Utility Cycling - Mounting an ActionPacker on a flatbed trailer

I'm considering the purchase of a flatbed trailer, for three hauling tasks:

1) Carrying a heavy audio amp. It's shaped like a giant pizza box, and is best
transported on a flatbed, because it has its own weatherproof case, and
it's just too wide to fit inside any trailer box that I've seen. Also, lifting it
into and out of a trailer box of any significant height would be hard on my
back.

2) Grocery shopping. This may happen on rainy days, so I want some sort of
weatherproof cargo container. Also, I want that container attached to the
trailer in a way that makes it at least somewhat theft-resistant.

3) Miscellaneous shopping. Since this may involve multiple stops, I want a lockable
cargo container.

I've found a couple of flatbed trailers that are wide enough to handle the amp, and it looks like a 24-gallon Rubbermaid ActionPacker would serve as a weatherproof, lockable container for my other needs. Now, here's my question:

Does anyone have a good way to mount the ActionPacker on the flatbed in a way that's both theft-resistant and easy for me to remove and replace? By "theft-resistant", I just mean that the thief should have to do more than just undo some obvious attachment and then walk away with the ActionPacker. By "easy", I mean that it should take less than 5 minutes for me (possibly using a wrench) to remove or replace the container. It would also be great if the attachment method avoids any bolts sticking up from the floor of the ActionPacker, which could puncture my groceries.

Thanks for any ideas!

You can drill holes through the bottom of the ActionPacker and mount to the frame with U-bolts. Add large washers for reinforcement. I've stuffed my 24 gal AP with 125 pounds and it looks good as new. You can use wing nuts if you want easy, tool-free on/off connect.

If you use the lockable action packer you could string a cable around the trailer frame and through the lock on the packer. I did that for years on one that I was using in my truck.

Aaron:)

Man, this is a great idea (and like all really great ideas, somewhat obvious in retrospect)! No holes to drill, so no loss of watertightness, and while I'm in the grocery store, I can run that same cable through a wheel (and maybe through my bike frame) to immobilize the whole unit!

I know that these cables are easily snipped, but I think the guys with those snippers want bikes, not trailers, and not groceries.

Thanks!


If you use the lockable action packer you could string a cable around the trailer frame and through the lock on the packer. I did that for years on one that I was using in my truck.

Aaron:)

I use a fairly heavy cable like you would use to secure the bike with. We use them on our job sites to tie up ladders and other equipment. If someone is bound and determined to steal something they will, all you can do is slow them down. We buy our cables at Lowes or Home Depot in the hardware department.

Aaron:)

I just recently bought a cycletote trailer - I haven't had it long enough to be able to write a meaningful review, however I have so far been very impressed with the quality of the build. I have the touring model, which will hold a rubbermaid or roughneck 28 gallon tote - not sure if these have lockable options. It seems easy enough to attach and unattach from the bike, so it could easily be used to transport the amp into the buildings at either end of your ride. The wheels are full size bicycle wheels, so it rolls very easily.

The Cycletote looks really good, and I'm intrigued by the self-braking system, which would be great going downhill, or in the rain, and seems like it would help prevent jackknifing in a panic stop. It's expensive, though! I may not have the resolve to spend that kind of money.

Also, I like its seat-post-hitch setup, because that hitch is at convenient walking height, for transporting cargo into a building. Most higher-end trailers seem to use a rear-axle attachment - why don't more trailers use a seat-post attachment, like the Cycletote? Is there some disadvantage to it?

The Cycletote looks really good, and I'm intrigued by the self-braking system, which would be great going downhill, or in the rain, and seems like it would help prevent jackknifing in a panic stop. It's expensive, though! I may not have the resolve to spend that kind of money.

Also, I like its seat-post-hitch setup, because that hitch is at convenient walking height, for transporting cargo into a building. Most higher-end trailers seem to use a rear-axle attachment - why don't more trailers use a seat-post attachment, like the Cycletote? Is there some disadvantage to it?

I have used both types of hitches. The lower hitch points have a tendency to be more stable, and if the bike falls over the trailer will usually stay upright. Also with the lower hitch point you can still use a rear rack to carry items on.

Aaron:)