Cargo Trailer Build - Initial Design Questions

[BBQJeep]

Hey everyone - I am a newbie to enclosed cargo trailer builds and wanted to get some quick feedback on these items from the pros before I pull the trigger on a used trailer:
I would pull this on Appalachian National Forest fire roads which are rocky and steep. So I want to prioritize the trailer being light and nimble but still very functional.

1. Size - I am thinking 6x10 or 5x10 or 5x8 - for 2 people. Thoughts? Typical one shown in picture from FB Marketplace.
2. Height - between 5 and 6 ft inside - I don't care about having to stoop to go inside. I want it to be able to clear tree branches etc and be around the same height as my 4Runner (74")
3. Shower - Has anyone seen a small shower being installed in a trailer this size?
4. Heat - electric v/s diesel heater

Thank you!

[OP827]

This is 6x12 cargo trailer build that might provide some inspiration. It has a shower and some good space saving ideas.
https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=55219&hilit=shower#p1003886

[BBQJeep]

This is 6x12 cargo trailer build that might provide some inspiration. It has a shower and some good space saving ideas.
https://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=55219&hilit=shower#p1003886

Thank you very much!

[Grummy]

6' wide with the wheels hanging out does not necessarily fit your goals of "Rocky and Steep" roads. Unfortunately, 6 wides with flush wheels are not plentiful. I wish they were because you could go 7 wide and still be narrower than a 6 wide with the wheels hanging out !

So, if the width doesn't worry you, the 6 wide is a lot more roomy than the 5 wide, where two of you in a 54" wide bed will pretty much take up the entire 5' width.

In the 6 wides, you wont find many that are less than 6' high inside. better chance finding a 5x8 with a lower interior height.

If I were intending fire roads a lot, I'd shop for a Sundowner Mini-Go, probably in a 5x10 with the pop top. I'd tent the top section, come up with perhaps a room with a hardtop to extend off the back as well. This way you have your "low" clearance, standing height where it matters, and the ability to put a shower area in the tented section off the back. Adding a shower in a 6x12 has been done, but it sure burns a LOT of space for something you ae not going to use as much as you'd think, often because you often only have under 3000lbs of Gross weight capacity, and it's pretty hard to bring enough water along because of what it weighs.

Heat ? Not electric unless you plan to run a gas generator anytime your using it. It will NOT work with solar, even though you could fill that 5x10 roof up solid (and I would). I'd fill the roof with solar, add a 200Ah Lithium to the tongue, and install a diesel heater. The heater and the battery can be all in one nice compartment on the tongue if you do things right. Having the 200Ah will let you take along your Iceco style cooler, watch a TV or other video device and take care of all your lighting quite effectively.

[Grummy]

Here is a link to the Mini-Go: https://www.sundownertrailer.com/tlr-MiniGO.html

One of these in a 6 wide with flush wheels would make for an awesome little rig ! Too bad they wont make it.

[BBQJeep]

Thank you for your insights! I did some quick searching and the Minigo in 5x10 is super hard to come by. But it looks great. Currently my thoughts are converging on a 5x10 trailer conversion project. Inside height is still up in the air, but somewhere around 5 ft. I like your idea about the battery/diesel heat combo. I might ditch the inside shower idea and look at an outdoor shower option using a gas instant water heater. Thanks again.

[Grummy]

>>>> look at an outdoor shower option using a gas instant water heater

I'll tell ya, I have one of those (a Foruee unit) and I have to say it is a fantastic item to have along. However, its got a few negatives. One, it works best if you are connected to shore water. Mine seems to handle a constant pressure better than my RV pump. Two, it's so dang nice, you tend to use a LOT more water than you intended to, meaning if your bringing water... you need a lot of it (heavy). Three, obviously, 1lb cylinders are way too expensive these days and a 20lb cylinder is a lot to carry just for that one thing (I use Butane for cooking). So, I bought a 5lb cylinder which is pretty awesome and lasts a long time. Cheap to fill too.

So, if I am at a campground, I use it. If I am going to be somewhere without any services, I will pack and use my stainless 4 gallon sprayer tank (you can see a small pic on page 4 of the link I posted). I can toss it onto a stove top or firepit coals to get it toasty, and because it is only 3 gallon, my wife knows she can't stay in it all day ! I bought a small 12v compressor that keeps it pressurized... no pumping,... but you CAN if you do not have any power. I kind of like having it.