Carhauler to RV

[Harleybullet]

Anybody ever see in there campgrounds these Carhaulers converted to RV trailer
Youtube has many ways on how to convert them with you everything you need and more;

Priced are thru the roof so this maybe4 a way out and more.

Let me know you comment good and bad..... Dave

[ktmrfs]

I bought a 14 ft cargo trailer spec'd like I wanted to convert to a mini toyhauler. Didn't want a full size toyhauler, but wanted something big enough to haul 3 bikes, , shower, etc. and small enough to use for day trips etc. and room to sleep for two. Mine has sleeping for two, dinette, hauls 3 bikes, fridge, stove, microwave, water heater, 20 gallon fresh tank, 40 gallon grey tank, shower, AC, toilet forced air heat, plenty of storage for food etc. outside awning. A single 5 gallon propane tank, two GC2 batteries on the tongue.

Was fun to build, has been in use since 2004. When I built mine it really wasn't any cheaper than buying a small trailer, shell trailer wasn't real expensive, but stuff like furnace, AC, stove, toilet etc. etc. adds up pretty quick even if you find used stuff. I knew that would be the case from the start, but it was a solution to what I needed.

As mentioned, cargo trailers are NOT lightweight. My 14ft is rated at 7,000 GVW, and is typically around 6,000 with two bikes in it. My 30ft TT with dual slides is 8500 loaded up. Unless you go real spendy, cargo trailer frames and wall framing is all steel, roof framing is steel, roof if galvanized sheet metal, outside walls thin aluminum. Makes them pretty heavy to start with. And the walls are usually only 1/2" or 3/4" thick so minimal insulation.

For years in addition to use as a toyhauler for motorcycles, we used it as our travel trailer as well.

Overall, if you want a fun project for a custom trailer and have the tools, skills and time, go for it. If you want it because it's the only solution to what you want for layout, go fo it. if you think it's an inexpensive way to get a trailer........ Your barking up the wrong tree. If you think it is a way to have a lightweight trailer.......... your barking up the wrong tree.

[Sandia_Man]

Yeah, just seen a couple of them last week at the campgrounds we were at. I am pretty handy myself with tools and such but I would stick with getting an 18' TT as what you have planned is much too confining for us to enjoy RVing in.

Obviously, if you want to go for it, have fun building it, let us know how it goes along the way. As for RV pricing there are always deals to be had, market might soon be flooded with lightly used RVs hastily purchased due to covid-19.

[Gdetrailer]

Yes, I have seen "cargo" trailers converted and used for camping and not just on ones own property.. I have seen them being used in campgrounds.

I see a couple of problems with the idea.

If you don't already have one laying around not being used, buying new or even used will cost you more upfront than a purpose built travel trailer..

Cargo trailers because of the nature of it's "universal loads" use often results in a substantially much heavier body and frame than is what is needed for camping use.. You will end up with a rig that weighs 25%-40% more than the same size camping trailer and that is with nothing inside the trailer. Purpose built camping trailers are designed to be camping trailers and not cargo haulers.

It will ALWAYS look like a "cargo trailer" no matter what camouflage method you try, which can be an issue in some campgrounds which are touchy about looks.

I at one time had looked at the idea of converting a cargo trailer until I saw the price tags of the trailers, windows, doors along with the weight factor.. Wasn't worth the hassle and cost to me..

I ended up finding a old used travel trailer in the length I was looking for for a mere $700, gave me frame and box with title, windows, doors, furnace, a/c, water heater, full tub with integrated surround, all three tanks and more other useful parts. I would do it again in a heartbeat but instead of removing and replacing the rotted wood framing and such I would cut the bolts and remove the top , sides and floor and start from scratch, much cheaper and quicker.

For custom designed and built camping trailers, you could check with some of your local trailer builders that build custom horse trailers with living quarters.. They may be willing to adjust their designs a bit to expand the living quarters to the full length of the trailer..

Custom built no matter what you try, will result in a heavier and much, much more expensive RV.. For price and weight, it IS hard to beat the standardized assembly line of RV manufacturers. So if you were looking to do this on the cheap, you will be sadly disappointed unless you plan to string hammocks from wall to wall and have no windows or any other creature comforts.

[GrandpaKip]

I did a plain 14’ vee nose several years ago. Put in windows, A/C, electric, plumbing, etc. for about half the cost of a comparable trailer. But I did all the labor myself. If you have to farm out a lot of stuff, you’ll probably spend as much or more than a new trailer.
Will it be be better than store bought? Depends on your skill and that of anyone you hire.
I really enjoyed building ours.

[Grit_dog]

dedmiston wrote:
I've seen a few good examples in the Toy Hauler forum over the years.

I've never believed in the practicality of those builds, but at least the guys had fun projects to work on and they were happy with their final results.

^This. A great project and maybe not totally cost prohibitive IF you do all the work yourself AND know how to do it as economically as possible.

However, the price of cargo trailers is equally as inflated as everything else and the vast selection of little travel trailers (new and lightly used) decidedly tips the scales towards a TT cost wise.

You'll spend $10-15k easy just on a cargo trailer by the time you add all the "options" like windows, insulation, wall covering, etc and still have to build all the real amenities.
And in the end, you'll probably not have all the features of a commercially built TT and spend more to get there.

The fact that you're not 100% diy is the first non-starter though.

If you are intent on doing this though, look at MTI trailers. I feel they are a good value vs price point.

[dedmiston]

I've seen a few good examples in the Toy Hauler forum over the years.

I've never believed in the practicality of those builds, but at least the guys had fun projects to work on and they were happy with their final results.

[Tyler0215]

If you have the time and money, go for it. Remember everything you have to buy, you will pay retail price.
The biggest problem I see is where to put the holding tanks. They have to be lower than the toilet and shower so you will have to raise the floor, and there goes your headroom. Chandelier? Bad idea.
For a hunting or fishing cabin I think a custom built cargo trailer would be OK.

[Harleybullet]

To continue I would put a murhy bed in so when it is up ther a lot more room Toilet and shower holding toanks that fit my needs simple kitchen with fridge and farm sink even a chanderlier and a small wood burning fireplace.
Still making out details any ideas or comments or questions are appreciated.

[Harleybullet]

I guess you fellows have seen them around. I was referring to the enclosed cargo trailers that the lawn guys have to pull behind my truck.

I have owned 3 travel trailer 25, 26 and 16 plus I just sold my Truck camper. We have decided to get a new small travel trailer about 16 to 18 foot class; they are asking astronomical prices and want to go another way for price and get exactly what I want. I can do some of the work but may need some help some portions I made need help.

Looking at youtube there is alot of good info on what is needed and how to do it. I am looking at a 7 x 16 vee nose cargo trailer with an 8 foot interior height. 36 inch RV door and either a ramp or barn door rear. The trailer companies will do many items such as insulation, vents, windows I am still research how for they will go! I think I can get a pretty substantial rig for maybe half the price of the usual RV,

[bucky]

That is a great idea and could be used in many different ways.

[hornet28]

A car hauler with sleeping quarters. It's a 63" semi sleeper

[Lwiddis]

I’ve seen a number of van and trailer conversions. Some nice and some terrible. For those with skill and time, it could be a great project. However, I’d rather buy something and go camping.

[RetiredRealtorR]

Can you possibly clarify your question? :h

[ajriding]

their campgrounds or there campgrounds? I don't know where there is...

Is a carhauler special? You are talking about just a big cargo trailer I assume? Because the carhauler that the big semis tow with two levels and ramps and are open would not be something you would want to use as a base for an RV build.

Cargo campers, on the other hand, are quite common. very common. You would do better to try a non-google search and just type in "cargo camper" and you will find thousands of pictures or articles or whatever fancies there your desire for more info.

Self-built RVs are common, much more durable and give the owner just what he wants, here or there, but I do not know about the connection to any campgrounds.