HELP! I'm building a custom travel trailer.

myrvplans1 wrote:

69 Avion wrote:
This may not be what you want to consider, but some cargo trailers aren't built as well as top end travel trailers. If you want a great trailer to start with, get an old Avion that is from a dry climate, and have it rebuilt. You will have a much better exterior and one of the best frames on the market.

:E Thanks for your feedback. I would disagree with you on the quality factor of cargo trailers. Most governmental agencies use cargo trailers as command centers and they have custom cargo trailers stationed arctic locations. Race car drivers use them to transport their high end cars (sometimes 2 at a time in a stacker). Fedex and UPS use them. So does Uhaul. A cargo trailer is tough... it's basically a truck without the engine. Avion? Had to look that one up. Wow! that goes back a few years huh? That thing looks like the EM-50 from Stripes. (and please don't call me Francis :---)

Assuming that you really want to do this I will give you a little advice from experience. I have built equipment trailers on and off for over 40 years. There are some decent cargo trailers out there, but for the money, you aren't going to beat an Avion frame and shell. That obviously doesn't interest you, but at least you can make an informed decision. I was just trying to save you money and aggravation.
You are never going to get your money out of a cargo trailer conversion. That may not matter to you, but most folks don't want to throw away the money.
High Quality RVs are somewhat rare, and watching the surviving old ones gives you an idea of what will last. If you actually check out the "survivors" you will know what works and what doesn't.
You are trying to fit a lot in a small trailer, which isn't easy. I recently built the frame, etc, for a trailer to hold my 1969 Avion camper. I also reconditioned most of that camper while at it. It is unusual, but the trailer is only 19,5' long, hold 80 gallons of water with room for 30 gallons more. It can take up to 120# of LP and 20 gallons of gasoline plus it can hold up to 7 batteries. I can carry an extra quad on the front of it and has a large solar panel. It has a 30,000 btu outdoor stove that pulls out with the release of just one pin. It's axle is rated at 7,000#, but the trailer with tongue weight can handle 8,000#. Fully loaded with all gear, water, quad, etc., it is around 6,500#. I built the trailer, and reconditioned the camper I already owned for around $16,000. There aren't many trailers for that price that will come close to those specs and you won't do that with most cargo trailers. The nice part is that in 30 minutes I can take the camper off and put it on a truck if I desire. I can get my money out of the trailer and the camper will little effort. The folks who build campers have figured out how to fit a lot into a little space. There is much more thought put into a TC than a TT because you have very little room to work with.
Good luck with your project and post pictures as you progress.