Sizing up a Cargo Trailer

Dirty_Jeeper · Mar 5, 2012

Well as usual life continues change and add surprises. On that note my Jeep off road trailer build is on hold and the search for a cargo trailer to convert to living space is underway. I'm thinking a 6 by 12 foot in order for it to be light enough to be pulled by my jeep. It will be home 6 months of the year for 2 adults and 2 dogs. Thought about a 6 by 10 even a 7 by 12. Any ideas suggestions, things to try things to avoid etc would be appreciated. Once this build is done, by fall, the off road trailer will continue as we have Jeeps to tote each of them. Going out this weekend shopping for a new trailer as used ones are few and far between in our area.

judycmomx6 · Mar 7, 2012

Your going to be surprised at how expensive a new cargo trailer is going to be, they are here in the south anyway. My dad paid $3500.00 for the 7x12 we have, and he said he got a deal!

Dirty_Jeeper · Mar 7, 2012

I know new is not going to be cheap. I am looking for used as well, but here they are bot much below the cost of new ones. Last years model left overs is what I have been searching for. Around 2600.

akrvbob · Mar 7, 2012

I am living ina converted 6x10 cargo trailer, have been for 1 1/2 years. I am very happy with it. Here is a story i did on it:<a href="http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/Converted_Cargo_Trailer.html" target=_blank>http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/Converted_Cargo_Trailer.html</a>Like has been said, I couldn't find a deal on a used one so i bought new from trailersplus.com. There is a link to them at the bottom of the page at cheapgreenrvliving, click on it and I will make a few cents. For 2 people bigger is better, but for the Jeep lighter and smaller is better so it is a tough decision.  They have an upgraded model that is taller, has a spare, LED lights and 3/8 inch plywood on the walls. It is well worth the extra money. I think I paid $2700 out the door including taxes and registration. Also, cash is king, When I offered $100 bills, I got  a pretty good discount. i bought it over the phone, put $50 down on the debit card to hold it and paid cash when I got there. I put two windows in and two roof vents.  Be glad to answer any questions you may have if I can. bob

bob144 · Mar 7, 2012

i have a new 7X12 i kind of wished i would have the 14 but i did not its rated 5500 gvw two axles ,the only thing i leave it hooked up most of the time cause im afraid if i come out it wont be there   <a href="http://bornybornschein.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://bornybornschein.blogspot.com/</a>

Dirty_Jeeper · Mar 7, 2012

I'd like a larger tandem axle, but my tow vehicle, 1997 Jeep Cherokee has its limitations. No way I'll part with the the Jeep and can't afford a new large tow vehicle either. I've spent years and who knows how much building my Jeep to do what I enjoy doing, exploring the back country of the US. So I'm staying light weight and single axle. I've lived in/out of my jeep alone already, so a trailer of any size will be like a luxury.<div> <div>I considered the 7' trailers bob144, but I opted to keep the trailer the same width as my tow vehicle, in case I do venture into some tighter places with it.</div><div> </div><div>I have lots of questions akrvbob, but I'm going to try work through many of them in the upcoming weeks. I'll definitely be in touch once I sort through the remaining ones! Thanks for the help in advance.</div></div><div> </div><div>I think a 6 by 12 will work for the two of us. We tend to live outdoors. So the trailer will be a warm place to sleep and store our things.</div><div> </div><div>Hoping to make a cash offer on one sometime in the next week. Then the build will begin. Having gone to the RV show in Atlantic City last month was a big help with layouts and storage ideas etc. Just need to downsize those into a smaller space on a much smaller budget.</div><div> </div><div>Hmm one question... Barn doors or ramp? I can see a benefit to both. At this point I'll take either if the price is right on the right trailer.</div>

Dirty_Jeeper · Mar 7, 2012

Nice find! 4x4tour! To bad I'm on the wrong coast aka east coast. But the photos gave me a new take on floor layout, thanks!

VanTrekker · Mar 8, 2012

This was a very interesting thread!  I am thinking about purchasing a 6x10 or 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer to use for expansion reasons.  Though I love the cargo van there are a couple of things I don't have in there including a couch or recliner, a good working bathroom, and the ability to stand up.  A bigger kitchen would be good, too. A cargo trailer would let me have those things and perhaps clothes storage, too.  It would be so nice to sh** in a place other than where I sleep - something the two spaces would allow for.  The trailer is definitely cheaper per square foot than buying the van was! I agree with Bob regading stealth - I would LOVE to sleep inside a cargo trailer because without windows, nobody can tell if you are living in there. As Ash pointed out in her blog <a href="http://thetuckerbag.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" target=_blank>http://thetuckerbag.blogspot.com/</a> , there are people (like the bloggers in Seattle) who turn in vandwellers and even look for signs like moisture on the windows as proof someone is sleeping inside.  No windows -no visible moisture. Thanks for posting this interesting info, folks!

Phantom Blooper · Mar 8, 2012

Neat site........ <A href="http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?nav=rec&page=worknp&choice=brochure" target=_blank>http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?nav=rec&page=worknp&choice=brochure</A>

akrvbob · Mar 8, 2012

I got barn doors, and I am glad I did. The only reaason to get a ramp is if you think you might one day want to use it to haul a motorcycle or ATV. But even if you do, you can buy a couple of aluminuum ramps for a few dollars and load them with that. Bob

LowTech · Mar 8, 2012

I too would go w/ barn doors. You can open one of the doors for some cross flow (boondocking) and still not have the wind blowing straight in. A ramp does not have the same ability.  You could prob work w/ letting it open just a foot, or so, but then you might a well have a vent instead.  I am working on a trailer that has one large door on the back, and it never seems to open the right direction when it's windy.

stude53 · Mar 8, 2012

JEEPER,I vote barn doors, too. Much more handy and quick to open/close to access rear storage areas. Bob

angeli · Apr 10, 2012

Hi folks, excellent thread. Bob, I read your article on converting your van.  Pretty enticing.  there's one thing I've been wondering though.  I can see that once your back barn doors are secure you are probably entering and leaving via your side door, right? I've seen lots of pics and actual trailers as well, and most all the ones I've seen have a truck latch on the outside of the door, including the side door, and no way to unlatch from the inside.  Did you special order that, or what kind of handle do you have on your side door and how did you do it? I'm still cogitating my setup, but getting poorer and poorer as days go by Thought seriously about step vans, and they seem to be out of my league financially, at least down here in FL.  I've got to settle on somethin' and a decent used cargo van/stealth trailer seems like a good combo for the furry boys and myself.  Anyway, any and all suggestions will be valued.  Thanks.  <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0">

angeli · Apr 10, 2012

VanTrekker, I read the post about the neighborhood homeowners in Seattle.  While I can understand not wanting folks parked in front of your house that make poops out of the back door of their van, (saw the pics - ick) and think that this is a good reason to do some organizing (!), I have to admit I got a bit enraged with the gleeful way they talked about all mobile dwellers as sub-human.  Even the poor folks in the church parking lot.  Just what I need, another reason to be angry at muggles!  But still, it is a very good reminder to stay clean and unobtrusive as possible.  Thanks for pointing it out.

angeli · Apr 12, 2012

Bob, I know you are busy, but if you or anyone else can answer this for me, I'd appreciate it.  <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"> I'm still wondering about the handle on the side door of a cargo trailer.  Did those of you who are living in trailers buy them with a two sided handle?  Or did you have to install one on your own?  Or do you simply open the window you put in the side door and open the handle from the outside? I ask because the trailers I've seen either in person or on the web mostly look like the side door as an outside latch, rather than a lockable two way handle. Thanks!  i appreciate any and all info.

karl · Apr 12, 2012

Not sure about all, but at least some mfg's have an "RV door option" that operates from both sides.

akrvbob · Apr 12, 2012

My trailer came with a side door, and the regular latch system that only works on the outside. Like you figured out, there is no way to secure them from the inside. The solution is cheap and simple. Go to any hardware store and find the hardware section with the hinges, handles and latches, and buy a barrel bolt. It just has a long bolt with a knob on it and you push it through a seperate reciever. You screw the bolt part into the door, (there will be a metal rib at the edge to screw into) and pull the door shut tight and push the bolt through till it catches on the trailer door frame. Mine didn't line up flush, so I added a 1/2 inch piece of plywood to the door, and screwed the bolt into it. The bolt is less than $5. When you get it you will have to measure to see how thick a spacer you need to make it flush with the door. Bob

Kisatchieman · Apr 12, 2012

Hey Bob,   I looked at some cargo trailers recently and noticed the outside latches and one of my first thoughts was: "what if someone were to close the latch while I was inside?" Scary thought. I think I would put a padlock on the latch so that it couldn't be closed.

angeli · Apr 13, 2012

Karl, That's great news.  Can you think of the names of one or two of those mfg's?  Thanks! Bob, Thanks so much for the info.  As you can probably tell, I'm not hardware store literate.... yet.  My return question tho is then what do you do with the latch on the outside?  PS - My old schoolbus had a back door bolt exactly as you describe, so I've seen what you are talking about, but also had the handle on the inside as well that would lift the outside latch. Starman, As much as I hate to admit it, that was my first thought as well.  Might not be an issue out in a camp, but if you are in the city, folk of nefarious intent or simply thoughtless kids could put you in a difficult situation.

akrvbob · Apr 13, 2012

Getting locked inside the trailer is a real concern. However, I NEVER sleep in mine in town, so 95% of the problem goes away right there. And like Starman said, I put the padlock through the outside latch preventing most of the problem. But, someone could put a rod through the door handle and lock me in. But, I put a window in my door, so if i do get locked in I can just open the window and reach over and  pull the rod out. Problem solved. Bob

Sizing up a Cargo Trailer

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