Sizing up a Cargo Trailer

[akrvbob]

I was asked in an email how to install a window in a trailer so here is the reply just in case you are interested:<br><br>Hi George, here is all the info in putting a window in a trailer:<br> <br><ol><li> Buy your window from <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">Ebay</span>. They have a huge selection of sizes, shapes and configurations. Whatever you want, they have.</li><li> Size the window to fit between the ribs of your trailer, you don't want to cut them. My ribs are every 24 inches, so I bought a window that is 18 wide by 36 inches tall. They open vertically so I get a lot of ventilation. They have mosquitoes netting.</li><li> I got mine dark tinted for privacy and to keep heat out.</li></ol> <br> Here's the quick guide to installation;<br> <br><ol><li> The window should come with a inside trim ring. Use that to draw a line on the trailer with a magic marker. make sure it is level.</li><li> Drill a hole (big enough for the jigsaw blade to go in)&nbsp; on the inside of the line to get the jigsaw started. Use a jigsaw with a metal blade to follow along the line to cut the hole for the window. Put a piece of duct tape on the foot of the jigsaw, or it may scratch the paint of the trailer.</li><li> With the hole cut, check to see if the window fits, adjust as needed.</li><li> Buy a roll of mastic tape (often called putty tape). It comes in a roll and is about and inch wide. It is gray (sometimes white) and looks like flat putty. Buy the best quality you can find. RV stores will have it. Roll the tape out and press it into the flange (the rim around the window that will fit up against the wall of the trailer) of the window. Press it up into the hole and make sure it is level. The putty should hold it in place.</li><li> Use sheet metal screws to screw the window in place. </li><li> Some of the putty will squeeze out from under the window, cut that off with a knife. Put a bead of caulk around the outside of the window to be double sure it doesn't leak.</li><li> Put the trim ring on inside.</li></ol> <br> And that's it. window is installed. Bob <br><br>

 

[bob144]

Bob i have a camper door on my trailer that locks from in or out side ,the only thing is when im parked just make sure no one parks to close like last night at wal mart they blocked me in

 

[angeli]

Thank you so much for this info, Bob!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0">&nbsp; <br><br>I've saved it and put it in my file of things I need to know about.&nbsp; I had really wondered how to do that.&nbsp; Very glad to get the instructions.<br><br>I also like the idea of the stealth windows up around the top, but I'm afraid that I'd get too paranoid if I couldn't see out.&nbsp; Since I'm only 5'2" I'd not be able to see much unless the window were right in front of me, like yours in your door.&nbsp; Hmmmm...&nbsp; how to strike a balance between stealth and paranoia!??&nbsp; I do like the rim of pipe that you have around your rack on top of the trailer that obscures the view of solar panels, etc.&nbsp; Brilliant!<br><br>Bob144 thanks for that, I'm going to look for one down here, but so far I haven't seen many.&nbsp; But your post gives me hope!<br><br>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Angeli,</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I stumbled on to this cargo trailer conversion ... pretty neat.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://cttraveltrailer.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html" target=_blank>http://cttraveltrailer.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html</a></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">What do you think?</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Bob</p>

 

[karl]

Angeli- Wells cargo and Pace American have RV side doors as an option on certain models...I know there is a brand mfg in S. Carolina that does also....but "memory is full- can't open that window"<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>

 

[angeli]

WooHoo!&nbsp; Thanks karl and Bob!!<br><br>Hey karl, I've seen some Wells Cargo for sale down here, but none with that option, I'll definitely keep looking at that and Pace American!&nbsp; Thank you!!<br><br>And thanks for the link, Bob.&nbsp; That's some serious layout!&nbsp; I'm not sure how stealthy it would be, but it looks pretty comfortable.&nbsp; And the kids were sure having fun...<br><br>Van+Trailer, that's my goal.&nbsp; I gave myself a year to get out of here at the end of Feb, and it's taken me this long and lots of looking around to decide how I wanted to make that it happen.&nbsp; Library and workshop in the van, live in the trailer, or versa visa depending on the size of the van.&nbsp; Artists need workshops, but I guess they need shelter, food and some sleep as well.&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>This feels good and right.&nbsp; First time I'm looking around at options and my head is not spinning.&nbsp; So now I have the direction and need to sell some more stuff to finance it!&nbsp; I have 10.5 months to go~!<br><br>Thanks definitely for your input.&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[judycmomx6]

Angeli, first, the cargo trailer that I have, my dad put in boat windows (their a little safer, no one can climb in them), also, you might want to consider using the trailer to live in cause as you know I'm sure, there's a whole lot more room and you can stand up. I have a little kitchen and enclosed bathroom and everything in mine. I am going to have my dad build my shop in my van, which is an extended van, cause all you need to do in the van is sit down to do our stuff. I am going to have him put up peg board down one side with a small desk type deal to make my jewelry on and I will have plenty of space left over for storage. You would probably be better off doing the same thing cause the trailer would be a lot nicer to live in. Just an idea.

 

[angeli]

That's not a bad idea, Judy!&nbsp; Plus, a lot of used cargo vans already have shelving and workspace in them.&nbsp; We shall see what Santa brings!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>One thought tho:&nbsp; you do fabulous jewelry work, and jewelry takes very little room, even with soldering and casting.&nbsp; One group I belonged to had a 'tiny studio' contest for jewelers.<br><br>Painting, mixed media, carving, fiber work, not to mention the supplies, all this takes quite a bit more room, and needs a good studio space.&nbsp; I guess it comes down to what can one do without?&nbsp; It's not really a matter of giving up 'stuff', so much as how important is your area of expression to you?&nbsp; Obviously, if I could only have a van, then I'd make do.&nbsp; If I can afford a trailer as well, then that's different.<br><br>Really, I'd rather live in the van, and have the room to make art.&nbsp; But that's just me!<br>

 

[olaudio]

Hi everyone,<br /><br />I'm new to this forum but not new to cargo trailer living. I have created my dream home out of a brand new 8.5 x 16 foot cargo trailer. I keep a lock in the industrial style locking mechanism and I also installed a deadbolt into the door that passes through a hole in the aluminum framing so I have a way to lock the door from the inside.<br /><br />My intent was to be as stealth as possible so I never even considered installing any kind of window. I did install two vents and I intend on having an escape hatch in the floor, in case of an emergency where the side door might be obstructed. The ramp door on the back annoys me but I figure that I can get barn doors at some future point in time.<br /><br />Here is the address of my blog where I have tried to document every process from the concept to where I am now on the build: http://stealthcargotrailer.blogspot.com/<br /><br />If you have any questions or need clarification on anything in particular, please feel free to contact me.