Serendipity, Travels in a 5x8 Cargo Trailer

[Jewell]

In the winter of 2016 I started fantasizing about a means to travel inexpensively in a rig after I retired. Car camping taught me a lot about myself. I discovered that I needed some head room and space. After much research I decided on an aluminum 5x8 cargo trailer. It met my requirements for not rusting and giving adequate space out of the rain since I live in the wet Pacific Northwest. I hoped to use my rig as a tow vehicle. I had the factory install two windows and ordered the trailer with barn doors. I did a whole lot wrong initially and the factory used particle board instead of plywood like I’d ordered and gave poor service.  I removed all their insignia and and my own. (No free advertising for them) Somehow things are slowly coming together. Each trip out is a great adventure and I learn more about my needs/desires. Serendipity consequently gets a few more modifications once we are home. 

So far we have been to Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, California mostly boondocking. We made it to the RTR in January. I have to admit I got a little overwhelmed and went up to Valley of Fire for four days before coming back for the Women’s RTR.  Soon we will be on the road to do a loop through Oregon, Idaho and Washington.

Although I love boondocking, my last trip was at a campground with electricity. Wow! When it is cloudy, cold and rainy it is a luxury not to use electricity instead of the propane.  I’ve added plugins for electricity to my caravan since then. Since I am only out for one to three weeks at a time right now, I feel like I am still getting my feet wet with travel. Am looking forward to this upcoming three week sojourn, seeing many of the areas I where I grew up.

 

[whitewolf]

Sounds good. Keep it up.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

 

[tripper]

Cool, beautiful little setup, I love the way the doors open up to a tiny house. Cool little bike too. Have fun.

 

[Swan]

real cool , the wife and I are out on a 6 week trip right now in a 6X12

 

[tx2sturgis]

Two posts in a year and a half?


With that rig, which is really nice, you are probably having lots of adventures out there....maybe you will post more of them soon...

 

[bullfrog]

Looks like a great set up for one person. How does it tow and do you worry about the weight you put in it or gas milage? My wife and I live in a 28' motor home but camp in either a 6'8"x7' truck topper or a 6'8"x12' bumper pull trailer both over 6' tall as I am 5'10" tall. We mostly boondock when traveling 6 months of the year. Having 110 volt electricity makes life really easy but I've been able to get by with propane and a Ryobe 18 volt fan and lights using their car charger. Have you considered solar after seeing some options at the RTR? I really like my Radmini folding bike but haven't figured out how to charge it while traveling. Thanks for your post.

 

[closeanuf]

Could me see some inside pics please?

 

[Jewell]

Looks like a great set up for one person.  How does it tow and do you worry about the weight you put in it or gas milage?  Thanks for your post.

Bullfrog, pulling with my husband’s 4-Runner was like it isn’t even there (except when backing). No change in gas mileage. His rig has a tow package. I traded in my Subaru for a used Toyota Highlander 6 cylinders, 4 WD with a tow package. Hubby loves his 4-Runner and had separation anxiety. Hoping the Highlander will be the same mileage and tow wise since we have the same engine. This will be our maiden voyage with my new rig. The trailer weight empty is 900 lbs. Before leaving I’m going to have the weight taken at the truck stop with full trailer and SUV. Am real curious as to how it will tow compared to previous long haul with all the passes.

I have a GoalZero and Renegy battery backup both can be charged of my small foldable solar (50 and 60 watt). No solar knowledge required. Just plug and play. The Renegy even charges off my power supply from the vehicle, but the GoalZero needs house power or solar only. For my limited needs they work fine.

 

[Jewell]

real cool , the wife and I are out on a 6 week trip right now in a 6X12

Happy camping. Can’t wait till my hubby retires so we can take off together.

 

[Jewell]

Two posts in a year and a half?

Hey, when working 10-12 hour days time gets away from you???. At the time of the first post I was still researching. Didn’t make it to the RTR until this year. Wouldn’t want to publicize all the mistakes I made in the last year in a half as I built out the interior. That has been a journey in and of its self. Now that I am retired I occasionally have more time. Will try to do better?

 

[tx2sturgis]

Will try to do better?

Yeah....we'd like that!

As time permits, of course...

 

[jonney38]

Yeah....we'd like that!

So fun to hear about a 5' X 8'. They are so common on the road but I seldom see people using them here. I had one for several years I used for freight and slept in it a couple of times, always envisioning how I would outfit it as a travel trailer. Happy trails.

 

[Jewell]

19610[/ATTACH] pid='381268' dateline='1526322918']Could me see some inside pics please?

Here are pics of current set up. I am pretty eclectic and not a minimalist.  Currently on the road traveling through north central Idaho, visiting along the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers.

 

[velojym]

You've done an *awesome* job of making that look not-at-all like a 5x8 cargo trailer inside.

 

[Sunny1]

What a gorgeous and well thought out tiny home. I especially love your shelves!

 

[tx2sturgis]

WOW!

 

[closeanuf]

Yeah WOW !!!!!

 

[Sunny1]

Jewell, I have been all over the net searching for something like your white shelves with the open woodwork fronts. I've looked for shelves, boxes, planters and every description I could think of, but I can't find them.

Would you mind telling me where you got them, and what they are called? Thanks!

 

[Jewell]

Jewell, I have been all over the net searching for something like your white shelves with the open woodwork fronts.  I've looked for shelves, boxes, planters and every description I could think of, but I can't find them.

Would you mind telling me where you got them, and what they are called?  Thanks!  

Ross, Dress for Less. They were meant to be turned the opposite side up as display shelves. They were natural, but because of the small space I painted them light, coordinating with the wall color.  It was cheaper than building them after pricing the lumber.  Good luck finding exactly what you want. Ross has provided several things in the trailer that I have used for purposes they were not meant for. The macrame hangers work fantastic for holding my tomatoes, avocado and lemons with no bruising over the back roads I’ve been traveling.

 

[highdesertranger]

wow Jewell, I am stunned. why have you been hiding that truly beautiful interior. that's amazing. nice job. don't be shy. highdesertranger