HELP! I'm building a custom travel trailer.

gmw photos wrote:
An inward opening door is going to provide you some interesting challenges in making it water tight.

Agreed. When you're going down the road, wind buffeting the trailer is pushing the door closed against the seal on a traditional trailer. There is no pressure coming from the inside. If the door swings in, the only thing holding the door against the seal is the latch.

I would second the idea of looking for a small RV. Yes they are still making cheap TTs but there are also some well-made ones like the Arctic Fox that are insulated and have dual pane windows etc. A steel-sided cargo trailer is not necessarily the best starting point from an insulation standpoint.

I would consider going a little longer, maybe 18'. I know you want to be small and nimble, but if you plan on any winter weather, you will appreciate a place to hang a wet coat or put a pair of snowy/muddy boots that is out of the way. Also a cooktop inside is a must IMO...makes it easy to brew a pot of coffee or make a quick meal without having the start the generator and use the microwave. If you are thinking of "stealth" camping where folks think you're just a cargo trailer, running the generator is not a good option. Overall that extra 3' won't mean anything if you are towing with a 3/4 truck, but will give you the room to add a cooktop and coat closet. Other than that I think your layout is pretty efficient.

Completely different thought....for the type of traveling you are thinking of doing, on the go and not staying in one place, you might be better off with a class B van or a small class C. Easily do-able with your budget, easy to park without attracting attention and has everything already, maybe something like this:



Or possibly a truck camper that fits in the bed of your 3/4 gas tow vehicle. For the monry you are looking to spend, I think you have better options that building your own from a cargo trailer.