Good length for a 5 foot wide conversion trailer

[cordite]

Long time tent camper here. I've been looking for a camper and was not happy with the size, build quality and cost of new travel trailers. Just the wife and I now and we do not need something big and complicated. Wife suggested a TD but I wanted something a bit bigger for fall cold weather camping. Then I found this site. WOW! Just what I was looking for.

After reading many posts here I have some thoughts about what I want to do and one question. I want a low profile easy to tow conversion that can be handled by my V6 Nissan Xterra on Forest Service gravel roads. I also have a very narrow driveway that can't handle anything much wider than the tow vehicle. I really like the idea of a 5' wide trailer that is about 5 feet tall inside. That would put the outside height at about 6.5 feet and close to the height of my Xterra roof rack. Like others here I spend most of my time outside when camping so I believe the inability to stand up in the camper is offset by the low profile, low wind catching front.

I've seen some great examples on this forum of 5x8 and 5x10 conversions. One trailer builder offers a single axle 5x12 and even a 5x14. This got me to thinking I could get a longer trailer for more room yet still retain the low profile. Would a 5 x 14 trailer work? I thought it might feel like a long narrow culvert. I do plan on adding windows and perhaps a skylight or two. Perhaps I really don't need that much space but it would provide more options. The primary focus is a nice dry camper for two people. Is there a length that "fits" a 5 foot wide trailer best?

So I'm kind of thinking out loud and would appreciate your thoughts on this. And thank you for the great site and inspiring examples of cargo trailer conversions.

[bigbendhiker]

I have a 5x10 that I pull with a 2 door Jeep Wrangler. The trailer that I purchased is also available in a 5x12 and a 5x14. Mine also has about 5'+ interior height. I am still working on my conversion, but as you pointed out for sleeping or hanging out during bad weather the inability to stand up doesn't seem like it will be a problem. I too spend most of my time outside when camping. I originally was going to buy a 5x8, but I'm glad I went with the 5x10. I wanted to be able to store mine in the garage and 5x10 is the largest that I could go with. The proportion also seems to fit the short length of my Jeep.



Having said all that, I definitely think the 5x12 would have been nice for the additional length. It will give you some extra interior space to incorporate whatever items you want in your trailer. Going to a 5x14 also sounds good, but might be a little long to pull on the forest service roads. It may depend on hilly the roads are.

Good luck. Interested in hearing what you decide and looking forward to seeing pictures.

[pete42]

first of all welcome and we love pictures...........
and one day I'll learn how to post them.

we all have our own wants and needs, I thought I wanted a 7X12 the width for sleeping front to back with bunks and an aisleway or side to side queen bed.
after doing some layout work on the garage floor I went with a 7X14 the extra 2' allows me to carry two mobility scooters and still pull off and sleep with
out unloading the scooters. it depends on what you want there is a member here who has a 6X12 and they are thinking of going smaller.
they found a 6X12 to be more than they wanted.
pete

[roadinspector]

Options are good. Don't cut yourself too short. I had to go with a larger trailer due to a claustrophobic wife. We do spend most of our time outside, but she needed the extra room to be comfortable. Check out dealer trailers. Spend some time in them and day dream. Get the feel of each trailer, see what your comfortable in and will fit your needs. I did this and it really helped. Of course I couldn't afford the dealer prices and bought a used trailer from a friend. I doubt the dealer remembers me but I do try to buy any accessories that I need from them for letting me do that. Good luck.

Earnest

[bc toys]

I would think about going to a trailer suppler and looking at your options and asking if they make a 5x14 Never seen one that long and narrow but then again I don't know. Do a layout on the floor of your garage and see if it will work for you. I did my1st one with blue painters tape but anything will work chalk works great and a hole lot cheeper Oh ask your wife if she likes it because if she don't you will be doing it over Good luck