Surveyor Outfitted Cargo Trailers

My advise would be to buy a utility/delivery van like Amazon uses.  There is no way to prevent the theft or robbery of what you described without it being tightly parked in.

@chris-bouffard I have a good surveying friend who done this and it seemed like a great setup, seemed to love it and I'm sure it would work great for me to. For right now though, I'm trying to save money where I can.

I'm leaving the company I'm part owner in and have been with for 17 years and starting my own. So just trying to keep the cost down where I can on the front end knowing I'll be upgrading certain things later on if all goes well.

The trailer I'm searching for would have locking doors and a locking hitch so would be as theft proof as about anything else for the most part, but I'm not sure I'll ever find it anyway haha.

I would avoid a trailer.

ChatGPT says:

Finding a specific trailer that meets your exact requirements can be challenging, but there are a few options you can explore. Firstly, consider reaching out to local trailer manufacturers or custom fabrication shops. They may be able to build a custom trailer based on your specifications, including the desired low profile, swinging doors, and additional access door.

Another option is to search for off-road cargo trailers with customizable features. While you may not find an exact match, you could find a trailer that can be modified to suit your needs. Look for trailers that offer flexibility in terms of interior layout and customization options.

Additionally, consider joining online forums or communities dedicated to off-road enthusiasts or trailer owners. These platforms can provide valuable insights from individuals who have undertaken similar projects or may have recommendations for specific trailers that align with your requirements.

By exploring these avenues, you should be able to find a suitable solution or gather enough information to guide you in the right direction. Good luck with your search!

A trailer beats everything up, especially a single axle trailer. I used one for a while, and though I kept the optical instrument in the truck, I noticed that everything in the trailer got out of adjustment a lot faster. Bubbles out. Tripods loosened up. Etc. Eventually I kept all the survey gear in the truck and the camping gear in the trailer. A dual axle trailer isn't as bad. Dual axle with shocks probably the best. 

May be easier to find a trailer, and get an old commercial truck topper to fit it.

But I agree with others, I would not survey out of a trailer - and this is from someone who as 3 trailers, 2 setup for specific purposes.  I would go extra used, vehicle first.

They have a expedition cargo trailer which is exactly what you describe.

If I had a trailer, everything would go in foam of some sort...vibration and ride would be horrible.

And, I would install some sort of heater/dehumidifier that I could plug into shore power each night to dry things out. 

https://sherpatrailers.com/expedition-cargo-trailer/

Thanks to all for the replies. The vibrations and beating around is something that definitely concerns me. I'm still thinking on it but likely going to just work out of my current truck and figure it out later.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and recommendations!

Thanks to all for the replies. The vibrations and beating around is something that definitely concerns me. I'm still thinking on it but likely going to just work out of my current truck and figure it out later.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and recommendations!

If you had a Camper Slide in sort of thing, with external jacks, then you could take your box in and out when you wanted to just have a truck...

I have a rough design on paper and a friend thats a mechanical engineer is playing around trying to get it exactly the way i would want.   Basically i have a f350 long bed 4x4. So one late night studying and could not sleep i had a little brainstorm. Might have been all the midnight snacks. But using my gooseneck puck system have a way to back under it a box kinda like the highway system survey packs but easily removable by a chery picker or lift in a shop. So its secures itself in the puck system for safety. Then when done lift it back out. I have the engineer trying to design it for enough strength and locking mechanism that the lid or cover is strong enough to hold and fasten a 4 wheeler but shocks to raise up when I don’t need the 4 wheeler. Thats the dream part. But several custom fab shops that could make you something that could lock in and out with hooks. To pully it in and out. Water tight. When money is no object . I use my truck for farm work and such so i am in same boat. Thankfully right now when i do go to field i just load everything in back seat and i usually have the minimum to get a job done.