Shipping Container RV

[steditrak]

I looked high and low but couldn't find one to save my life. Has anybody ever built a shipping container RV? I made a crude drawing of what I think it would typically look like. Then again, I never saw one before so what do I know?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nYt4dLCp2-2Klw_8d0EsWRdoRHS9Ri-N

[Tin_Pusher]

Sorta sounds like you have made up your mind already....

Rosta Ruck 🙂

[Community Alumni]

Buy a used U-Haul truck and call it a day. Good luck!

[steditrak]

Having worked as a truck driver for years, I can honestly tell you the most invisible vehicle on the road is a delivery or moving truck. If the walls of the shipping container attract too much attention, I can always slap on a cheap skin to cover it up. Then it'll look just like any other truck.

[steditrak]

I'd love to buy a used Armored Car, if only they made them in the size I want. I need the maximum allowable payload for the footprint I'm taking up on the street with a reasonable amount of security. By the way, it's not a zombie apocalypse. More like junkies looking for something to break into for their next fix.

[MrWizard]

if you want something for the 'Zombie Apocalypse' why not use an armored car like the Banks and Treasury use ?

BUT in your case, even repainted it would attract attention
too many 'people' would want to know whats in there

[steditrak]

There are several reasons I wanted to go with a shipping container. They’re cheap, strong as hell, and most of the fabrication is already done. All I have to pay for is modifications. They also offer better security since they’re not the easiest things to break into. I can always install security cameras instead of windows and a steel door. I picked a 20 foot length because I intend to make it 16 feet with a 5 foot bunk over the cab. Even with solar panels on the roof, the dimensions would be: 21 feet long, 8 feet wide, 11’ 10” high. Another reason I wanted a container is because I wanted the strength of a steel tubing internal cage without the added expense. I have nothing against aluminum providing someone can show me an aluminum body with an internal cage for the same price as a used container. I’m also looking at buying a used Isuzu or Mitsubishi flatbed truck for the container to sit on. Once again, cheaper than a new one. I can probably deal with the higher weight load by choosing a truck with a GVWR over 20,000 pounds. I know it’s a pig on fuel but I won’t be driving it very much. Mostly it’ll be parked on the street in an industrial section of town. I also don’t want it to look like a camper van. I want it to look like a super tough moving truck so that people leave it alone. Also, a vehicle length of 21 feet is the legal limit for parking in the Vancouver lower mainland area. In other words, the ultimate urban stealth camper.

[Lwiddis]

Nothing like an Army cot for a good night’s sleep.

[path1]

I think clint eastwood had the class a model in the gauntlet. Time now for class c model?

[Bill_Satellite]

Too heavy. Would not make much sense. I might be a good vehicle if you are concerned about an Zombie Apocalypse but I can't find much more value there.

[valhalla360]

Weight is the killer:

The tare weight on a 40' container is around 8300lbs. Even a small 20' container is around 5000lbs. They are designed to be stacked more than 10 high with the container shell supporting the loaded containers above.

A fully outfitted and loaded 20' trailer will typically be under 5000lbs.

As someone mentioned, if you want a DIY RV, a box truck or large enclosed utility trailer is a much better starting point.

[richclover]

A friend of mine bought a used 2-horse trailer, dirt cheap, pressure cleaned it, closed in the openings with plywood, hung a huge propane tank on the front and used it for a hunting camp for years. Propane cook stove and a surplus army cot, heavy sleeping bag did the trick.

Another buddy bought a huge snowmobile trailer and built living quarters, complete with kitchen, into the front half.

Anything is possible 😉

[profdant139]

streditrak, interesting idea -- a classic example of thinking outside the box . . . .

If you pursue this project, keep us posted on how it is going!

[SoundGuy]

K Charles wrote:
That link wants a password but a shipping container doesn't sound like recreation or vehicle so it wouldn't make a very good RV for me.

Didn't ask me for a password ... here's the pic.

[Dutch_12078]

It's certainly a novel idea, but why not start out with an aluminum body box truck? It'll be a lot lighter than a 4200-4900 lb 20' aluminum or steel container mounted on a flatbed truck. Lower too...

[Lwiddis]

Solid steel walls, roof, floor. Hmmm. Might be a little heavy.