Making inroads!

[masterplumber]

It's not to hard to stay light, as long as you keep it in the 6x12 size range. I also have a 7x16 shop trailer and it's much heavier. My 6x12 cargo trailer, almost fully converted (still missing solar and cabinet doors) weighs just under 3500 lbs. Thats loaded with 15 gallons of water, clothes, food, and a 400 lb motorcycle. It's fully insulated and has 1/4'' paneling throughout.

I just looked and a Casita Liberty Deluxe 17 weighs 2480 lbs dry, so by the time you add supplies, water, etc... you'd be about the same weight. I will have right at $5000 in mine once I get solar - that includes the price of the trailer which was barely used. I've done all the work myself so no labor costs included. I guess if you can find a Casita you like for around $6000 - $7000 that would be the way to go. But if they run significantly more I'd definitely look at the cargo trailers. You could bring an empty one to RTR with some supplies and we could build it before you head back.

 

[Queen]

I can do most of the building myself, can't run electrical so I'd order it pre-wired. It's one of those compromise things in a relationship, I'd be happy in a cargo trailer, my wife would be happier in a finished camper, so it's still a negotiation.