Considering converting cargo trailer to RV - need advice
I have a 2010 Ford Flex FWD non-Eco Boost V6 which will allow me to tow a maximum of 4500#. Since I'm single and don't need/want a huge travel trailer I've been looking at (approx size) 7' x 14' cargo trailers that have been converted to fully functional units for camping.
I'm retired & have a physical disability that affects my ability to walk a lot on uneven terrain. This issue will be improved dramatically because I've purchased a Segway-based wheelchair that goes almost anywhere able bodied people walk. It won't climb rocks but uneven ground, decent hiking trails and other types of terrain are no problem. It's being built in Greece and should be here by the end of this month. I have an electric lift in the back of my Flex so I should be able to load it easily.
I'm not looking for a "stealth" RV but want a non V-nose trailer so I can build an enclosed box/carrier for my new chair where the V would normally be. This is so I wouldn't need to unhitch the trailer every time I wanted to use my chair at WalMart, etc. I also want barn doors because I want a portion of the trailer to hold tools, supplies and some of my firearms. The RV will have a single Murphy bed that runs lengthwise which should allow for a desk / work area when the bed is folded. I'll need potable water/ grey water and possible black water tanks. I'm planning on using a remote controlled Maxxair vent because I can't lift my arms high enough to reach the knob, etc. I'm also looking at a small A/C unit, either a 12V/24V semi truck sleeper unit or a portable 120v unit that can be left in a cabinet & vented through the wall as needed.
To power this trailer I'm planning on using as many high-wattage solar panels with associated batteries, inverters & controllers.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I'm trying to achieve on a budget of around $10,000. Much of the work will be farmed out to my brother who's an excellent builder/finish carpenter and I'll be able to help with some of it. An alternative is to purchase a unit that's already converted but so far I haven't found any forums or sites that have them for sale.
I've watched a butt-load-o-videos on YouTube about these conversions and while some are very well done (wiring/plumbing run neatly) too many of them look like an electrician's and plumber's nightmare. If you have any experience with this type of conversion I'd like to get your advice. Please don't respond with "buy a travel trailer" because what I've seen for $10,000 is either an old unit with who knows what problems or some cheaply built **** that won't hold together.
I live in Oregon, about 40 miles west of Portland so if you've converted a cargo trailer, are interested in helping build one or know anyone who has one for sale anywhere west of the Mississippi please contact me via PM.
I'm retired & have a physical disability that affects my ability to walk a lot on uneven terrain. This issue will be improved dramatically because I've purchased a Segway-based wheelchair that goes almost anywhere able bodied people walk. It won't climb rocks but uneven ground, decent hiking trails and other types of terrain are no problem. It's being built in Greece and should be here by the end of this month. I have an electric lift in the back of my Flex so I should be able to load it easily.
I'm not looking for a "stealth" RV but want a non V-nose trailer so I can build an enclosed box/carrier for my new chair where the V would normally be. This is so I wouldn't need to unhitch the trailer every time I wanted to use my chair at WalMart, etc. I also want barn doors because I want a portion of the trailer to hold tools, supplies and some of my firearms. The RV will have a single Murphy bed that runs lengthwise which should allow for a desk / work area when the bed is folded. I'll need potable water/ grey water and possible black water tanks. I'm planning on using a remote controlled Maxxair vent because I can't lift my arms high enough to reach the knob, etc. I'm also looking at a small A/C unit, either a 12V/24V semi truck sleeper unit or a portable 120v unit that can be left in a cabinet & vented through the wall as needed.
To power this trailer I'm planning on using as many high-wattage solar panels with associated batteries, inverters & controllers.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I'm trying to achieve on a budget of around $10,000. Much of the work will be farmed out to my brother who's an excellent builder/finish carpenter and I'll be able to help with some of it. An alternative is to purchase a unit that's already converted but so far I haven't found any forums or sites that have them for sale.
I've watched a butt-load-o-videos on YouTube about these conversions and while some are very well done (wiring/plumbing run neatly) too many of them look like an electrician's and plumber's nightmare. If you have any experience with this type of conversion I'd like to get your advice. Please don't respond with "buy a travel trailer" because what I've seen for $10,000 is either an old unit with who knows what problems or some cheaply built **** that won't hold together.
I live in Oregon, about 40 miles west of Portland so if you've converted a cargo trailer, are interested in helping build one or know anyone who has one for sale anywhere west of the Mississippi please contact me via PM.
