Cargo Trailer Conversion

Wow, that is impressive! Do you feel it is insulated enough? What a fun project! Also, did you buy that trailer new or preowned? My friend Aaron, who is on here, built a huge trailer like that once that was going to be a yoga studio with side opening doors and then also hold his Jeep and motorcycle when traveling. I think there is a lot you can do with a cargo trailer, especially if you don't plan to go on rough roads. I guess maybe you can change the suspension on it, spare tire carrier. Maybe even a rooftop tent for guests. Pretty neat, Debra!

That's a nice simple upfit! 

Is it tall enough,  or are you sized appropriately to stand up inside?

We've considered a trailer several times and always arrive at the idea that for us a trailer needs to be insanely lightweight and easy to pull with minimal MPG penalty... and be tall enough to stand inside.    That's a rarified bit of equipment and they exist but out of the budget while we still have an unfinished basement on our house and a cramped 1920s era kitchen.  

Before moving to Washington I did pick up a neglected cargo trailer and give it some restorative love and a couple stickers you might appreciate:

 However after its job of moving our belongings & acting as mini storage while house shopping was complete,  that guy went off to its new owners who apparently planned to use it as a toy hauler.  

@4x_admin Thanks, Scott.

I wasn't concerned with insulating the trailer as I only use it for local trips where the climate is nice. I've camped in it when the temps are in the upper 30s and was warm and toasty inside. I added reflectix to the roof as it is really thin aluminum and it was more for sound deadening than anything else.

I did buy the trailer new and it was the least expensive option overall. Another trailer I was considering was the Runaway Coolcamp, but I really wanted to outfit it my way and I'm happy with what I have.

@shovel Thanks for the compliments!

Unfortunately I cannot stand up fully in the trailer as it is only 55" from floor to ceiling and I'm 67" tall, so I have to bend my neck a bit, but that's okay. I do my cooking at the rear of the trailer and I am able to sit up or lounge on the bed in case of inclement weather.

As I mentioned in an earlier response, I was considering a Runway Coolcamp as they tend to be very light, but in reality they are pretty much a fancy cargo trailer conversion, so I figured, why not do my own.

I hear you regarding the weight and MPGs. After researching a lot of small trailers, the cargo trailer won out on weight. I carry minimal gear and try to keep everything as light as possible. Believe it or not, on my last longer trip out with the trailer, which was 280 miles roundtrip, I averaged 33 MPG towing the trailer with my Crosstrek. I'm really easy on the gas pedal (I keep the speed at or under 65 on the freeway) and there were only a few small hills to traverse, but the trailer tows really nice behind me.

Love the stickers, especially the taco! 😎 

That's a shame about the lack of standing space!         If you're only touring in good weather it's maybe less of a bother...  my attitude on trailers is they're only worth towing if you can pull on trousers without doing a yoga bridge pose and if you can prepare your coffee & breakfast indoors without rain, mud or insects immediately abasing those first sacred minutes of the day.    

I'd imagine you can do that if barely inside your little trailer..  pity nobody makes a "Meerkat" style pop plug for aftermarket upfit on vans and trailers I bet that would sell well if priced appropriately. 

@shovel For me, the ability to stand up straight wasn't a priority, but I understand to some it is important, and rightly so. I am able to get dressed, do my "business" (if you know what I mean, as I do have a Porta Potti onboard), and cook inside if needed.

I purposely did not enclose my kitchen area with a floor-to-ceiling wall, which allows me to use the countertop or my portable camp table with my Coleman stove while inside. I can simply sit on my bed (or Porta Potti 😜) and cook away (with a window cracked and the fan engaged, of course). 🙂

When watching YouTube videos for ideas, I ran across someone who actually "chopped" his cargo trailer to make it shorter, as he wanted to use it for off-road. But, a pop-top would be amazing for sure!

@debaru I think a pop top would be a great option here. Like they do with the Sportsmobile penthouse. Not sure if it would be worth it cost wise but could be a great way to make it full height.

@debaru I tried clicking on the photo link you provided but it doesn't like me...sad 😥 

Hmm. It works for me. I just PM’d another link to you @luke-moussa. Hopefully that will work.

Anyone else having trouble?

Total user error...I can't believe they give me the keys to stuff.

Soooo...this is awesome!  You did a great job and I love how you set up the kitchen and that little desk.  Very cool, I'm inspired!

@luke-moussa Thanks! It’s far from perfect, but it works for me.

I’ll be taking Clutch out next to Picacho State Park at the end of the month for a couple of days to camp and take wildflower photos. Crossing my fingers that we got enough rain here.

Cheers!

@debaru thanks for the reminder! That has been on my list for a few years now to stay explore and check out those wildflowers.  It's such an interesting formation.  I wonder if it was some giant Sinbad style sea creature's lair way back when 😜 

Clutch Cargo got a much needed upgrade: a large window in the back door.

This is a rather large window (20 x 30), so I had to put on my thinking cap when installing it. Since I'm solo and there usually isn't anyone around to assist me when I'm building/installing things, the last thing I needed was for it to pop out!

So, here's what I did. After applying the butyl tape to the inside window frame and mounting it into the opening, I used two metal cam straps to hold it tight against the door. Each strap wrapped completely around the back door vertically in two places. Worked like a charm!! I had already drilled four trim ring mounting holes in the back of the window prior to the install and it was super easy to get those first four screws in and then drill the remaining holes.

I also had to build a 1/2" wood spacer ring as the depth of the window was 1/2" deeper than the depth of the door (1" door, 1 1/2" window).

So, now all that is left is for me paint the wood spacer ring, wait for the butyl tape to cure, add a bit of silicone sealer around the exterior of the window frame for extra protection, and then get Clutch out in the wild for some camping!

Sadly, adding the window meant sacrificing my awesome Clutch Cargo decal, but it turns out that when I cut the opening, he survived intact on the sheet metal. My plan is to cut down the metal and put him in a picture frame for installation inside my trailer.

Cheers!

Looks great!