I took the leap...

[DavidInPalmetto]

After lurking in the shadows for quite awhile I finally took the leap.

I really like the teardrops but my other hobby is riding my Sportster so that made a Cargo conversion the ideal way to go.
I want to say thanks to all of ya'll out there with all the ideas and photos that will be my inspiration. Please keep them coming.
It's a 12ft V-nose and it came with a RV style door already installed so I don't have to that. I plan to do just a little at a time and keep it simple.

Thanks again guys and gals.

[pete42]

Nice looking from what I can see as I haven't started or even bought one yet I like looking at all the PICTURES that you guys and gals post so take plenty and keep us up todate on your build.

pete

[GPW]

P Dave , Very COOL !!! Have Fun !!!

[DavidInPalmetto]

Thanks Pete. Right now the new models are a bargain. Just like others have posted, the new ones are just as inexpensive as used models.
I paid $1640 out the door for this one and it's a 2011 model.

I'm looking forward to tweaking it for my camping needs.

[Boodro]

I really like the teardrops but my other hobby is riding my Sportster so that made a Cargo conversion the ideal way to go.

And you are going to pull it with your Sportster????

Good luck!

[Prem]

Nice trailer!

[DavidInPalmetto]

My first upgrade. I went with caseydog's super simple electrical system.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=37732Thanks caseydog.
This would allow me to run heat and power tools during the cold weather that we are all having now without having to run a cord through an open door. I can always upgrade this system at a future time. 12v will come later.

Just a little more that 17 bucks from Amazon.Com and free shipping when I ordered it.

Cutting the first hole in anything new makes me nervous.

This only took a few minutes. I never did find a 1 7/8 in hole saw so I bought a 1 3/4 and carefully rasped off an additional 1/8. I was a little worried about keeping in alignment with hole in the paneling but I took my time and it came out perfect.

The finished product. It came out as I had hoped for. I don't get home from work until after dark so this will make it much easier to pull up a chair and sit in the trailer with some light and work out the details of the next step.
Thanks again caseydog for the idea.

[pete42]

Nice install
I'm wondering if your trailer came insulated or do you plan on insulating it? you may have to take the plug back out sometime later to insulate.
also can you supply a little more info on your trailer?
make, model, length, wideth, inside heigth ect.
we all love looking at pictures so take plenty and share.

[DavidInPalmetto]

Thanks Pete but without caseydog and a host of others out there I wouldn't even know where to start.

Here is the text from the Craigslist ad I answered.



This is a brand new 6X12 V Nose Enclosed Trailer. This is one of the most well built trailers you will find out there, and far better built then other brands in the price range. This trailer is ALL tube steel construction, 16" O.C walls STANDARD, RV lock on the side door STANDARD, and flap extension on ramp door, there is NO ONE else out there offering all of this on a trailer in this price range as a standard option.

Other features include:
24" Stone Guard
Aluminum Fenders
Side Door & RV flush latch
3/8" Wood Walls
16" O.C Walls
LED Slimline lights
3/4" Wood Floors
12v Dome Light with Switch
V Nose
Roof Vent
15" Wheels and Tires
Flap extension on ramp door
3" Tube Main Frame
3500lb AXLE

I thought it's time to act.
As far as I'm concerned I could camp in it right now.
Dry and out of the wind is all I need.
I do plan on improvements as time and budget permit. I will begin with the insulation for the ceiling. That's next, along with a spare tire (didn't come with it) and a fire extinguisher. Then a 12v deep cycle and a.....

I could go on and on but I might change my mind so I'll just post pics as things progress.

[DavidInPalmetto]

Oh, forgot to mention. Inside height is 6 ft in the center and only 1 inch lower at the side walls. It's an almost flat roof. I'm considering painting it with a mobile home reflective roof sealant.
I'm wondering if anyone here has done that to theirs and if they had good service from it?

[4x4chvy]

YES. I did my cargo trailer over the summer with BlackJack Ultra Roof 1000
(Paid $25 /gal at Lowe's)
Link to their YouTube vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJTbAK-grrw

It made a Very Big Difference and I live in south west Florida.
With alum/steel 6 x 12 ft Vnose trailer closed up and parked out in the field, by 2pm the interior temp avgd 8 degrees cooler inside than outside.
And that's before I did any insulation.
I picked the BlackJack Ultra Roof 1000 coating over all the others (including Kool Seal) because it reflects heat the best, flexes the most and needs no priming, acid washing, etc of the surface. Just wash roof prior to application with soap/water, rinse well and let dry completely.
Easily applied with a 3/4 nap roller right onto the metal roof. Easily cleans up with soap and water if you clean drips & hands immediately. Follow easy directions.
The BlackJack made it bearable enough to be out there in the August sun, insulating with Rmax 3/4" Polyisocyanurate Insulated Sheathing behind the 1/4" plywood walls and on the ceiling.
(Ceiling I also added Reflextix between the Rmax and the 1/4" plywood.)

I'm very glad I found that stuff.

[DavidInPalmetto]

Thanks 4x4
I was hoping that someone had tried a roof coating and would reply.
The coating will be my next step. A gallon should be plenty, shouldn't it?

[4x4chvy]

I used just over a gallon on the trailer.
My trailer's roof goes a bit further over the sides than others I've seen, and since my whole trailer is white already, I went right down to the drip rail with it (being sure not to clog up the drip rail).
I also did a third coat around the roof vent and on the ABS plastic "V" part of the nose.

I was a bit worried that the reflective roof coat might help make the trailer cooler inside on cold days...
Not a problem. On the last below freezing, over night we had, I went outdoors at dawn and opened the trailer. Was comfortable inside. Didn't measure but it was much warmer inside than out.

[Jo]

Nice trailer!

I'm following this thread for sure!

[gwan2cruz]

Hey David, nice trailer. Who is the manufacturer? I am now looking for one and it is hard to weed through all the manufacters and any help would be appreciated. I found a 6x10 Thule locally, but I think it is a bit too small.