Forum Discussion

adamis's avatar
adamis
Nomad II
Nov 18, 2016

Thinking about Auxiliary Trailer Build

My business needs led me to purchase a 12ft cargo trailer from a guy who initially had it converted as a small home-made camper. He had removed most of the camping stuff but I'm left with two windows, a power vent in the roof and insulated walls.

My initial thought was to build out the camper and use it just for my business by having it as a sort of mobile show room for my product. I then got to thinking that maybe I could kill two birds with one stone. The camper is great for the fiancee and myself but our two girls (10 and 8) can make it a tight squeeze. When we go camping with my parents they just use tents at the campsite but I feel guilty being in a nice toasty camper while they are roughing it out in the cold.

What I'm thinking now is to just hang my product on the back doors of the camper (perfect because I can swing the doors open and everything is right there to be seen) and then build in some fold out bunk beds that will store flat against the wall of the camper (so I can haul my Honda Odyssey). Up front I'm thinking about building a small room just big enough to hide a porta-john (save's the girls from knocking on our door in the middle of the night) along with some upper and lower cabinets along with a counter and small sink.

What I listed above seems to be fairly easy to do and will be a fun build however I am now wondering what else can I add? I've thought of the following so far...

1. Additional Solar Panels + Battery Bank
2. Roof Rack for Kayaks or small Sail Boat
3. Additional holding tank for grey / black water
4. Large capacity freshwater tank
5. Large awning / sun room system
6. Outdoor portable kitchen setup

The auxiliary tanks would only be for transferring between the camper when stationary an obviously not hooked up while driving.

Given the list above, this should keep me pretty busy (and broke) till summer time comes around. Does anyone else have any other suggestions to consider incorporating into the trailer? Any other examples that could be referenced? Pictures?
  • You might consider a composting toilet to save weight and avoid the hassle and cost of plumbing.
  • Sounds like a good idea. How you have time for that with a wife, 2 kids and a job I'll never know.
    I only have time to be on rvnet when I'm sitting down taking a s____!
    Guess where I'm at? Lol
    Good luck w the project
  • Grit dog wrote:
    Sounds like a good idea. How you have time for that with a wife, 2 kids and a job I'll never know.
    I only have time to be on rvnet when I'm sitting down taking a s____!
    Guess where I'm at? Lol
    Good luck w the project


    Hahahaha.... :)
  • The best place for aux trailer info is on Expedition Portal's off-road trailer section. These people think outside the box and are the best on the net. You will not find more builds in one place. One of them might have your name on it.
    http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/42-Expedition-Trailers
    jefe
  • Ok Boatycall may have what I consider to be the pimpest TC/toy hauler combo I've seen after those pics above!
    Just wow. Everything including the kitchen sink! I want to party with you!

    Burning man, guess where I'm at?
    Ok back to prepping for a big T day feast!

    Was hoping for back straps on the bbq to add but all I got was wet feet this am in the woods! Store bought dinner only today....
  • Uh, could we get a courtesy flush??

    Yeah I'm over in Bothell and it's just pouring.