A road show designed to test the physical fitness of working firefighters upgraded to a larger trailer this year, turning heads with a customized set of wheels.

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge had previously transported its gear in a 36-foot trailer towed by an International tractor.

"Over time, more equipment was needed, as were classier props for competitors to negotiate during their timed runs," said Ron Beckman, head of logistics for On Target Communications, which manages the annual firefighter contest.

The group bought a used 53-foot moving van trailer, which was found on eBay. With contests held in more than 25 locations each year, On Target needed to make loading and unloading the 15,000 pounds of equipment easier. So the trailer was outfitted with a 20-foot long two-piece folding ramp.

An ice machine was installed inside the trailer in the nose section, along with a workshop area to repair items as necessary. Electrical lighting and PA speakers were installed inside. Lockers were installed for the crew members that have to fly for each event, to hold a change of shoes, hats and rain gear.

The 22-wheeler, topping out at 80,000 pounds fully loaded, was decorated with a tribal pattern flame design. The trailer's rooftop was also decorated, for the occasional helicopter shot during ESPN filming of the Combat Challenge events.

"This is a rolling billboard for the Challenge," Beckman said.

The Firefighter Combat Challenge was started by Paul Davis, a faculty member at the University of Maryland Sports Medicine Center in 1991. He was teaching a firefighter fitness class and noticed that participants became more interested when job-related activities were part of the course. The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge has been broadcast on ESPN for over a decade and is seen by millions worldwide each year.

Catch It!

The World Finals of the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge take place in Ottawa, Canada from Nov. 4-10, 2003. Check ESPN for airdates.