What things to consider when buying a new cargo?

[kit352]

So I'm going to be doing a cargo conversion since I cant seem to find a suitable travel trailer I like. I was going to buy a runaway trailer since it comes the closest to meeting my needs but after really looking at it it's design really limited what I could do with it. There is another type on ebay that is very close to what I want but its a long way away and although it looks nice im afraid it might not hold up to years of use. If it was closer and I could really see it that would help but my gut feeling says I will be disappointed when I do see it.
I'm now looking into similar sized cargo trailers and was wondering what people's opinions are for thing's to really look for in a trailer. Im probably gonna stay in the 5x8 or maybe even 5x10 sizing. I had a 6x10 a couple years ago that was pretty nice but its size really made it not suitable for what I did and how I did it. One concern is that my wife has to be able to handle driving with it. With the 6x10 she just couldn't cope with it which made me the sole driver when we went out and that really hurt us on time and distance. It was also hard for me to maneuver down some of the area's I would go to. I like to do fire roads and mildly rough camping spots. Ideally id like an offroad camper but since those are hard to find and even harder to get what I want I am going to have to settle with building my own.
So what do people look for in ct conversion candidates? I am probably gonna be buying a new stock one and adding what I want. I don't think im going to get a side door since they take up a lot of real estate so that leaves barn doors or a single back door. I had considered a V nose but I like the thought of being able to store my generator and gas in a lock box up front. I think a curved roof would be better over all but a flat roof appears to be much strong if I want to doing something up there later. I have a feeling I will end up putting bigger offroad type tires on it and maybe an SOA if I need abit more clearance.

[hankaye]

kit352, Howdy;

First things first ... Welcome!
Don't know if you've been a lurker or just arrived.
One thing you might do is wander back through the
forum and take a look at what others have done,
the search function can be your friend too. have fun
with the project and the research.

hank

[kit352]

Thanks for the welcome.

I've been a long time lurker but never joined up because I always found the answers I was looking for in the past but now I feel I should be asking questions. Seeing as I had already chosen poorly on my first cargo trailer I thought I could get a better understanding of what I should be looking for in a new trailer.
I'm probably about 2-3 months away from getting a new trailer so I have time to plan ahead. Of course if I find a nice one on ebay or craigslist that could change it. I almost bought one just this week but it had a ramp rear door and I could not plan a good way of using that to my advantage so I let it go.

[lrrowe]

kit352,
Ditto on the welcome.
I too was a lurker for a long time, then joined in also. I did not have a CT yet (still do not, but am close) so I thought I had nothing to offer for the forum. But I have been active I think am I ask a lot of questions which I do think generate more discussion. But many times I did have experiences to offer. You just do not know until you speak up.

You have a step up on me by having and using your 5x8. That gives you related experiences to off. I was a die hard barn door fan because I do not have a bike or atv to carry around so why did I want a ramp. Now I am seriously thinking of a ramp door. In fact tomorrow I travel a couple of hours to visit a dealer who carries many brands of CT's. One last look for me at other brands and if they do not meet my expectations I will they try to get the order to the other one I really like. It would make Jerry at "Over The Top" proud. I am right now looking at a 6 x 14 with single axle. I will probably wait to order it so the long drive to pick it up will not be during snow times.

Oh and on the advice by hanaye, yes do go back to the beginning if you can and look at all the great experiences and results of others. They do pave the road very well for you. I also like the search feature where I can zero in on a particular topic.

[roadinspector]

kit352,
Welcome! Sit back and browse thru the previous builds/questions. You will find lots of help. I sure did. The best advise I can give is get one you can afford. Opinions will definitely differ in what is best to look for. Just be happy with your purchase and build something that fits your needs.

Earnest