Converting a Cargo Trailer to a “camper”

[06 SB]

I have a 6x12 v-nose cargo trailer that I have used a sleeper when hunting. I have been using a cot but that is getting old. I am not looking to install a fridge, stove or any water tanks. Just a full size bed that folds against the wall and some storage cabinets and shelves. Anyone one ever make one into a primitive camper? Any lessons learned? I have plenty of carpentry experience and tools but want to keep it simple.

[rao]

if you search tiny house living they have a lot of good ideas for small spaces

[Walkabout7781]

Be sure to insulate, add a propane furnace, and provide a way to get out in case some azzhat comes along and locks the doors while you're sleeping. If you uncouple to take the truck to town or go to your hunting grounds, be sure nobody can hook on and tow it away.

[n2ratfishin]

I have a buddy that has pimped his out big time. He pulls it from job site to job site. Uses it as an office then sleeps in it and pockets the per diem. He made a table looking like platforms on the walls. They dropped down with legs. When he open them up ad put the legs down it was a bed. Up front he had lay down desk space on one wall. He had lights etc.. in there. Of course everything had a place. They lived ultra frugal for about five years and just paid cash for a new house.

[Fishysam]

im thinking of making a small goose neck trailer into a camper, i know the chassis will handle my 20' boat behind it, i will be watching this as well, hopefully it blows up and more people comment

[bobh4656]

Ive seen cargo trailers that have an addition on one side. It's like a fenced in shelf with a bed.
I suppose you could modify yours to replicate something along those lines.

[Chief Paduke]

Lots of YouTube videos of people converting them.

[Axkiker]

But out of curiosity why not just get a used camper. Seems you can find them pretty darn cheap ??

[n2ratfishin]

But out of curiosity why not just get a used camper. Seems you can find them pretty darn cheap ??

The guy's I saw could still be used to haul stuff. The big stuff came out and it converted back to a trailer. He picked up a couch and chair I was selling with it.

[Axkiker]

The guy's I saw could still be used to haul stuff. The big stuff came out and it converted back to a trailer. He picked up a couch and chair I was selling with it.

Ahhhhh that makes sense. Didn't think about it that way.

[okhawg]

I would think a full size bed would eat up too much room. A twin should work okay. You’ll have to convert the door, as mentioned, to a two way knob.

[IBHUFFY]

You might do a search for Toy Haulers. There are online floorplans for them. Just pick the items you like and copy it. Might be better to sell your trailer and buy one already put together. Lots of used ones out there.

https://dunesport.com/inventory_view...rderid=1053728

[06 SB]

I decided not to sell it since I still use it occasionally for cargo (moving kids) and store my ATV. Besides, I know the bearings and axle is well maintained. A toy hauler is either too expensive or too big for what I need. Most of the time this thing is sitting in an open field at my deer lease. If I get something too nice, I fear it will walk...

[TRCM]

But out of curiosity why not just get a used camper. Seems you can find them pretty darn cheap ??

Yes, you can, but replacing stuff in a camper is very expensive. Heaters, A/C, fridge, toilet, etc...are all WAY more than a normal fixture for a house.

The benefit of taking a cargo trailer, is you can use normal stuff, and generally still be ok weight wise.


I considered it with a 24' gooseneck I had, and it would have given me 10k to deal with weight wise for furniture, fixtures, water/sewage tanks, and such, and it would have had plenty of room, but I ended up selling the truck I needed to pull it, so I didn't pursue it farther.

[CJ1]

I have a 17' v nose with a fridge, microwave, stereo, ac, power inverter and batteries in the v part of it leaving the back part open.The rear ramp opens up and I had canvas shop build rear doors with screens in them, that is also where the ac unit fits in. I heat with a radiator style 120v heater that has a temp control. The trailer is insulated and the heater will keep up no problem at 10 deg out. The fridge and microwave will run off the inverter/batteries for 2 days easy if power is not available then I use a 2000 watt Honda that powers everything and charges the batteries. For sleeping I use cots and throw a king size mattress on top of them, fits perfect. Was going to build a fold down bed but the cots work so well it is not needed. Cj

[Greg58]

I made a 6x12 into a perfect deer hunting rig for one. Got tired of sleeping in a tent with all the others! Made a fold up full size bed, folded against the side i could load my 4 wheeler inside for transport. Had shelves in the front for gear and clothes. Insulated it and heated it easily with a mr buddy propane heater. (Safe for indoors model) Put a tarp outside for an awning and it was big enough for a table for the Colman camp stove and coffee maker and still had room to park the 4 wheeler under. I loved the rig even though it was basic. I got good nights sleep and had all I needed.

[Rude196]

My X son in law converted one and lived in it thru college. When he told me how much $ he had in it I knew that marriage would never work. He had more brains than sense and enough money to make things happen. Actually had a washer/dryer combo in his, very nice setup but he could have bought a camper cheaper.

[Jdub176]

Go to Pinterest and type in Camping trailer Plans. You could waist a month on that sight.

[Bob G.]

I made a 6x12 into a perfect deer hunting rig for one. Got tired of sleeping in a tent with all the others! Made a fold up full size bed, folded against the side i could load my 4 wheeler inside for transport. Had shelves in the front for gear and clothes. Insulated it and heated it easily with a mr buddy propane heater. (Safe for indoors model) Put a tarp outside for an awning and it was big enough for a table for the Colman camp stove and coffee maker and still had room to park the 4 wheeler under. I loved the rig even though it was basic. I got good nights sleep and had all I needed.

I've seen where guys did as you did but set up for 2 for hunting, etc and could still use the trailer to haul stuff.

I think an enclosed trailer holds up better over time than a used camper.

[06 SB]

I made a 6x12 into a perfect deer hunting rig for one. Got tired of sleeping in a tent with all the others! Made a fold up full size bed, folded against the side i could load my 4 wheeler inside for transport. Had shelves in the front for gear and clothes. Insulated it and heated it easily with a mr buddy propane heater. (Safe for indoors model) Put a tarp outside for an awning and it was big enough for a table for the Colman camp stove and coffee maker and still had room to park the 4 wheeler under. I loved the rig even though it was basic. I got good nights sleep and had all I needed.

That is exactly what I am planning on doing. I also believe a cargo trailer holds up better than a camper. I only need simple. I have a camp stove, heater (indoor model), canopy and everything else I need except a maybe generator. I have some good ideas and I’ll post some pictures once I get it done.