Utility Trailer as a mini-camper..any thoughts?

[stugpanzer]

This is not a teardrop question, but I have often thought that it would be quite simple to convert a fully enclosed utility trailer to a mini-camper. Anyone have any thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

 

[mikeschn]

Sure, that's been done before...

Here's an example...

http://public.fotki.com/gregwjs/camping ... 4_028.html

Mike...

 

[TAILGATINGnNUT]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.........got me thinking again!!!!!!!!!!
THat would be very interesting.... how about cutign those walls on those things? is it feasable if you sure it back up with supports and what not? kinda like hte idea of having a prebuilt trailer to work with

 

[BufordT-TNT]

My son in law's Dad did one of those up. Fixed him a counter area for cooking. Added a/c and heat. Placed a fold up bed in there for when he hauls his harley. Works great for him.

Bufordt

 

[Arne-TNT]

Depends on the shape of the utility. The idea of a t/d is the aerodynamic shape for easy hauling. Most utility trailers are boxes. Lots of air resistance.... but, it depends on needs and expectations.

 

[TAILGATINGnNUT]

ANY INFO ON WHAT EXACTLY HE DID? AND HOW HE DID IT? HOW BIG OF A TRAILER DOES HE HAVE?

 

[BufordT-TNT]

Not much really. I only saw it once.

He used a old trailer dual axle that he got for cheap. Placed a few cabinets in the front to cook on and use for storage. Did some insulation on the walls and ceiling.

Added a plywood bed over the wheel walls that he takes up to put the harley in. That's about it.

You could get a smaller trailer with single axle and side door and a really neat job with it. Open the back and still have the kitchen there and do what ever you wanted to the inside.

Would all be up to you as there aren't many pic's of something like this.

Would make a great addition to this site to see someone do it.

Bufordt

 

[stugpanzer]

I have a utility trailer and after examining it, I feel that the walls could be shaped into the tear shape. I can't do that with this one as it's my business trailer. My parents have one that they bought at a local store (Farm & Fleet) just recently and it really wouldn't be that difficult in shaping the walls.

 

[TAILGATINGnNUT]

I think they are talking about just converting the inside, not changing the look of the trailer. I am not a tear drop purist like most of the people on this board. I think they are a bit goofy looking and think the utility trailers look much "sportier". I was out pricing 5by8 utility trailers today with a bay door in hte back and a side door nad they are not very expensive. I am thinking of going this route come january. Many different interior options when consdiering all the space you have in one of these box trailers

 

[stugpanzer]

I agree....I like the idea of one already made and then adding all the gadgets, bells, whistles...oh...and a mattress! Does anyone else have or know where to see any photos of a utility trailer converted into a nice little camper?

 

[stugpanzer]

Interesting link...

http://www.trailersforless.com/escape_trailer.html

 

[BufordT-TNT]

Interesting link...

http://www.trailersforless.com/escape_trailer.html

Yep that's the size trailer he used but it didn't look like that one the inside.

Goes to show you it can be done and looks really nice. If I had to have a bathroom/pottie/shower. This would be the way to go and you could even use a smaller trailer and get the same thing done. Open back door and install a screen room.

Bufordt

 

[stugpanzer]

I would go with a smaller trailer and larger windows. If anyone else finds more pictures, please post them or post the URL. Thanks!

 

[southpennrailroad]

My wife and I have spent lots of money on hotels in Harrisburg, Pa doing research on the South Pennsylvania Railroad and I got this idea last spring. I found a trailer dealer who is taking payments (what I can afford at anytime) without interest and if the price should increase (most likely) will not add the cost onto the quoted price. The trailer is not yet built and I will pick it up in Calleo Va. in July 2006. Here are my plans for the added extention to make it a 6x13 from a 6x10. cost 2,502 included is the taxes. Lowes has them for $2,995. not including the taxes and plates. He included the plate as well in the cost of my price. Lets see average summer price at hotel $75.00. Privat property owners giving me free of charge stay on their property. They appreciate what I have to offer them. Why is an unfinished railroad grade sitting in their back yards. Why wasn't it completed. Cost can't be beat when the fun is added up in designing the inside. Pictures will definetly be shown later. Check out my WWW. link below "I know I can do this."

 

[Endo-TNT]

This link may also give you some more ideas.


http://www.rallymastercampingpods.com/pages/2/index.htm

 

[mwatters-TMO]

The Rally Master guy is out of the business. Sold off the molds (may still be TRYING to sell them in fact). Anyway - a couple of the trailers he did are on eBay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fibergla ... dZViewItem

mkw

 

[Joseph-TNT]

This is not a teardrop question, but I have often thought that it would be quite simple to convert a fully enclosed utility trailer to a mini-camper. Anyone have any thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

I've thought about that, and what you'd have would be very similar to the old "bread loaf" style travel trailer, the most elegant of which was the Pierc-Arrow Travelodge. Like teardrops, build-it-yourself plans for this style trailer were offered in magazines and from outfits like the Hammer Blow Tool Co. in the mid-thirties.

Personally, I much prefer the "canned ham" to the "bread loaf," though if I had one of each I guess I could make TTT sandwiches!

Joseph

 

[Gaston-TNT]

most of the utility trailers (enclosed type) i've worked on are too heavy to make a small camp trailer from and still pull with something less than a pickup truck. But they are great for hauling the harley around .

 

[angib]

Just after reading this, I came across this drawing I had filed away. I don't know who did it, where it's from or what size (Haulmark) trailer it is intended to use, but it seemed relevant.

Yup, that's the best quality one I've got! Looks very much like the Glen-L Sequoia layout.

Andrew

 

[mikeschn]

Andrew,

That is so very similar to your 10' Dinette...

Mike...