Cargo Trailer Conversion

[A_C_Woodsy]

Hi, I'm new here. After many years of tent camping and wilderness backpacking, my husband and I have reached the point where we need a night up off the ground every now and then. All the RVs we saw seemed too deluxe for our rather Spartan trips. We ended up buying a cargo trailer that we're converting to a camping trailer. The project is almost as much fun as our trips!

We have insulated all surfaces and will be adding a bed, but plan to use our existing camp stove. We will probably add electricity, but not plumbing. But who knows?

I'd post a photo, but the photo icon directs me to enter a URL for the photo, and it's not a URL--just a file on my computer. Maybe I can post it on Facebook and then use that URL?

I've found a couple of web pages devoted to trailer conversions, but I'd love comments from anyone here who has undertaken a similar project.

[marquette]

I currently have a 6x12 V-front cargo trailer that I converted and use for a camper. Biggest disappointment is I didn't anticipate the wind resistance above 55 mph so my idea of a lightweight hard sided camper went astray. I went the cargo trailer route because of the shoddy construction of small campers. For most of the manufacturers to get under 2500 lbs and still include all the amenities of a larger camper they sacrificed quality. No metal wall to wall frame, cheap wood framing, thin mattresses, etc. I have the side rv door and back barn doors. I got barn doors because of adding windows to the rear. I put in 5 windows and fully insulated with foam insulation. I have 6 double LED lights down the center that when all on my wife calls my stadium lighting. Too bright for her. We do all of our cooking outside and if the weather bad we have a table inside that we use our lawn chairs at. I used 2 of the Rubbermaid upright cabinets for our pantry and storage inside and a 3 drawer one for clothes storage because they ate extremely light and strong. I put bunk bed in made out of some type folding beds we got at Kmart that have a metal frame with canvas stretched between springs. Then a 4 in mattress on top. Much more comfortable than the mattress laying on plywood. Loaded with screen house, battery, food, 5 gal water, stove, barbeque, clothes, Mr Buddy heater and assorted stuff it weighs about 18-1900 lbs. It's pretty much what you are describing you are building. A clean dry place to sleep no matter what the weather, outdoor living and a easy way to haul everything for camping with out having to load and unload the vehicle all the time.

[A_C_Woodsy]

Love all the comments and suggestions on the trailer, as well as on uploading photos. The interior is still empty. We will put the bed at the front of the trailer and cooking area at the back, by the doors. Will cook outside in good weather. Portable toilet. 4 screened windows and a skylight for ventilation. I'll try photo uploads later tonight or tomorrow.

If we can get this ice and snow out of here, we'll get back to work.

[Tango__AE7UI]

I have a 6 x 12 cargo trailer with tandem axles with a rear ramp door.
You can order them as single or tandem axles and electric brakes.
2-5/16 hitch ball.

[fred42]

I did a cargo trailer rebuild about 5 years ago. There is a link to it on the second page of this thread by rockhillmanor.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28109201/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

It was just a toy hauler, office and extra bedroom to my truck camper. There was no cooking.

[NMDriver]

Do not forget ventilation, especially if you are using a heater or cooking.

[JaxDad]

RoyB wrote:

I would rather dual tandems on the trailer and also have the trailer raised higher off the ground so I could pull back off the beaten path like we do with off-road POPUP trailer.

Roy Ken

I can't even begin to imagine how big a cargo trailer you'd be converting that had it would have dual tandem suspension.

[rexlion]

I use Photobucket to host my pictures, but there are other free sites that work just as well.

If I were converting a cargo trailer, I'd fix the rear door (or doors) with a big screen, so I could open up the rear to enjoy the view and fresh air. The patio idea is kind of cool, too. They make screens with magnets around the edges that will hold to your trailer's steel framing, and there can be a magnetic closure at the center if you want to go in and out.

[mrgreetis]

A C
Look at the top 2 topics in the "Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)" forum for how to post pictures.

Looks like Dakota beat me to it.

[Dakota98]

QUOTE:

I'd post a photo, but the photo icon directs me to enter a URL for the photo, and it's not a URL--just a file on my computer. Maybe I can post it on Facebook and then use that URL?

RV.NET Photo Posting

[RoyB]

I kinda like the idea of having the side access door up close to the front and have the permanent kitchen items across the front of the trailer.



Then I would like the fold down beds like the toy haulers use. The table set would be easily removed to allow other uses of the trailer sort like this photo...


I also like this idea of dropping the rear door and using it as a PATIO SETUP like this photo shows... You could also raise up a patio tent here over this as well...


I would rather dual tandems on the trailer and also have the trailer raised higher off the ground so I could pull back off the beaten path like we do with off-road POPUP trailer.

My trailer would also have to be beefed up with additional batteries etc for long term off-road camping.

Sounds like alot of fun converting a utility trailer over to a camper.

Roy Ken