groovy trailer on eBay. Not useful as a mobile observatory, but a much better looking option than many!

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Two things:

• The colour of that trailer would clash terribly with my car so my wife would not allow it. Make sure SWMBO likes it before jumping in VERY IMPORTANT!!
• Forget about the mobile observatory, you will need a large trailer for that and then the pier and levellers and, and, and...... Use the trailer to transport your gear, that is VERY well padded, to a site then out comes the scope and the tent/observatory, etc. A smaller trailer would travel better behind a Magna anyway and the trip has to be bearable or the session will be wrecked by the travel.

Maybe I could paint that trailer......

[Harb]

I am really lucky to have a vehicle that I can use for my hobbie.
Used to be one of my work vehicles, but I replaced it at work and now it is my astro transport vehicle!!

My daughter calles it "challanger" after the space shuttle.........she recons it looks like a space shuttle minus the wings.........until I open the back doors up anyway!!
I take this trailer as well , if i need the genset and tables chairs other stuff etc etc for long stays......
I don't store the stuff in it long term, although I could I guess as it locks up ok......
If I plan on going into the "serious" bush I take our landcruiser, so I can go to the top of big hills and mountaind etc....
If you get a trailer, consider Airbag suspension as it is a lot kinder to your optical gear.
I never carry optical stuff in the trailer, but all the mounting gear and other stuff is fine.

[DaveO (David)]

Harb

Love the "Challenger" - looks awesome. Unfortunately a little outside the budget. I was talking to a fellow from one of the trailer manufacturers today, and he also mentioned airbag suspension. Useful to know.

[Harb]

yeah david, really consider the air bags if you can.
I have a fleet of Outside Broadcast vans varying in size from 2 to 42 tonnes, the ones with air bags give no trouble at all, the "sprung" ones are a full time job tightening bolts, rewelding cracks......
With optical stuff the last thing you need is to open the back up after a trip and find you primary mirror has been making like a frizby along the way

Don't worry about a bit of wieght either.....makes for a smoother ride.

cheers

[Harb]

Also, if you are in no hurry, keep an eye out for military sales.
The army make some very nice shock mount aluminium cases that can be mounted in the trailer to add extra saftey for your gear.....also water and dust proof.

cheers

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Harb,

Now that is what I call a set up!!

Amazing, I'm really jealous but, like David, its out of my budget :-)

[Harb]

I just got lucky I guess

I am still getting away with telling the wife I need it for work