Barker tote wheel upgrade

[f6bits]

I got the Barker 30 Gallon two-wheel Tote-Along #31342 because we’re starting to go places without sewer hookups. Not content with the stock setup and due to the hard wheels that came with it, I wanted to replace them. I found other forums where they recommended replacement wheels, but no directions on how to do the replacement.

So…I went to Harbor Freight and got two of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch...ire-30900.html
And a box of these cotter pins:
http://www.harborfreight.com/100-pie...ent-67539.html
Yes, it’s a LOT of pins, and I thought I only needed one, but ended up using three or four as I experimented.

1) Remove the axle/wheel setup by popping them out of the tank’s axle channel.
2) Rip the mushroom cap off one end of the axles. They’re no good for more than one use, so tear away.
3) Remove the wheels and black spacers from the axle. You’ll be left with an axle with the mushroom cap on one end.
4) Drill a ⅛” hole (depends on the cotter pin you use) about ¼” from the uncapped end of the axle. I did this with a cordless drill.
5) Cut one of the black spacers in half so it’s half as thick. With my spacers, they were too wide to accommodate the new wheels on the axle.
6) Put one wheel and one half-spacer on the axle and guide it through the axle channel on the tote (much easier then popping the assembled axle into the channel)
7) Put the other half-spacer and wheel on the end of the axle.
8) Insert the cotter pin through the hole and bend the pin ends around the axle. I had to cut my extra-long cotter pin down to size so I could work with it within the confines of the wheel.

The new wheels are a great fit and I’m looking forward to using my new and improved tote. Here’s someone else’s picture of this setup:

[allentx1]

That's great! I dread using my 42 gallon barker because the front wheels are hard plastic like those you would find on a boats tongue jack. They are the loudest possible wheels made... I wanted to know if you felt that after the upgrade you could tow it at campground speeds instead of the "no faster than walking pace"... I would assume you could go a little faster... I really need to get this done this spring.

[f6bits]

I’d imagine that the softer wheels will allow for more speed, but I’d be wary of bumps and dips. My first outing with it will be in the desert in an unpaved campground, so I think I’ll be driving it at “walking speed.” Which is better than I’d attempt with the old wheels.

[dea3851]

I did the upgrade to my tote, used it at the state part in Ludington Michigan you can go some what faster, but you can't hear or see it, going to put some kind of flag on it so i can see if it's still there, loved the upgrade, Don

[DTJ9610]

Just bought 4 wheels from the Tractor Supply store. Hoping to get them on this weekend to see how they work. Looking forward to a much quiter ride without all the head turns.

[Ruffus]

I can see it now, campers pulling their Terd Tanks at high rates of speed through the nations campgrounds doing broddies until one comes loose and takes out someones kid or even worse their dog. We'll have to buy seperate insurance policies on our terd tanks. Then what happens when you have a flat tire when it's loaded? They don't make a jack low enough to get under the tank. Oh, the worries our nations has to endure. Just my 2 cents worth, well maybe 1-1/2 cents, I couldn't help myself. Looks nice though and I really like the idea of the dune buggy flag on it to make sure it's still back there, I did lose one, one time for about 15 feet until I seen it trying to pass me on a down hill run.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Just waitin' for someone to post that they
installed aTPMS on theirs ...

hankaye

[Festus2]

It could be that a new forum category is in order. I'm thinking that "Turd Totes" might fit the bill. I'll discuss this possibility with the other Moderators and our forum administrator. Stay tuned.

[alien_scones]

F6, Can you illuminate me on your trailer backup lights? Was the backup wire close or did you run a wire from the front of trailer to the back?

Thanks

[f6bits]

The picture I posted was from someone else’s upgrade. My trailer doesn’t have backup lights. But I do have a wife and a flashlight.

As for the tote, I wouldn’t call it a turd tank. I use mine for grey water only. My black tank lasts a week, which is longer than we’d ever go without a sewer hookup.

[Ruffus]

Ouch, you may not call it a Turd Tank yet but try dry camping for a couple three weeks and you may change your tune.
Hey Scott, now that I released my humor, which by the way I find theropudic, the mods to the tank really does look good but what about the hard rubber front wheels. I'm still waiting to see the tank that was made from a 30 or 40 gallon drum, no pictures were posted. Went to Harbor Freight today and found those 10 inch tires on sale for $3.99 so I did buy a couple. My next project is to paint my Barker Tank with Camo Paint so it doesn't stink out so proudly when stored under my trailer.

[Bushman512000]

Have a lot of miles on My mod did it 10 years ago Harbor Freight wheels also used some Slime in them air stays up now great idea I think the pink wheels on the front are cool they are 3" Think 4"on the rear

[curlyfungirl]

Exaactly how do the terd tanks work? we have seen them tied to several rv's and are confused.

[Festus2]

Mmmmmmmmm. How best to answer this one? Hankaye, where are you?

Basically, you fill the "turd tank" with contents from your black tank and haul the turd tank to the campground dump station. The portable tank saves you from unhooking your RV and taking the rig to the dump station. The tank simply does the same thing except that you have to fill and empty it more often and you move the tank instead of the RV.
You will need either some kind of cart or else put the tank in your TV and drive up to the dump station with it.

[Bushman512000]

Blond?

[Firecapt]

Here's some additional pics I got from another forum years ago. They show the mounting, which is a cut & modified cheap handtruck (available from Costco, Home Depot, etc. for about $20). Also showing the wheel mod, wheels available from Harbor Freight. This mount and mod was for a 42 gallon Barker tote (that size may not be available anymore).

The base of the handtruck was covered with swimboard foam to cushion the ride and keep movement to a minimum.

[MichiganMarty]

I also use the 30 gallon 2 wheeled version. I will be doing this mod to mine!

A word of caution though, (though this mod may reduce the hazard) twice now, I've had the cap come off on the way to the dump station!

I've never had to empty my black water until we leave, but the gray water is always an issue. Lucky for me the only thing spilled was grey water.

To eliminate the problem, I make sure the rubber band thing is on the side of the cap that helps keep it on during the haul.

[fla-gypsy]

I think they should be officially known as "Tote-A-Turds"

[Htfiremedic]

Originally Posted by fla-gypsy

I think they should be officially known as "Tote-A-Turds"

Agreed! Gods forum sticky name too!