Cargo Trailer Conversion

[apssbc]

So the other day I picked up a 7x14 Cargo Trailer for a song. I got to thinking that I dont have many uses for the trailer however I didnt want to get rid of it. So I got to thinking and have decided I am going to convert it to a camper/cargo trailer. It will be geared toward being able to keep much of my equipment in it ready to go. The fiancee and I are also going to use it for camping on a regular basis. This is going to be a very ambitious project and it is going to take some time as I am broke as a joke. My future wife and I are very excited for this. Im hoping to use this thread to document what I am doing as the project progresses.

Here is the trailer. Its older but in great shape.
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/IMG_1778_zps5bc5a97d.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/IMG_1778_zps5bc5a97d.jpg.html)
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/IMG_1779_zpsa35606a9.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/IMG_1779_zpsa35606a9.jpg.html)
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/IMG_1781_zps03c11985.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/IMG_1781_zps03c11985.jpg.html)

I gutted it today and rustproofed the whole thing. The next step is to get it wired, insulated and sealed from the elements. My goals for the trailer eventually are to:
-Have it run off both 12 volt, and 110 for when were at camp sites.
-Have Solar panels and a couple batteries.
-Install two 30 gallon propane tanks.
-40 gallons of fresh water and a spare fuel tank installed underneath.
-Have a small Kitchen with a propane stove.
-Maximize storage for equipment.
-Install a Nu Way wood stove.
-Have a ham radio base station installed.

Basically I want to have some amenities of home with the ability to live off the grid completely if need be. I will update you guys as I go...but like I said this will probably be a long process unless I come into a considerable amount of money :).

[bacpacker]

I love it. At one time I was considering a trailer very similar to that just to pack up and have as a bug out tool to cut down on load up time. If funds allow I may still at some point.

Installing a ham set up isnt very hard in these rigs. Wiring either. I helped a group set up a comms trailer and while they probably had more than you want it turned out nice and very functional.
I will subscribe to this thread and track closely.

[Metrocruiser]

Congrats on the good deal!! I like these style trailers.

Very interested to follow this thread and see what cool things you do to it. I hope your build get rolling quickly.

If there's room, you may want a grey/black water tank as well.

[apssbc]

I'll take some pictures next time I'm home with it gutted. The wiring should be very simple and a radio setup will be quite easy. I only run VHF right now however I am going to leave room to add more radios if needed.

As for a black/grey tank I will be doing that. Not certain I'm going to put a bathroom inside. Might just use a porta potty like on a boat and use the grey tank for sink water and what not. I plan on doing an outside shower also.

[Stormfeather]

Lucky Guy! Ive been on the lookout for one of these to do the same thing to! I am looking at putting a safari rack on top for extra luggage capacity, then also adding solar panels on top as well!

[ElevenBravo]

This exact project has been on my mind for 5 years... never had the luck or cash to have something to get started with.

I know whatever I get, its going to end up being a little top heavy, plan on swapping springs and doing a spring over conversion, lifting it a minimum of 5" so it can go "cross country". At least off a road over a 1 foot ditch and into a rough clearing at the least.

EB

[Sniper-T]

Sweet! It must be true that great minds think alike, because we certainly have some great minds on this forum, and we all want a trailer like that. lol. Great score! I can't wait to see the progression!

[Metrocruiser]

This exact project has been on my mind for 5 years... never had the luck or cash to have something to get started with.

I know whatever I get, its going to end up being a little top heavy, plan on swapping springs and doing a spring over conversion, lifting it a minimum of 5" so it can go "cross country". At least off a road over a 1 foot ditch and into a rough clearing at the least.

EB

Hey eb I like that plan. An offroad camping trailer will rock.
Plastic plates are a must:p

We need some build threads here.

[bacpacker]

I would be happy to start one......if the funds were available! Shit I hate it when that happens.

[ElevenBravo]

Is it done yet, whats the hold up??



:-

EB

[apssbc]

Well I'm not anywhere done yet. However I did make some progress today. The trailer is gutted. I foamed the area between the floor and the was to insulate that part and seal the trailer from the outside.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/3F371AB1-AABA-4167-A4FF-8B04046EC4DC-5383-0000048C55E56972_zpsd4b1cce1.jpg

I diagramed the electrical layout all over the trailer. It's hard to tell but there will be a distribution box that charges and maintains the 12v batteries, and supplies 12 and 110 power throughout the trailer depending if it's plugged in or not. The trailer has extra wires for possible air conditioning, and will be wired and ready for solar panels on the roof. The top left of the pic is where my VHF radio and my CD player will go. There will be roof mount antenna. The trailer will be all led lights inside and out. There will be two propane lanterns installed inside in case there is no electricity or a emp strike. Heat will be provided by a small fireplace that will be installed.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/A2BA1A30-88B6-4640-A873-9AF497625074-5383-0000048C5CCB6052_zpsff897ee6.jpg
This is from the back facing forward. The rear will have a 53 inch fold down bed on the left side and a 27 inch fold down bench on the right. When folded together it'll be the size of a queen bed. The left side will be able to be left up so a table can be placed in the center of the trailer with the 27" bench for seating two. Up front is the kitchen area and cabinets will be placed all over for storage. Also in the pic you can see my plugs installed so far. Both inside and outside have been installed.

[bacpacker]

Lots of nice work. And a good thought process on how you are outfitting it. I like the idea of putting the wiring diagram on the walls. Makes it much easier to see how things fit together.

What kind of antenna are you planning on for the VHF?

[The Stig]

How the hell did I miss this thread?

http://cheaprvliving.com

You've prob already been here but if not they might have some good ideas for you.

[Metrocruiser]

awesome. You go bro!!

[Stg1swret]

Looks good. I assume you'll be using rigid foam insulation for both comfort and sound deadening.

[apssbc]

Thanks everyone. I really liked drawing it out. Helped me a ton figuring out how I wanted it.

I had not seen that website but I will be spending some time there now. Thanks!

I used expanding foam in the big gaps. The walls will have 1" rigid foam. As will the ceiling. Ill tape it in place and cover over that with whatever I'm gonna use for the walls. The front will have 2" of insulation since i will be spacing the wall out a little more to allow for all the wires to go there.

[apssbc]

As for the antenna I want to use the Motorola through the roof connector they make. Specific antenna I'm not certain just want to get a few miles around the trailer.

[Del461]

Tagged for interest

[MegaCPC]

Definitely in for the trailer build.

[rentprop1]

been toying with converting my trailer for years, I have been collecting pics and ideas, some things to consider are :
an awning
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu118/rentprop1boats/5N25F55Hf3K23F83o7c2j693016c8d95813a9_zps59f804f9. jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/rentprop1boats/media/5N25F55Hf3K23F83o7c2j693016c8d95813a9_zps59f804f9. jpg.html)
.
wire it in now ( shore power ) a way to connect an extension cord so that you can have 110v inside to run lights microwave etc
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu118/rentprop1boats/2012-08-22195833_zps915dba7d.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/rentprop1boats/media/2012-08-22195833_zps915dba7d.jpg.html)
.
use of e-track and clips to make a removable bed frame ( for when you need to haul stuff in your trailer ) the clips allow you to remove the bed frame and install later with a blow up mattress
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu118/rentprop1boats/trailer03_zpsb1de5ce0.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/rentprop1boats/media/trailer03_zpsb1de5ce0.jpg.html)
.
just some pics of a nice set up
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu118/rentprop1boats/nwiog1_zpsc2acc87f.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/rentprop1boats/media/nwiog1_zpsc2acc87f.jpg.html)

[apssbc]

Sorry for the delay.I havent been on the site in a while. However I have been making progress on the trailer. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions so far. I am wiring the trailer for a typical 30 amp plug for use at campgrounds. The last picture in rentprop's post is how I imagine the trailer looking when finished. So here's a list of some of the things I have made progress on. I had to fix some issues with my running lights which took some time.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/1E4CB31C-E4AE-460E-8A66-BA8B031FD95B-23010-0000125E550B2C9C_zpsc6630c67.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/1E4CB31C-E4AE-460E-8A66-BA8B031FD95B-23010-0000125E550B2C9C_zpsc6630c67.jpg.html)

Heres the front of the trailer. I have 110 plugs installed all around the trailer. There are 5 circuits for 110v power. Right side, left side, kitchen plugs, microwave and fridge, and a wire is already run for an air conditioner. There are 4 circuits for 12v power. Overhead lights, outside lights, kitchen lights, and radio power.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/423C9D9B-1303-4AEE-A8A3-E2BE8FF07333-23010-0000125E69BDA2FD_zps3c995efb.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/423C9D9B-1303-4AEE-A8A3-E2BE8FF07333-23010-0000125E69BDA2FD_zps3c995efb.jpg.html)

I also installed an outside plug. One is on the side and one is placed on the rear of the trailer.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/12496BD4-4A33-43CF-8B7E-61D48B009D50-23010-0000125E5BA622AA_zps06a14269.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/12496BD4-4A33-43CF-8B7E-61D48B009D50-23010-0000125E5BA622AA_zps06a14269.jpg.html)


http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/7D3EB251-216D-44A2-B349-2689201D000D-23010-0000125E62A416B0_zps1f6b4e08.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/7D3EB251-216D-44A2-B349-2689201D000D-23010-0000125E62A416B0_zps1f6b4e08.jpg.html)

Here I installed two windows for cross ventilation. It was a huge pain in the ass to install. I had to measure it out and weld in braces above and below. Then I had to cut out the hole for the window. Then I mounted it and sealed it from the elements. Finally I insulated around the window.

Very soon I will be making alot of progress and will be ordering a bunch of the stuff I need. The trailer will hopefully be insulated, lighted, with cabinets and walls installed by mid November. Plumbing probably wont be done yet but its getting there. Hope yall like it.

[Sniper-T]

looking awesome so far, and great workmanship too. I love how the windows now look 'stock'

[apssbc]

Heres the small wood stove I plan on getting. I feel as if it has many useful features. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Military-Camping-Ice-Fishing-Cook-Wood-Stove-Tent-Heater-Water-Kettle-/360757694994?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53fed59212

[ak474u]

Sorry for the delay.I havent been on the site in a while. However I have been making progress on the trailer. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions so far. I am wiring the trailer for a typical 30 amp plug for use at campgrounds. The last picture in rentprop's post is how I imagine the trailer looking when finished. So here's a list of some of the things I have made progress on. I had to fix some issues with my running lights which took some time.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/1E4CB31C-E4AE-460E-8A66-BA8B031FD95B-23010-0000125E550B2C9C_zpsc6630c67.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/1E4CB31C-E4AE-460E-8A66-BA8B031FD95B-23010-0000125E550B2C9C_zpsc6630c67.jpg.html)

Heres the front of the trailer. I have 110 plugs installed all around the trailer. There are 5 circuits for 110v power. Right side, left side, kitchen plugs, microwave and fridge, and a wire is already run for an air conditioner. There are 4 circuits for 12v power. Overhead lights, outside lights, kitchen lights, and radio power.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/423C9D9B-1303-4AEE-A8A3-E2BE8FF07333-23010-0000125E69BDA2FD_zps3c995efb.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/423C9D9B-1303-4AEE-A8A3-E2BE8FF07333-23010-0000125E69BDA2FD_zps3c995efb.jpg.html)

I also installed an outside plug. One is on the side and one is placed on the rear of the trailer.

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/12496BD4-4A33-43CF-8B7E-61D48B009D50-23010-0000125E5BA622AA_zps06a14269.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/12496BD4-4A33-43CF-8B7E-61D48B009D50-23010-0000125E5BA622AA_zps06a14269.jpg.html)


http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu198/emmettfire45/7D3EB251-216D-44A2-B349-2689201D000D-23010-0000125E62A416B0_zps1f6b4e08.jpg (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/emmettfire45/media/7D3EB251-216D-44A2-B349-2689201D000D-23010-0000125E62A416B0_zps1f6b4e08.jpg.html)

Here I installed two windows for cross ventilation. It was a huge pain in the ass to install. I had to measure it out and weld in braces above and below. Then I had to cut out the hole for the window. Then I mounted it and sealed it from the elements. Finally I insulated around the window.

Very soon I will be making alot of progress and will be ordering a bunch of the stuff I need. The trailer will hopefully be insulated, lighted, with cabinets and walls installed by mid November. Plumbing probably wont be done yet but its getting there. Hope yall like it.

Where are the tourniquet mounts? Oh, sorry touchy subject. Lol

[Stg1swret]

Looking good!

[bacpacker]

Nice work! You are making good progress.

[apssbc]

Just got some good news. Found a guy on craigslist parting out a camper. Going Sunday to pick up a propane/electric fridge, sink, water tanks, waste tanks, pump, some cabinets, stove, wiring and lights, 110/12v converter fuse box battery charger combo, and an interior door. Possibly a furnace, and who knows what else. In all it's gonna save me 300 or so dollars from what I was gonna pay for all this. I'm pretty stoked!

[bacpacker]

Just got some good news. Found a guy on craigslist parting out a camper. Going Sunday to pick up a propane/electric fridge, sink, water tanks, waste tanks, pump, some cabinets, stove, wiring and lights, 110/12v converter fuse box battery charger combo, and an interior door. Possibly a furnace, and who knows what else. In all it's gonna save me 300 or so dollars from what I was gonna pay for all this. I'm pretty stoked!

That is a great find. Lots of stuff you can use. $300 is nothing to sneeze at.

[apssbc]

Also pretty excited, possibly making a huge prepping purchase. I'm on the verge of buying a 12 valve cummins diesel. Easily convertible to fully non electric. The engine itself will run without electricity. Starting is my only challenge. I believe it can be bypassed.

[izzyscout21]

How did i miss this?????


nice dude! This is looking awesome

[apssbc]

Have slowed down a little on the project however I did pick up a fresh water tank, electrical system, stove, and a few other odds and ends for a good price. My new, old diesel has been absorbing my time and efforts the past week or so.

[Sniper-T]

/me is waiting patiently...

[ElevenBravo]

Does the 12V require glow plugs? My six two wont start without pre warming, PERIOD.

EB

[apssbc]

No glow pugs on cummins. There is a heater grid in the air intake. It's not necessary however as with any diesel it does help get the engine running. I ended up getting a 24v. Not emp proof but it is resistant, especially when I add my mechanical fuel pump.

[mitunnelrat]

Damn bro, "ignore" you for a bit and it seems like you get a shit ton done! lol. Nice scores and job on the trailer so far.

If you get a chance would you pm me your schedule? I'm not really sure when is good to call anymore, but I'm willing to bet you wouldn't appreciate it when I know I'm awake - at 3 am! ;)

[apssbc]

Hahaha 3am would cause me unlike you a little :) it's a crap shoot when I'm off cause my schedule rotates. I'm on 24's so you can try anytime.

[MegaCPC]

Also pretty excited, possibly making a huge prepping purchase. I'm on the verge of buying a 12 valve cummins diesel. Easily convertible to fully non electric. The engine itself will run without electricity. Starting is my only challenge. I believe it can be bypassed.

Pneumatic starter is an option, or this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcWj02xB3pU

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

I think you answered you question. Every man has to have one of those! HONEY!

[ElevenBravo]

Cool video Mega, never heard of an inertia starter.

Id *LOVE* to put a 4BT in my Blazer, and throw in a 5 speed manual. Just think of the $$$! HAHA


Ultimately Id love to build a full size van to 4X4 with 4" lift, 33X10.5 and manual trans. Park & sleep... no tent setup, or anything else!

EB

[The Missing Link]

That's looking good. I'm surprised more people don't convert them. I have a friend that lived in one for a while after he hike the AT. He didn't have any windows though. Pitch black inside in the middle of the day, I don't think I could deal with that. Nice work

[apssbc]

Been a while since an update. Things have been progressing slowly as funds have dried up due to needing a mechanical fuel pump for my truck.

I installed the water inlet, half the insulation, and the shore power plug. I also purchased a 20 gallon fresh water tank, propane cooktop/stove, and and electrical distribution box. I was initially going to buy a distribution box/inverter/battery charger. However this isn't emp proof so I went with a 12v and 110 fuse panel.

The plugs are all 110, the lights are all led and are 12v. There will also be a triple 12v plug. I wanted separate systems because post SHTF we can pull a inverter from a faraday cage and we will be forced to be liberal with our solar/batteries. The solar panels will have a dedicated charger for the batteries and will be a 200 watt system.

The water inlet is both a gravity fill and a pressurized system. Post SHTF I can fill by hand but if our electric pump is running at the Bol I can hook right into it. Toilet will be a small 5gallon porta potty enclosed. The only water use will be the sink so I plan to get a foot pump for the sink. Showers will be of the outdoor type and probably not too warm ;). However I'm toying with the idea of a black roof mounted gravity hot water setup...which will only work in the summer.

I'll upload pics later.

[Grimm]

I do a little tinkering myself,and thinking about your summer-only shower, I think something like this could extend your season...
http://www.campingshowerworld.com/the-zodi-hot-tap-single-burner-shower-and-propane-water-heater--hard-case.html
You might want to consider using a 12Volt pump in place of the 6V it comes with,since you are already considering solar.
Hot showers and flush toilets ( or Portable toilets ) seem to go a LONG way towards making "happy" campers :)

[realist]

How is the trailer working out?

[ElevenBravo]

Err, if we dont get some picture updates here soon, theres gonna be hell to pay!

[Sniper-T]

^
that!

[Stormfeather]

Yea. . . its kind of like going to a rub & tug massage parlor and only getting the rub.