My unorthodox camper trailer build.

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I have been working for the last two months part time building this sweet little camper trailer. I found a 60 year old pick up shell on Craigslist for $50 and I thought I have to use that for something.. So it began. See the attached photos of the work in progress. I bought the cap and started building a frame that goes on a Harbor Freight trailer I had. Continued.

 

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I will continue to add to this post as I can. With the frame work up I added exterior 5mm plywood siding, 1" foil foam insulation, the 1 10 and 12 volt wiring and interior paneling. I made a bed base with storage and started a cabinet for the galley.

 

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Installment 3. Once I got the trailer enclosed and started I added an upper bunk, lighting, a full opening back door so I can carry my motorcycle, and carpeting. I also added a ss sink made from a food warmer pan and a faucet w/ 12 v pump. My power source for now is a rechargeable 12 volt battery pack. My wife and I will use the trailer for short campouts in the San Juan mountains of SW Colorado.

 

[Jim_Rockford]

Nice work...

 

[Weldman]

Very nice work clean finish straight to the point no frills basic build. Might I add some let in sway braces would been nice to help with structure before adding in the exterior siding.

 

[Phyllis]

Thank you for sharing! What a clever idea. I bet you had lots of fun planning and building this. I wonder how the overall finished weight would compare with a cargo trailer of similar size. Of course, it wouldn't be as much fun or as clever!

 

[Wabbit]

That's great!

 

[tav-2020]

Wow! What a great idea, and clean build. Kudos!
Do you know what the weight is? Also, what is the load capacity for a harbor freight utility trailer?
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Cammalu]

That’s cute!

 

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Thanks everyone. The trailer weighs in at 1360 lbs as competed. I think the weight limit is 1700 lbs on this model. I have read about some of the trailers frame failure on units that were way overloaded. I am going to reinforce the tongue and also beef up the axle. I have used this trailer in my business to move appliances on and it handles well. The only thing I am thinking of adding is a 3" x 8 ' black pvc pipe on the roof rack for solar hot water. That will provide about 5 gallons of hot water depending on the sun shine.

 

[maki2]

I like it although if I was to do one I think I would start with a fiberglass canopy. But that is just my personal taste speaking. You project is terrific and very doable for many persons.

 

[DougH71]

I have always wanted one of those little trailers. Now I have another reason to get one.

Did you change the registration at all?

 

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DougH71 no In New Mexico the utility trailer is registered one time that is good as long as you own it.

 

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Hi everyone. I am still working on my little camper trailer and this week I was able to buy a Honda 800 watt generator for just $50. This little generator has a 4 cycle Honda motor that runs great. I found it on facebook market and immediately bought it. I am looking for a small air conditioner that will start and run on it. Frigidaire had a model that runs on 400 watts and has a low voltage start system. This unit is rated for 150 square feet rooms so my 48 sq. ft camper should be no problem. I will keep you up dated on my progress. Jeff

 

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Worked on camper today. I built a 60" upper cabinet so that I have somewhere to store dishes, towels , and some dry foods. I also modified the second bed to the lower level. Another good days work.

 

[maki2]

Worked on camper today. I built a 60" upper cabinet so that I have somewhere to store dishes, towels , and some dry foods. I also modified the second bed to the lower level. Another good days work.

very nice work, your project is progressing rapidly!

 

[wildbill]

sweet build....you really turned that into something nice!!!

 

[RoamerRV428]

enjoy the pics and seeing your great handiwork! sweet!
great deal on that little generator!

 

[Graceful585]

Creative thinking and awesome build! Love when someone gets creative and thinks outside of the box! Nice Work!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Very nice, I like how you re-purposed the hatch to make a door out of it...very clever.

Just FYI, it is a good idea to inspect/service the bearings on the HF trailers.

In fact, its recommended on many motorcycle forums that the cheap chinese wheel bearings (inner and outer on both sides) be replaced with something more....domestic.

You sure don't want a bearing failure at high speeds after all this work!