I've been browsing for a trailer for displaying a band organ for
over a year and a half, and have found my options rather limited.
My initial budget-minded thought was to first locate a used trailer to
my liking and then modify it.  The challenge in that regard is finding
an enclosed cargo trailer that has a true seven-foot high interior.

A standard height trailer typically ranges between 5'8" to 6'3", too
short for my needs.  Because of the exceptionally weak economy this
is an ideal time for buying and Craigslist has many to choose from;
however, finding one used with a 7' interior trailer appears to be very
rare.  In all likelihood a new one will probably need to be special
ordered.

I decided to browse retailers to see what it would cost to get a new
custom trailer.  Again this is a good time to buy as the dealers are
very hungry right now and many have closed altogether.  I was surprised
to learn that I could purchase a brand new 6' x 14' Haulmark trailer
custom ordered at 7' for only $4,300.  That includes a tandem axle,
a ramp door, electric brakes, and warranty.  Most late model used
trailers in near new condition are not going for much cheaper and
that's without the extra height.

Next I looked into the extra large awning doors on each side.  The
organ is 8' wide so I'm thinking a 9' or 10' wide door would be
appropriate.  That would allow extra room if it were to be used for
a larger organ in the future.  The doors need to extend from the
highest possible point at the roof down to the as close to the deck
as possible for full viewing.

I intend to use the trailer for other cargo purposes as well so
I prefer outside fenders rather then inside wheel wells so that large
objects can be strapped to the wall.  The outside fender presents a
challenge in that regard since it would be in the way of the awning
door's ability to open.  Some further modifications would probably be
possible to improve that limitation.

Not surprisingly, the cost of adding doors will cause the price to
skyrocket.  Even special ordering seems to be a challenge -- the
manufacturers don't seem to want to make the doors as tall as I am
requesting.  So far the best I've been told is only 5' tall.  Under
the conditions I have described a 6' tall opening should technically
be easy to accommodate.

So far I have checked with Haulmark, Interstate, Wells Cargo, and an
independent dealer that does all kinds of modifications on trailers
and RVs.  I'm still waiting to hear back from him.  I am still looking
into one additional possibility that does look promising.  I'm not in
a particular hurry on this but since looks like there could be a few
challenges I'm browsing now.

Generally speaking I am wondering if anyone with a band organ trailer
as described above can tell me what their solution was and how much it
cost.  Alternatively if someone has one of this description they are
not needing and are willing to part with it for a reasonable cost I
would appreciate the information.  You may contact me privately with
your answers since the variables on this topic could probably fill
volumes.

Rob Goodale,
Las Vegas, Nevada

 [ Consider installing a torsion arm suspension which will transmit
 [ less vibration than does a solid axle.  Larry Kern has a trailer
 [ with a dropped center that lowers his Stinson band organ to
 [ "eye level."  -- Robbie