New Guy, new trailer

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Thu Oct 29, 2015 1:22 pm

Well the first big step is complete...

I purchased an EZ-Hauler trailer last weekend. 7x12 all aluminum body. Single axle. Screw-less exterior. Small v-front (18")and sloped front edge. Barn doors, side door and three extra inches of height, just enough to insulate and not bump my head (6'0" tall).

I'm planning on a fairly simple build consisting of:

A galley of sorts and storage inside the barn doors, consisting of a fridge and fold up/down table with cabinet space for all the other cooking equipment. All cooking will be outside.

Two side couches that will lay-down into a larger bed. I have a nice design I'm "borrowing"... With some modifications (taller back cushions)... http://empowersites.com/edsvan/projects ... ouch-tops/

And some room up front for cabinets and a "bucket" style toilet.

AC power (shore power) for the fridge and A/C and a DC system for lights, fans and phone chargers and the like.

A few windows.

Possible future upgrades: batteries, solar, water systems - cause we all need to keep modifying things don't we?

Image

Image

I look forward to all the comments and suggestions ya'll will have!

Kevin
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby walkrdg » Thu Oct 29, 2015 3:34 pm

That's a very nice looking trailer! You should have a great time with that.

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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Padilen » Thu Oct 29, 2015 8:40 pm

That's a nice tow vehicle! Trailers nice too
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Fri Oct 30, 2015 6:15 am

Padilen wrote:That's a nice tow vehicle! Trailers nice too


Thanks,

Ram Promaster van, a Fiat product introduced here in 2014. Front wheel drive, V6, 280 hp. I bought the low roof, short wheelbase model (118") and use it as my daily driver. 5000 lb. towing capacity. I don't think I'd want to tow that much though... My trailer is 1200 lbs. empty. I figure it will be about 2000 before loading the fridge and putting in water jugs. It should tow very well for me.

My build on the van is here:

http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/sho ... hp?t=35362
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Padilen » Fri Oct 30, 2015 7:48 am

I thought it might be a custom. Those with Sprinters have done a lot of customs too.
I think a lot of people are trying to tow to much with to little. Your weights are good with wiggle room. I had a Jeep Liberty when my CT was bought. I was very concerned about weight. So mine is all aluminum too. But I traded it in on a Ram 1500. Not because of towing but my issues. I joined a Ram site and people "be crazy" over loading and towing.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Fri Oct 30, 2015 8:13 am

Padilen wrote:I thought it might be a custom. Those with Sprinters have done a lot of customs too.


The Promasters are pretty popular with folks building camper vans. There are pluses and minus's to both but the Promasters are quite a bit less expensive to buy. I had wanted a Sprinter for years but wouldn't/couldn't spend the money they wanted for them. When the Promaster came out I decided it was time to get a van after wanting one for years. The front wheel drive really sold me on it. I didnt want a rear wheel drive as I drive a lot in winter. This does really well on snowy roads. It's also getting 19 mpg (highway) not too bad for a big box...

A diesel version would be nicer for towing but I didn't really want to spend the extra for it, or the additional maintenance costs a diesel has. Plus I just don't drive or tow often enough to really need it.
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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New Guy, new trailer

Postby Padilen » Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:48 am

Vans are really useful even "mini" vans. I'm a pickup person. But tried to be a Jeeper. I did like mine and would still have it but for physical issues. I had 2 pieces of crap mini vans as daily drivers when gas got to high, parked my pickup. They were $1 and free. The things I did with them or should I say to them. Both got to the point that I was spending more with fixes than I was saving on gas. My pickup was 15 years old and it was time to get "new-er". I'd always wanted a Jeep - so I got one. The only thing it lacked was huge towing capacity- and speed. But I shouldn't need those. My CT was within its towing capacity and I'd planned on enjoying no payments after October. But ... Jeeps (Liberty KK) have small drivers foot wells and I have back pain leg and nerve issues. Needed an electric adjustable seat and large foot wells! So back to a pickup and payments.
Last edited by Padilen on Sun Nov 01, 2015 1:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Doublacola » Sun Nov 01, 2015 11:48 am

I'm planning on a fairly simple build consisting of: :lol:

Good luck with that.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Sun Nov 01, 2015 3:30 pm

Doublacola wrote:I'm planning on a fairly simple build consisting of: :lol:

Good luck with that.



Ahh, ye-of-little-faith.... :roll:

Might be my first go-round with a cargo conversion, but I've done vans and a pop-up rebuild before.

I make my list, check it twice, then don't go past that... :roll:

It may cost more than planned (expected) :frightened: and take longer (definitely expected) :eyebrows2: but I don't add to the list as I go.
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Padilen » Sun Nov 01, 2015 3:32 pm

Really where's the fun in that.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Wed Nov 04, 2015 7:57 pm

I hadn't planned on starting a build until Spring arrived but we've been having such warm weather this week I figured I'd get started on some work.

Something to do in between raking leaves... :thumbdown:

Installing the first layer of ceiling insulation. Using 1 1/2" XPS between the ceiling beams.

The second layer will be 1" poly-iso. That's all I'll be able to fit and still have head room.

Image

Image
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Jeepcamper » Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:40 am

Looks good so far
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Jeepcamper » Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:41 am

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1446734460.151585.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1446734460.151585.jpg (197.07 KiB) Viewed 1606 times
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby Jeepcamper » Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:42 am

That is a pic of the cargo my brother is currently doing,custom interior roof
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Re: New Guy, new trailer

Postby makevx73 » Thu Nov 05, 2015 1:31 pm

Jeepcamper wrote:That is a pic of the cargo my brother is currently doing,custom interior roof


Post & Beam look?
EZ-Hauler 7x12, single axle, V front, sloped roof, all-aluminum, barn doors.
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