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tooldad1041's avatar
tooldad1041
Explorer
Feb 10, 2020

32ft Gooseneck Cargo Conversion to Toy Hauler

Cargo Trailer conversion. I am a shop teacher and now that my son is in high school, he's taking the class. He along with his 2 best friends wanted a challenge project. Our first thought was a teardrop camper. We just as a family justify the cost with how often we would use it. A more practical solution was a converted Toy Hauler. We currently have a Continental Cargo 28ft TH. However we have outgrown this. Add a gooseneck hitch in your truck and now's there's an excuse to do another conversion!

The challenge first was finding a trailer within the $7500 budget that was roadworthy and the right length for our lake lot parking area and tall enough for the UTV. We were able to find a 32ft Vnose, however it has barn doors, but we'll make do.

I will post update pics and progress. To add a little pressure, the trailer will be entered into a Shop project competition in the "open project" division. Usually this area is for non-furniture and is usually dog houses and sheds. So my boys hope to win the state competition with this project.
  • Update photo

    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K5JrgCI9695oUQwj0FqRWRPW3JQSM5orVCBcozsb9-0
  • plumbing and HVAC are soon to be installed. We have a rooftop mounted AC to be installed. We have an underbelly water tank so we will route plumbing from the tank soon. The section of flooring that is over the tank is just sitting there at this time. We will have a propane furnace, again from donor camper, which will go under the fridge, also from the donor camper.

    Using the power converter box from the donor camper. Wiring up 110v and 12v. All lighting is 12v so it can be run on battery or shore power. 110v was run through framing members in the floor inside 3/4 conduit and junction boxes. All 12v wire is sheathed and insulated with grommets where it passed through framing members.

    Windows are to be installed above each fender, and one in the loft. The will be framed in with 1x2 tube steel as everything else is on trailer.

    The donor camper only had one small window, so we elected to just make that work. We did find some windows on marketplace, however they were white frame, and with the rest of the trailer having black trim, we elected to stick with one window.

    No shortcuts. We are even adding a DVD double din 12v stereo along with a 12v/110v tv so the kids can watch TV if stuck inside on battery.
  • It looks like you do not have plumbing or HVAC which will keep it simple. Are you planning on adding windows and roof vents for light and circulation? Plan out your electrical before buttoning up the walls - It is so much easier with it stripped down, but you have to decide whether to run exclusive 12VDC, exclusive 120VAC or both.
  • Looks like a cool and challenging project. Best of luck to you and the boys. Please keep us up to date on progress.