duncanshannon
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2017
- Messages
- 22
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Hey Folks-
I'm new to the site and have been reading/lurking for a couple weeks now. I've waffled between buying a cargo van and as someone pointed out with a cargo trailer and the F-150 I drive, I can disconnect the trailer and drive around w/o it as desired. It also solves the problem of storing/paying for/insuring my truck while in the van.
Backing up a bit...I'm keenly interested in trying out a different way of life that sheds the rat race - but need to co-exist with it for a while (kids, alimony etc).
I'm in the planning phase and am currently thinking of taking next summer (2018) off and spending a few months giving it a try. I'm strongly leaning Cargo Trailer Conversion and am working on dialing in the trailer size, features etc. based on price/quality etc.
Current thought is 7x12 Single Axle with 7' interior height (I'm 6'6" 300lbs) with v-nose.
Couple questions I'd love opinions on!
Other bits:
Enough for now!
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
I'm new to the site and have been reading/lurking for a couple weeks now. I've waffled between buying a cargo van and as someone pointed out with a cargo trailer and the F-150 I drive, I can disconnect the trailer and drive around w/o it as desired. It also solves the problem of storing/paying for/insuring my truck while in the van.
Backing up a bit...I'm keenly interested in trying out a different way of life that sheds the rat race - but need to co-exist with it for a while (kids, alimony etc).
I'm in the planning phase and am currently thinking of taking next summer (2018) off and spending a few months giving it a try. I'm strongly leaning Cargo Trailer Conversion and am working on dialing in the trailer size, features etc. based on price/quality etc.
Current thought is 7x12 Single Axle with 7' interior height (I'm 6'6" 300lbs) with v-nose.
Couple questions I'd love opinions on!
- Rear ramp or barn doors. I think I like the idea of doors but almost everyone seems to have the ramp. I have no "toys" per se to haul. Seems easier to have the doors and maybe a smaller footprint to open/operate the doors?
- 7' wide or 6' wide. If I go 6' wide I can get a Wells Cargo locally in Single Axel but if I want 7' I'll probably end up getting it somewhere (Continental Cargo) else as it seems there aren't a lot of 7' wide in single axle - and I'm trying to keep the cost down. Looking at 7' wide to have a decent size murphy bed on it's side near the back. I also want to be able to fold the bed up and slide my fat bike in. Probably a fold-down table on the back/underside of the Murphy. Would love a bench sort of design opposite it to use in tandem with the fold down table... and accommodate #3 below
- I'd like to have some form of bunks (perhaps fold up and opposite the murphy bed for my two kids to join me at times. This wouldn't get used a ton but having a space for them is important. Any ideas on how to accommodate this?
- If I'm going to try it out for 3-4 month (summer) is it worth getting solar now or should I see how it goes? I don't see shore power as part of the plan.
- I def want some comfortable sitting/desk area.
- Are electric brakes enough or do you really want self-adjusting brakes? I've seen reference to self-adjusting several times. Asked two people about em and they scratched their heads.
- Thinking the usall spring axel w/drop is fine - maybe get a kit to lift it up.
Other bits:
- Plan to be generally in the western US. Hope to mountain bike. Hike. sit in the woods. read. maybe finally start meditating regularly. I don't expect to be trying to sleep in the city much but surely some.
- Deff will remove the plywood and insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor. TBD On how much. At least 1" everywhere if not more.
- Trying to keep it pretty basic overall. Bed, storage, water jug mounted above a bowl for a sink, some sort of cooking surface (propane camp stove?), some sort of toilet. Laptop for entertainment and possibly work.
- Probably will order it with two roof vents (let them cut thru the ceiling) and put an AC on one (I don't like hot)
- Extended tongue, side door with RV handle
- A few windows - maybe even a concessions window.
- Stabilizers
Enough for now!
Thanks in advance for any ideas!