Storage locker or cargo trailer?

[rm.w/aview]

I'm trying to decide between getting a storage locker or a cargo trailer...

My vote is for the trailer. Items are available when needed or wanted and the open space within is usable when being outside is not conducive to the current activity. Towing a trailer is not difficult and the parking experience becomes second nature, not an inconvenience at all, and essentially becomes a two room roving condo.

 

[RoamerRV428]

Thanks Roamer, you have a good point there! Creativity is important to me, but so is minimalism! I think I should start with the bare minimum in my van, and build from there if I feel I need it. I think a pop-up screen room for art would be ideal (better light than a tent) if I decide I need that. Well, this is all still about six months away. Right now I need to go make a shopping list for WRTR which I'm going to in a car this year... and that requires a whole separate set of plans.

that is harder in way you are now thinking 2 diff. set of plans
but you got this.  JUST take your time and think it thru.
I am one to go super minimalist definitely as I am that person....but I carry only my kayak, metal detector and computer as 'my things' as I am an artist also but not drawn to it in any way I need those supplies on the road.  It was like I did my art time, now I want outdoorsy active time.  But I can so see ME with just a canvas on my lap, in a camp chair, with a small table and supplies just painting a scene and being fine with just that
and again it is truly  how do YOU want to roll thru life to make it happy and enjoyable.  If big importance is there then ya make it work for you, if thinking less is more in truth in your life, then make it that.
HAHA, no help but think it out and you can always change down the line without going big before ya need to go bigger ya know.....eh, just chat and suggestions and you will work thru it all that fits you I am sure! Kinda like don't buy more than ya need til you truly feel ya need it in a way. Might work or might not for you. Just chill and think. Nothing is ever set in stone in our lives actually, we can bob and weave thru it all as needed

 

[travelaround]

a two room roving condo.

I like the way that sounds! I need to balance needs with comfort. The travel trailer option could be the way to go. I could see making my office/studio in my van then having the travel trailer for a bedroom.

 

[travelaround]

don't buy more than ya need til you truly feel ya need it in a way.  Might work or might not for you.  Just chill and think. 

Yes, to this - I will start with the basics and then see what's working and what's not working for me. I guess my sense of urgency comes from having limited money to work with ... more savings than expected income at this point. I want to buy the best van I can then the trailer would come out of my savings (if I get a trailer) and I'm not sure I want to spend the money that way, and if I do, it would have to be a good investment or why bother? Of course, I could also sell the trailer if it doesn't work for me, but I'd rather be certain before I purchase one. All in all, I think it is best to think small, minimalistic, to begin.

 

[rm.w/aview]

 I need to balance needs with comfort. The travel trailer option could be the way to go. I could see making my office/studio in my van then having the travel trailer for a bedroom.

Building on this idea, a cargo trailer with windows cut in & built as you like could provide the storage you may need as well as your bedroom. Cabinet doors could keep your stored items looking tidy as well. A small travel trailer may fit your sleeping & cooking needs although cargo capacity may suffer. Here's a video of a cargo trailer project just to show an example of the possibilities. Although his is an office, you can see the storage and possible sleeping arrangement of yours  

 

[maki2]

Building on this idea, a cargo trailer with windows cut in & built as you like could provide the storage you may need as well as your bedroom. Cabinet doors could keep your stored items looking tidy as well. A small travel trailer may fit your sleeping & cooking needs although cargo capacity may suffer. Here's a video of a cargo trailer project just to show an example of the possibilities. Although his is an office, you can see the storage and possible sleeping arrangement of yours  

The "Wee Roll" trailers are cargo trailers that already have the windows cut in. They are also already insulated and have interior plywood walls in place. A 12V battery is also wired in. They come in different widths, lengths and heights.  Since most of the labor is already done you can move in right away and add a bed, counters, desk, etc in a matter of a few hours time.

 

[QinReno]

I'm a little late to this party, but my suggestion is

1. start by paring down stuff, and put the last bit into a small 5'x5' locker, at least for the first year while you sort everything else out. There is paperwork you need and stuff you want to keep, but not necessarily travel with.

2. start with at least a 4-person tent, and go in the car. This size tent is large enough for sleeping pad and also folding chair and table. You can work outside much of the time, but can work in the tent in case it rains or the mosquitos come.

3. once you're traveling for a while, and see what other people are doing at WRTR+RTR, you can figure the next step out as you go. Van or van+trailer, or whatever.

The weeroll trailers are very nice, and inexpensive compared to most others I've seen. You can do the above while deciding on the this part.
- https://www.weeroll.com/

 

[Jedi Clampette]

alot of your stuff, paperwork, photos, awards can be digitized, so take pictures of it, let your family have the stuff and if family doesn't want it, then throw it away. I did have a take apart shed for many years, so that I would rent some property and then assy my shed, but it really was a two person proposition. Now I would never consider using storage, even for tools. When you can buy a battery powered drill motor from HF for $15 you could use it for a project and throw it away.

 

[highdesertranger]

"When you can buy a battery powered drill motor from HF for $15 you could use it for a project and throw it away."

I am sorry but I strongly disagree with this line of thought. so wasteful on so many fronts. highdesertranger

 

[seak]

I think if I was traveling with enough stuff to need a trailer, I'd be looking to use the van for storage and pull a small travel trailer, like a Casita or a Scamp. Maybe tow with a used tradesman's van with bins or shelves and a bulkhead. A cutaway with a toolbox bed might be the ticket depending on your storage needs.

If you're going to tow a trailer, you might as well have a living space you can stand up in. Otherwise, I think I'd take Mr. Noodly's advice.

 

[Zephyr]

Mr. Noodley's advice is pure gold. Thinking about doing something and actually doing it brings hard reality into focus. Trial runs will offer other solutions. And there's no perfect solution to most problems. That sure applies to CRVL. Maybe practice won't bring perfection but newbies like me need to get experience before before committing to a van, RV, cargo trailer, etc. Right now, everytime I read a thread about vans, cargo trailers, Rvs, I think that is the best solution.

I bought a $75 pickup topper for my paid for 31 year old Chevy pickup. It'll be my practice-mobile for the this years RTR. Reality, here I come!