My latest project or Buddy’s next big adventure.

[Charlie Bob]

So in the past I’ve just used my truck topper when going out west . I put a raised bed platform with an air mattress and a diesel heater.
But it was less than ideal , late night runs to the outhouse and getting dressed was burdensome for this old guy .
This year I plan on being out west for three weeks so I wanted to upgrade my setup.
I thought about a taller topper but brand new the one I wanted was $4500 .
I looked at the popup toppers , then the Freedom box , but after all the things extra I wanted they were quickly crossed off my list as too costly .
So I started looking at cargo trailers . I bought a new trailer , with extra long tongue and height , window , lights and insulated , came $7500 . Full tube frame and welded all the way around .
I purchased a 400 watt solar system, a on demand hot water heater and a diesel heater . Also threw in a 12 v freezer / fridge .
I flipped the axle and put bigger tires on it .
Air conditioner was just so I could work on it in my driveway.
I bought a sheet of plywood and six sticks of 1x2 ‘s but other than that I had most of the stuff leftover from old jobs .
My thinking was after my trip I’ll strip it and use it for my LLC .
I didn’t want to buy a RV as we have had them before, and I have less invested in this trailer than I would lose in depreciation just taking a RV off a lot .
Anyway soon Buddy , my dog in the picture, and I will be loaded up and headed to Wyoming Antelope hunting , then Co Elk .
Let me know what you think ?




As it came .

How it sits now

 

[JLDemo]

Insanely jealous at the trailer and palm trees! We don't see that kind of fishing or trees here in Wyo. I think this kind of setup is one of the most practical ways to camp and haul without sacrificing bed space, and not removing the topper.

I've been looking hard at doing something similar, there's a company out of Utah who will custom make these cargo trailers, they're expensive but turn key. Im watching auctions like a hawk for a used one and just doing it myself. My only draw back is must be tall and long enough to fit a sxs.

My idea is to covert the front half of the trailer to a kitchen/shower and bathroom, and just sleep on a cot in the cargo area.

Did you put in a small black/gray water tank? Any fans for condensation?

 

[Charlie Bob]

Insanely jealous at the trailer and palm trees! We don't see that kind of fishing or trees here in Wyo. I think this kind of setup is one of the most practical ways to camp and haul without sacrificing bed space, and not removing the topper.

I've been looking hard at doing something similar, there's a company out of Utah who will custom make these cargo trailers, they're expensive but turn key. Im watching auctions like a hawk for a used one and just doing it myself. My only draw back is must be tall and long enough to fit a sxs.

My idea is to covert the front half of the trailer to a kitchen/shower and bathroom, and just sleep on a cot in the cargo area.

Did you put in a small black/gray water tank? Any fans for condensation?

Portable gray water tank if needed (I was concerned about clearance )and a 12 exhaust fan in the over head vent .The diesel heater don't create moisture like propane heat .
I was going to use a cot but my wife decided to fly out for a week and she bought the bed off FB marketplace for $100 and the mattress was $249 and very comfortable . The air mattress on top is old one .

 

[Wildabeest]

Nice!

 

[Steiny77]

I see a lot of these cargo trailer to camper conversions and the first thing that always comes to mind is ..... Why didn't you just buy a camper that was already set up with everything you need and ready to go?
There are sh#tloads of used campers in every size range and price range available for sale.

What's the benefit of the cargo trailer conversion?

 

[Charlie Bob]

I see a lot of these cargo trailer to camper conversions and the first thing that always comes to mind is ..... Why didn't you just buy a camper that was already set up with everything you need and ready to go?
There are sh#tloads of used campers in every size range and price range available for sale.

What's the benefit of the cargo trailer conversion?

You mean truck campers ? Or trailers ? Either way , buying a used RV is slightly above buying a used condom in my opinion . Same as buying a used cargo trailer .
After my trip I can use this to move stuff around and store my tools in it . A RV would just set in my side yard for 11 months , losing value .