Convertible Cargo trailer

I've been thinking about Tear Drops for a few years, since I saw the Kuffel Creek ad in Fine Woodworking. I recently found this wonderful forum via the TD web ring and have really enjoyed reading and seeing all of the info and projects. I've recently changed jobs (involuntarily) and I am now doing mobile bathtub and countertop refinishing. I currently work out of the back of my pickup with my tools stored in several plastic toolboxes. As things (and cash flow) improve, I'd like to get an enclosed cargo trailer to work out of.
Which brings me to how this relates to T&TTT.
I can't justify building a dedicated TD (storeage, registration, maintenance...) in addition to this fantasy work trailer - but I can justify making the work trailer do double duty. Use it primarily for work, then when I need a break, pull the tools and reconfigure it as a camper.
I see the inside walls inulated and paneled, then a french cleat hung at coutertop height and chest level around the perimeter of the (non door) walls. Cabinets would be designed to hang from the cleat and could be removed for either function. This method would also allow a transverse childrens bunk to be moved from the counter top level up to the higher mount during the day for a shelf or moved from the back of the trailer to a more central location for use as a table.
How big a cargo trailer should I get? I'm thinking 5x8 or 5x10. I know lots of you are building 4x8x4 foot trailers. I have a 5 year old and a bun in the oven, so I think I'll need more room for sleeping. And for working out of, I will want to be able to stand in it so that means 6 foot interior height. However, I will be driving this around the city and parking it 2-5 times a day, so I do want to keep it 'small'.
The biggest obstacle that I see are the doors. Most all the cargo trailers I have looked at have closure mechanisms similar to semi trucks. A pivoting verticle rod with a hook at either end and a handle in the middle. To close you swing the handle around which hooks the top and bottom of the door and pulls it tight. But it only works from the outside.
Great if I want to lock my daughter in and get some peace and quiet,
but not exactly ideal. Since this is the only way to lock the door, there is no securing it from the inside, which makes sleeping inside rather more drafty and less secure than I would like.
Anyone got any brilliant ideas?
Which brings me to how this relates to T&TTT.
I can't justify building a dedicated TD (storeage, registration, maintenance...) in addition to this fantasy work trailer - but I can justify making the work trailer do double duty. Use it primarily for work, then when I need a break, pull the tools and reconfigure it as a camper.
I see the inside walls inulated and paneled, then a french cleat hung at coutertop height and chest level around the perimeter of the (non door) walls. Cabinets would be designed to hang from the cleat and could be removed for either function. This method would also allow a transverse childrens bunk to be moved from the counter top level up to the higher mount during the day for a shelf or moved from the back of the trailer to a more central location for use as a table.
How big a cargo trailer should I get? I'm thinking 5x8 or 5x10. I know lots of you are building 4x8x4 foot trailers. I have a 5 year old and a bun in the oven, so I think I'll need more room for sleeping. And for working out of, I will want to be able to stand in it so that means 6 foot interior height. However, I will be driving this around the city and parking it 2-5 times a day, so I do want to keep it 'small'.
The biggest obstacle that I see are the doors. Most all the cargo trailers I have looked at have closure mechanisms similar to semi trucks. A pivoting verticle rod with a hook at either end and a handle in the middle. To close you swing the handle around which hooks the top and bottom of the door and pulls it tight. But it only works from the outside.


Anyone got any brilliant ideas?