Done!
The trailer is now safely sitting at my place. It looks complete and in great shape. Has the ladder in a rack underneath, and the tarp and bows in the bed. Even came with a bird nest (unoccupied).
This was the smoothest, most drama free, recovery I have ever done. If it hadn't been raining the whole time, it would have been perfect, which probably would have caused the world to tilt off it's axis, or something.
I budgeted an hour to get through security to get on base this morning (anyone who has been to Ft Hood knows why). I walked in the door at 0658, 9 minutes later I walked out with our passes. Super polite and helpful folks in the office, job well done Cpl Reyes.
And my pass is good for 90 days.
So, we arrive at LZ Phantom for a 0800 pickup at 0725, settle down to twiddle our thumbs and wait.
At 0735, a fellow shows up, asks if we're there for a pickup, and says "follow me". Leads us to the trailer, gives me a few pointers on how they work (remember, I couldn't find a manual for these to study beforehand, just some bits and pieces available on the internet). He also arranges for a guy picking up another M1082 to let me borrow his landing gear handle to crank the leg down to lower the trailer onto my pintle.
Well done Joe from GP. A very pleasant and professional performance. Thank you for answering all my questions like it was the only thing you had to do today.
I brought various length inter-vehicular cables with me, and a set of tow lights in case there were any wiring/light problems with the trailer. But, in the trailer bed was a brand new cable, and with it plugged in every light on the trailer worked as advertised. All my stuff stayed in the tool box.
We were off the base by 0815, and pulled over to make sure the trailer tires were up to pressure (the right one looked a bit low, it was). Then on the road home, with no issues on the trip.
The rain, of course, stopped when I was about five miles from home.
My older son, fresh off active duty with the Marines, went along to help. I hope that later in life, he gets as much joy out of doing stuff with his kids as I do with mine.
Allan, you are free to leave the trailer with me for as long as you need to, a year or two if you like. I don't mind.
Otherwise, I'm going to have to buy one for myself.
Cheers
PS - already found the handle for the landing gear, so now I can take the trailer back off my truck! (Was thinking I'd have to lift it off with my tractor).
