Wannabee FT in Cargo Trailer

[traceyinwd]

Hello Everyone,
So glad I found this forum. I am female and retired veteran with itchy feet and decided to try living in a cargo trailer until I don't want to anymore. I decided to buy a brand new one, but really have no designing skills and want to make it simple to include a composting toilet. I am probably going to hire a local carpenter to do the work. I'm going to have the cargo people add windows and whatever else I can have them do ie insulation. I have a 2014 Ford Expedition with tow package and am considering a 7x12 or 6x12 but I'd like to be able to take it down some maybe difficult dirt roads. It depends how I feel once I get out there. I am going to start slow with primitive campgrounds until I get comfortable on BLM land, etc. by myself. I don't want to deal with any black water tanks so maybe I'll think about a grey water tank...not sure yet that just came to mind. 

If anyone could point me in the right direction for design ideas I would really appreciate it. I've watched Bob's videos and others so far, but I don't feel like I have enough information to made decisions.

Thank you!
Tracey

 

[jwhite]

http://tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42   you will find  all you need to know on this board about how to convert cargo trailers  they also have other forums for the rest.
I would have the factory put in the windows a screen door rear stabilizer jacks and added height I would highly recommend they install a awning and maybe the rv steps I know it will add a lot of cost but in the long run it's money well spent. 
you can do the insulation your self that's one of the easiest things you can do but even myself I had someone put in the flooring it wasn't worth my time with bad knees in there doing something that others can do better.
you can fine people that do this work from a lowes you can also order what you need all at one time and they will deliver for around 85 dollars I think.
as for electric most will say have it wired but I got by with a large contractors 8 socket power cord that had a 15 cord.
this not the one I used but similar
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tower-Manu...Medium-Duty-General-Extension-Cord/1002793688

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Tracey! Once you get your trailer you can try out different floor plans by using cardboard boxes. Don't forget to posts pictures as your build progresses!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[nature lover]

Welcome traceyinwd and a big thank you to all vets and active duty folks!!! Do you know about WeRoll trailers in Fla? They have been good to HOWA and their product is highly recommended. Not sure where you are but it might be worth the trip. They build a sturdy unit with insulation and add windows, doors to your specs. I know of someone who bought from them and did what they call an ikea built.

 

[trailer-t]

Order a tandem or weight limits could become an issue sooner than you think --have them insulate it so you don't have to tear it apart. Imo 7 feet in width minimum. I have a "no-build" 7 by 12 single axle with extended v-nose and have no regrets in the lack of finish (but I use for recreation only). Pretty much everything can be removed in a couple hours except a back wall where my 6000btu AC and solar controllers are mounted.

I do regret:
1. Skimping on not having the 2nd axle and lack of trailer brakes. 2. No insulation. 3. Not installing an electrical package of some sort.
4. No windows, but I am starting to like the privacy more. T

 

[traceyinwd]

Welcome traceyinwd and a big thank you to all vets and active duty folks!!!  Do you know about WeRoll trailers in Fla?  They have been good to HOWA and their product is highly recommended.  Not sure where you are but it might be worth the trip.  They build a sturdy unit with insulation and add windows, doors to your specs.  I know of someone who bought from them and did what they call an ikea built.

Thank you for responding!
Yes, I've looked at their website, then started looking at what was close to me and they seem less expensive near me. The only problem is that I don't know anything about specs for cargo trailers so I'm having to learn as I go. I went for a loose quote and after getting home and researching their website and his quote, well lets just say he's giving me things I'm not so interested in ie extra headspace and a higher quality of the 2 types of aluminum trailers. I'm getting my questions together and comparisons and will have them sit and explain it all to me over and over if I have to.

 

[traceyinwd]

Order a tandem or weight limits could become an issue sooner than you think --have them insulate it so you don't have to tear it apart.  Imo 7 feet in width minimum.  I have a "no-build" 7 by 12 single axle with extended v-nose and have no regrets in the lack of finish (but I use for recreation only).  Pretty much everything can be removed in a couple hours except a back wall where my 6000btu AC and solar controllers are mounted.

I do regret:
1.  Skimping on not having the 2nd axle and lack of trailer brakes.  2.  No insulation.  3.  Not installing an electrical package of some sort.
4.  No windows, but I am starting to like the privacy more.  

Thank you for the information! I appreciate your input because I was debating on the duel axles. And also was sitting on the fence about getting them to do the insulation or have "the carpenter" do it. To be honest, I'm not so sure how much the kid really knows that's the sales person. He was asking me why didn't I just buy a regular camper and I had to explain the difference in workmanship and durability.

 

[traceyinwd]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Tracey! Once you get your trailer you can try out different floor plans by using cardboard boxes. Don't forget to posts pictures as your build progresses!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started. 

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.


Thank you!

 

[trailer-t]

I bought mine as a BBQ contest hauler and it was ordered with that use in mind---- I only made it into a camper as an afterthought.
The increased ceiling height is a cheap upgrade--mine is 6'6" . That gives room for storage etc not just headspace.
I will probably go to a 7 by 14 or16 tandem with a flatter nose down the road if I upgrade. Another consideration is ramp vs barn doors in the
back. I like ramp others strongly prefer barn doors. On the steps I built mine from wood and they just sit inside when in transit.

 

[nature lover]

Remember to compare apples with apples. The models that weeroll sells to those who want to live in them are insulated and ready to build - they even can build one with no wood for those with allergies etc. I am not a salesman for them but have heard good things. It would be a good idea to come up with your needed specs and they ask dealers and builders to give a price you can compare accurately. You mentioned going on rough roads and few of these are made for that so be specific with the manufacturer regarding the size of tire, axel strength, and ground clearance. One problem some people dont plan for is the low position of the hitch - going over various elevations, even small warsh outs, can easily cause the hitch to hit the road. (when your vehicle is going up hill and your trailer going down hill.)

 

[eDJ_]

Welcome to the CRVL Forums  

Glen-L company has plans for RV's of any kind.  I haven't noticed any for converting a utility as of yet but they will probably get around to that in time.
Below in my two signature lines, the Van Conversion link has a link to converting a trailer. (my own design idea you are welcome to look at or modify to your liking)

 

[nature lover]

traceyinwd - talk about fate, coincidence, or a higher power. Did you see Bob's latest 2 videos? That young lady has a trailer just like the one you are looking for. Don't miss it. Link to his youtube channel below. Just look at the 2 most recent releases.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A

 

[trailer-t]

Prior Thread on cargo trailers:

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=39676

 

[traceyinwd]

traceyinwd - talk about fate, coincidence, or a higher power.  Did you see Bob's latest 2 videos?  That young lady has a trailer just like the one you are looking for.  Don't miss it.  Link to his youtube channel below.  Just look at the 2 most recent releases.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A

Thank you! Watching it now. I've decided on a 7 x 14 now. And found a factory direct trailer maker in NC.

 

[trailer-t]

Before you sign the purchase order, price out and look at the build quality/options from the manufacturers down around Douglas GA.
They are about the best prices I have seen (and not too far from N.C.), but keep an eye on the particular build specs. I bought a Diamond 7 by 16 back in like 2009 with a bunch of options for BBQ and it was fine and a good price--but I would compare the builds and price against the local option. I had to pay to haul mine to Illinois which costs a big add on.
If the prices are in the same general ballpark --local is the way to go, then you have a place to take it to if there are problems. In my area some of the local dealers are about 1/3 higher in price than the Southern companies.
t

 

[jwhite]

https://www.trailershopper.com/

here is the best resource for trailers and comparing prices and services

 

[traceyinwd]

https://www.trailershopper.com/

here is the best resource for trailers and comparing prices and services

Thank you! It's funny that the other thread above this one mentioned Douglas, GA because I was just looking at that area 30 minutes ago. I really appreciate everyone's help with this. I am having to research the options because I don't even know what half of them mean.

 

[traceyinwd]

Before you sign the purchase order, price out and look at the build quality/options from the manufacturers down around Douglas GA.
They are about the best prices I have seen (and not too far from N.C.), but keep an eye on the particular build specs.  I bought a Diamond 7 by 16 back in like 2009 with a bunch of options for BBQ and it was fine and a good price--but I would compare the builds and price against the local option.  I had to pay to haul mine to Illinois which costs a big add on.
If the prices are in the same general ballpark --local is the way to go, then you have a place to take it to if there are problems.  In my area some of the local dealers are about 1/3 higher in price than the Southern companies.
t

I'm ok with driving to Georgia to pick up a trailer. Is there more than one dealer in Douglas, GA and would you specifically recommend one over the other?

 

[trailer-t]

No I cant at this point--I bought a Diamond Cargo way back in 2009 or so. I just know they have a bunch of manufacturers/dealers down there and the ads still come up here in Illinois on Craigslist and are still cheap coming from the Douglas GA area. I presently have an "Arising" trailer and I am not even sure where they build those. Your local guy may well be getting his inventory in from GA. The Indiana stuff is pretty high price IMO. I would just shop and surf for a week or so and see if the local price is in the ball park--and if so, buy local. T

 

[jwhite]

at one time there were several huge mobile home factories that have now closed so they went to making all types of trailers. I heard 400 a day ?
the dealers have connections with the factories so if you order from one company they may still will be made at the same factory which I am sure there are many.
you just need to do your research and call to find a salesman that you like, I bought mine in 2010 and they were very helpful and wrote many quotes before I bought.
My suggestion is to have the factory do all the major things and do the rest your self, if your going to install a window AC have them cut the hole and frame it for you.
I wanted a good looking trailer but I cut a few corners I wish I hadn't , I should have had them install a awning and add a couple larger windows.
my company charged the same for 6inches of added height as 12 so I went 7ft makes a huge difference inside.
I later installed a power jack which in my opinion is well worth the money.