Hardtop Lawn Trailer

[XCRN]

Has anyone made something like a lawn mower trailer to store a hardtop on and be able to move around with a rider mover? I was looking for inspiration for something like this so I can stick my LJ hardtop in the back corner of my property since I do not have any space inside or on the ceiling of my garage to store it during the summer. I am also trying to find a storage bag for hardtops to seal it up.

 

[chili_pepper]

Has anyone made something like a lawn mower trailer to store a hardtop on and be able to move around with a rider mover?

I like the idea. Shouldn't be difficult to design.

I am also trying to find a storage bag for hardtops to seal it up.

I'm not sure that's actually a thing. Most people probably wrap them in a tarp with some bungees, if that. Mine had remnants of critters living in it when I purchased it and wore the damage of a top unprotected when stored.

 

[KennethS]

I set mine on 2x4s, opened the lift glass, and let the dogs use it for a house.

 

[lBasket]

I put mine on a cluster of Yuccas to keep the riffraff out

 

[bucky]

How about something like this?

https://www.harborfreight.com/1195-lb-capacity-4-ft-x-8-ft-folding-trailer-62666.html

You can build some type of support. If you build it to the height of the TJ you can slide it on and off. The trailer will allow you to move it with ease.

 

[XCRN]

Well took all summer but I made this for only the cost of some screws. The lumber was free, and I got a scrap lawn mower dump trailer that I used the wheels, axle and trailer tongue from. Not perfect but good enough. The only thing I wish I did different was either widen the frame or narrow the frame so the engine hoist can actually fit through it, but thats a future me problem. Also might look into what it would take to have it sealed up when stores away. Its already been sitting in the elements all spring and summer so not like I am in a hurry to do it now.

 

[NskLJ]

Well took all summer but I made this for only the cost of some screws. The lumber was free, and I got a scrap lawn mower dump trailer that I used the wheels, axle and trailer tongue from. Not perfect but good enough. The only thing I wish I did different was either widen the frame or narrow the frame so the engine hoist can actually fit through it, but thats a future me problem. Also might look into what it would take to have it sealed up when stores away. Its already been sitting in the elements all spring and summer so not like I am in a hurry to do it now.

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I would put a piece of plywood on the bottom to seal it then have a cove built. Here is one place that makes them but the are many places you can order to size.
https://www.coversandall.com/custom-covers/custom-covers-design-1-p

 

[XCRN]

I would put a piece of plywood on the bottom to seal it then have a cove built. Here is one place that makes them but the are many places you can order to size.
https://www.coversandall.com/custom-covers/custom-covers-design-1-p

I do have some plywood lying around and that cover is a great idea!

 

[NskLJ]

I do have some plywood lying around and that cover is a great idea!

You will have to give them sizes and they will calculate the cost. I would use 2”x4” to set the top on and then bolt or lag screw it to the trailer. Put the cover over it and use some of these retainers to hold the cover down.

 

[XCRN]

You will have to give them sizes and they will calculate the cost. I would use 2”x4” to set the top on and then bolt or lag screw it to the trailer. Put the cover over it and use some of these retainers to hold the cover down.
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It was like $250ish for the mid grade which I think would be worth it just to set this inconvenient piece out of the way safely. Its been a real PITA having it sitting in the driveway all summer.

 

[B1Toad]

If you seal it up it will create an attractive shelter for rodents.

 

[chili_pepper]

If you seal it up it will create an attractive shelter for rodents.

Even if you don't...

LJ hardtops stored outside will invite guests. I spent a good 5 hours cleaning out mouse excrement and living materials from the rear cavities of my LJ's top. The previous owner had stored it on blocks in his back yard for some months...the field mice turned it into a condo.

 

[rasband]

One change from damaging mine - you might want to add a 2x2 around the inside of the top where the hardtop would sit on the tub - you might crack the fiberglass exterior having it ride/rest on the lip.

 

[chili_pepper]

One change from damaging mine - you might want to add a 2x2 around the inside of the top where the hardtop would sit on the tub - you might crack the fiberglass exterior having it ride/rest on the lip.

What this guy said. Flat 2x4's works as well, solid protection for a very common damage area.

 

[XCRN]

One change from damaging mine - you might want to add a 2x2 around the inside of the top where the hardtop would sit on the tub - you might crack the fiberglass exterior having it ride/rest on the lip.

Good point, I will add some supports up front.

Even if you don't...

LJ hardtops stored outside will invite guests. I spent a good 5 hours cleaning out mouse excrement and living materials from the rear cavities of my LJ's top. The previous owner had stored it on blocks in his back yard for some months...the field mice turned it into a condo.

That is something I did consider as well. I definitly have a field mice problem around me but the top will be used in winter so will be less of an issue. Not sure the best way to handle that. My current thought is is to seal up the openings on the top itself like where the wire harness connector is and the joint lines where the interior panels meet. So even if rodents do get under the hardtop, they will at-least not be IN the hardtop.

Maybe I should get some free ranging chickens to help mitigate that. Our ducks only catch bugs.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Well took all summer but I made this for only the cost of some screws. The lumber was free, and I got a scrap lawn mower dump trailer that I used the wheels, axle and trailer tongue from. Not perfect but good enough. The only thing I wish I did different was either widen the frame or narrow the frame so the engine hoist can actually fit through it, but thats a future me problem. Also might look into what it would take to have it sealed up when stores away. Its already been sitting in the elements all spring and summer so not like I am in a hurry to do it now.

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Got any closer pics of those newer Jeep wheels on yours?

 

[cliffish]

Toss mothballs under the top, keeps mice away. Also is that a 78 pace car disassembled next to the TJ disassembled in the garage?

 

[XCRN]

Toss mothballs under the top, keeps mice away. Also is that a 78 pace car disassembled next to the TJ disassembled in the garage?

Good eye! Yes, its my buddies 78 silver anniversary that I am finishing an LS swap on.

Got any closer pics of those newer Jeep wheels on yours?

Had to get 2 sets of 4 wheels since they are from a JT for a whole whopping $50 and a set of take off Duratrac tires for like $600.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Good eye! Yes, its my buddies 78 silver anniversary that I am finishing an LS swap on.


Had to get 2 sets of 4 wheels since they are from a JT for a whole whopping $50 and a set of take off Duratrac tires for like $600.

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They look really good.