Living in a cargo trailer?

[highdesertranger]

I know I will get a lot of people that disagree, but for all but the smallest trailers I believe 3/4 ton is minimum. and brakes are a must. you can never have to much braking. higdesertranger

 

[RogueRV2]

Here's a map of the U.S. with the legal limits for towing a trailer or vehicle without brakes. I'll be legal in most states. The only reason I'll not have brakes is because the cost is beyond my means at this time. This means that I should keep the motorhome as light as possible. Once the temperature of the front brakes are hot enough to cause brake fade, you are probably in big trouble. Once I can, I'll be giving the MH and toad a thorough test drive down progressively steeper grades. Of course the brakes will have been inspected, and the rears adjusted. Often the rear brakes are over looked. The curb weight of the toad is about 2,700lbs. The MH is 28' Class A, Chevy chassis. I believe it has either a 10K, or 12K GVWR. I'm more concerned about stopping than going. Anyone with experience with a similar set up, please advise.

http://www.brakebuddy.com/Towing-Laws

 

[LeeRevell]

Good info, RRV2! I am legal with my current open utility trailer most anywhere I want to go. It weighs 700lbs. I carry a 400lb. motorcycle, and camping/riding gear, so can remain within normal weight limits. My minivan is rated for 3,500lbs towed, with the tow package. My E150 should be good for a bit more.

 

[compassrose]

I have seen several homemade "toy haulers" long term in my current park. A lot of people convert them into living spaces. Make sure you have a slightly curved roof instead of a flat roof (no ponding water/ice to cause leaks), insulate the bejesus out of them and coat the roof with a solar reflecting elastometric roof coating. The "V" nose makes a HUGE difference in wind resistance. We built a "V" on the front of the flat faced cargo trailer we used to have.

The 16 ft cargo trailer we used to have had electric brakes. Make sure you have enough towing vehicle to stop the thing. If you can stop it, you can tow it.

Find floor plans from RV manufacturers for the same sized toy hauler to get ideas from. Look at a few on RV lots. You will get great ideas of what you might like and what NOT to do. Ramps make nice "decks" too. I have seen a few where they used the ramp as a back deck for the grill and seating with an inner wall built just inside the unit so the ramp still closed up. So far, I have only seen adjustable jack stands used to support the ramp in the "deck" position.