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 .

 

[Charlie Bob]

We leave today , north to Michigan then west .

 

[El Jason]

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?

It all depends on the user. The cargo conversion is often heavy and can lack ground clearance. Sometimes it’s cheaper to do, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a used camper.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Make sure you've got the tick dope if you're headed to the Wolverine state. Pulled 7 off the dog yesterday and 3 today.

Have fun, trailer looks awesome!

 

[Charlie Bob]

Make sure you've got the tick dope if you're headed to the Wolverine state. Pulled 7 off the dog yesterday and 3 today.

Have fun, trailer looks awesome!

Not hunting in Michigan. My wife’s HS reunion is this weekend, being the trophy husband as I am Michigan just happened to be on my way west .
Buddy got sick three times and I locked myself out of the trailer with the truck keys inside.
But we made it to Battle Creek.

 

[Charlie Bob]

Oh , and halfway here I realized I’d left both tags at home .
Anybody else have to get a duplicate tag from WFG ?

 

[Charlie Bob]

Current situation

 

[Charlie Bob]

So far the trailer is working great. The solar system is keeping up even on the overcast days . All my meals are frozen solid , going on three weeks.
The heater keeps it toasty and uses very little fuel.
My wife flies home tomorrow and I’ll actually stay in it full time .
We’ve been staying in motels mostly, camped two nights .

 

[2rocky]

I've been following a number of DIY Cargo trailer conversions and the main selling point is that you can build a more rugged unit than most production RV's. I also think the act of building one is more accessible for people because you can go in stages and add more "convenience of home" things later in the build, yet have something you can use as a camping trailer in the process. 12V power isn't as scary as 120V. and you aren't committed to a cabin site, and all the access, permitting, materials and weather if you were to build a cabin.

And people want to be "Camping" rather than RVing. I don't see these at RV parks in Sedona next to a big ol' Prevost. I see them off the side of Forest Service roads or out on BLM. They are set up for Boondocking from the get go.

I'm getting the itch to build a Sheep wagon as a guest quarters on the ranch and something I could tow tandem behind my gooseneck horse trailer....

 

[Ben Lamb]

I'm getting the itch to build a Sheep wagon as a guest quarters on the ranch and something I could tow tandem behind my gooseneck horse trailer....

Yes, but you have to put "Shaggin Wagon" on the back in funkydori font and with metallic flake paint.

 

[2rocky]

Yes, but you have to put "Shaggin Wagon" on the back in funkydori font and with metallic flake paint.

that's for my Midlife crisis Chevy Van

 

[Ben Lamb]

that's for my Midlife crisis Chevy Van

I get it and I'm all for it, but a kitted out Chevy Porno van doesn't have the same implications as a sheep wagon.

And that's what we're here for, the implication.

 

[2rocky]

I get it and I'm all for it, but a kitted out Chevy Porno van doesn't have the same implications as a sheep wagon.

And that's what we're here for, the implication.

YOu are absolutely right....I wonder if there is a Magnet I can throw on my buddy's trailer next time we do a big group get together!