Jonathan Zettlemoyer

What a fun topic to go out in the email.

This is a fun one for me. Ive been pulling wheels transport devices since I was 10 or so. But farm equipment doesn’t always translate.  

Before we address the”right” trailer. Let’s address backing up.  For a typical driver this can seem like black magic. People tell you you need to steer opposite of the direction you want to turn.  This is mental gymnastics. Your brain needs simple exercises.

Go get your kids radio flyer wagon.  All of you saying a wagon doesn’t back the same, I know.
Start by pulling the wagon forward into a straight line. Then try to push it straight back using the handle.  In this exercise your vehicle is represented by the handle.  If you move the handle to a sharp intersection angle the wagon turns faster .  A more shallow intersection angle the wagon turns slower.  You can use this simple model to help understand the basic mechanics.   Disclaimer you can’t slide the front of your vehicle several feet one direction or another as if it’s the handle on the wagon.  You must use the steering wheel to gradually change the angle.  And this means you need distance.  


Now as for helpful hints.  A longer wheelbase is easier to back. The change in angle
Is more gradual and it’s not as twitchy.  But small trailers don’t often provide this option.  
Next when you first start to back a trailer start as straight as possible.  Make the goal to back straight up. Once you figure out backing straight up you can make little adjustments to turn right or left.

People do this everyday. Be patient with yourself.

As for the trailer.  This all depends.  I just bought a flat deck 14,000lbs trailer because it’s what I needs.  But for an average homesteader this type of trailer makes no sense.   Let’s break it down into typical needs
-haul dirt, mulch
-haul hay
- haul dimensional Lumber (big enough for plywood)
-haul a 4-wheeler
-haul a garden tractor


If this sounds right. Consider a 5x8 dump trailer.
-it unloads the dirt itself
-most are low to the ground and a garden tractor can be loaded with ease
-tie down rings can be welded or bolted to the floor with ease
-it’s big enough for plywood
-8ft dimensional Lumber can be hauled with ease, 12foot lumber can stick
Out the back safely.
- most dump trailers axels encourage proper weight distribution
-it has side to make hauling hay easier.
-racks for the sides can be easily constructed for animal hauling.


There are more reasons. But these are good starting points.   Good luck

Anthony Friot wrote:I hear you about the back and body aches and pain issues as we progress in age.

I have seen in more affluent homes that the boiler system can have a circuit routed to the driveway and sidewalk to bring the surface to above freezing then turned off to allow for energy conservation.

My driveway will never see such luxury. It is in excess of 1300 feet long. I could not afford such a luxury for the entire length. But, I do plan to have a large supply of hot water stored in tanks. I'll have up to 15,000 gallons of solar and rocket-fired boiler hot water at my disposal for home heating, greenhouse heating, water heating and for some localized snow and ice clearing from around our home. Perhaps when I get more settled and my time is a little freer, I won't mind waiting for the woodgas tractor to fire up so that I may clear my driveway beyond my garage with a renewable energy source. Until then, I have plenty of gas and diesel equipment for snow clearing and removal for the rest of the driveway.

15,000 gallons of heated water.  I am intrigued about your storage site for this much hot water.  I like the idea of a large thermal battery for my house just curious how you have or will construct it.