Whats your opinion? Cargo trailer

[NagathaChristie]

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie here. I want to purchase a cargo type trailer (approx. 7wX7hX14') to live in full time. I have no carpentry skills or building skills so I am looking for a trailer that is insulated, wired for electric, has just: door, one to two windows, bathroom/shower and "kitchen" sink with a small counter. This trailer would need to have a water tank. I would be adding my own bed, table, shelving etc.

So my question is, any idea who would sell something like that?

Would I be better off purchasing an insulated trailer and hiring someone to install the tank, shower and sink?

Thank you.

 

[Almost There]

IIWM, I'd price out having the electrical, water tank, windows and insulation from a manufacturer and then also get a base price from them without anything but the windows and compare hiring a handyman who can do all the rest for you. I recommend getting the windows done by the manufacturer.

Whether the manufacturer will do a good job depends entirely on the manufacturer. It's the same in every industry, not all are created equal.

If you can afford it, take a serious look at Wells Cargo. They have a very good reputation in the industry. I'm on my second trailer from them in 25 years and have been very happy with their trailers.

 

[NagathaChristie]

This is great information. Thank you.

 

[mothercoder]

I've been researching this extensively and agree with what AT said. There are companies out there who will add most if not all this for you but by the time they do it, you're looking at a very expensive proposition.

I will be buying a 6 x 12 cargo trailer. I am having them add two window and electric and that's it. However, I'm not interested in a bathroom or having a water tank so that makes it a little easier for me. I intend to try and work with a friend to get it insulated and finished. I have few carpentry skills but I think for what I want, I can piece something together. If my friend is unable to help me, I might try to find someone who is moonlighting to do the insulation and wall/ceiling finishes. Ordinarily I would tackle it myself but I'm unable to raise my right arm above my head thanks to a shoulder injury. As far as the kitchen goes, I'm looking at a number of options including getting base cabinets from the Habitat Restore. I'll drop a sink in there and have a drain to a bucket for gray water. But I'm not going to have a water pump or a tank. For the counter top, I am capable enough to cut a piece of plywood or scrap counter top to fit over the cabinets. Then, like you, I'll be adding a bed, storage and table.

All that to say if you haven't done it yet, find a couple of websites for trailer manufacturers that have software that allows you build your own trailer with the options they have and they will price it out for you. I don't know what you plan on paying but the prices I've been getting for a 6 x 12 with just insulation, basic wiring and a couple of windows was coming in at over $5k. A 7 x 14 would likely be somewhere around $6,500. Then add in wall, floor and ceiling finishes, a shower, kitchen, plumbing and water tank and I would suspect you'd be doubling that price.

 

[rm.w/aview]

Maybe these two videos can provide some ideas or information. There's so many conversions being done and perhaps contacting the builders of what you see can be helpful. The two videos are of the same trailer just shown on different channels, the first being the builder/owner's channel. On the second video skip to 9:40 for the trailer tour...


Another thought; if you may hire someone to help you with your build, give notice on this forum for the supplies, components, and help that you will need. Without putting yourself at risk, perhaps arrangements can be made. Heck, NagathaChristie & mothercoder may be neighbors to a degree and turn this into a group/social thing. Just thinking outside the box and relating how helpful this forum can be with information, as well as past reading here on members helping in a build.

 

[NagathaChristie]

It is so overwhelming but I believe that this route is a better investment than buying a prefab travel trailer. They seem to be very poor in quality.

 

[John61CT]

So many people who've done this successfully are on lower incomes, I'm sure you could find a gifted amateur to help at reasonable rates.

Remember it doesn't need to be "finished" for you to start travelling.

 

[rm.w/aview]

It is so overwhelming but I believe that this route is a better investment than buying a prefab travel trailer. They seem to be very poor in quality.

I agree with you on this, though there are a few travel trailers whose quality shame the ones built to a price point. When viewed in it's entirety it can seem overwhelming, but focusing on tasks or phases of the project individually can help settle you in. Piece by piece it comes together until the day of the maiden voyage. You're in good company on this forum. All the best to you.

 

[duncanshannon]

I've mostly enjoyed working with http://www.trailershowroom.com as I can see ALL The different options for a trailer. I just ordered a 7x7x14 from them. They have bathroom packages.

I don't think they (and most others) would be good to have them insulate etc. But you never know.

What's your timing? Maybe I'll finish mine and you can then hire me to build yours

 

[NagathaChristie]

I just found this little company: https://www.eurekacamper.com/camper-models/rambler-camper/ seems like very simple little trailers with the type of stuff I want.

Anyone know anything about them?

 

[BigRockSpeaker]

Hi Nagatha,

I just ordered my custom cargo trailer from Georgia Made Trailers in - well, of course, in Georgia.  I am in NY, and I could barely find even a used trailer up here for what the brand new trailer with all the options is costing me.  I spent several months researching all the different manufacturers and distrubutors before settling on GMT.  So far I've been happy with the process.  I'll keep everyone posted on the final product, once I pick it up next month.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I just found this little company: https://www.eurekacamper.com/camper-models/rambler-camper/ seems like very simple little trailers with the type of stuff I want.

Anyone know anything about them?

I have had difficulty getting them to respond to emails and calls. I like their slide-in truck campers but they don't seem to be eager to sell one to me....oh well....

 

[LoupGarou]

If your intention is to never park up at a RV park long term, the lack of a RVIA certification shouldn't bother you.

 

[user 13531]

Check out this build... spent some serious time on this rig.

 

[squatting dog]

Like BigRockSpeaker said, it's hard to beat the trailer deals found in Georgia. I bought a 20' enclosed dual axle in 2005 and sold it in 2011 for what I paid for it. I now have a 24' enclosed trailer I bought from the same outfit.
 
https://diamondcargo.com/