New Builder- Adventure Base Cargo Trailer Build

[maryaustinmorgan]

First of all, thank you to all the users on this awesome site. I have read so many of your threads and gotten so much information.

I am looking to convert a cargo trailer into a mini camper for adventure travel around the US and Canada. My dad and I are doing this as a project this summer (3-4 weeks from now) when I get out of school. My dad is a great wood worker and has a shop at our house so we have all the tools we will probably need. We also have access to a welding shop if that’s needed. We are going to try to do the entire build in less than a week...

I want this thing to be the epi center for all my adventures. I am a big time outdoor sport enthusiast and this is going to be my getaway. Ill need space for extra gear (skis, boots, hiking stuff, bike stuff, inflatable kayak, all the stuffs). And I also want it to look good!

My vehicle is a 2013 Toyota 4Runner limited. The trailer doesn’t need to have off-road capabilities beyond forest/farm roads. I also want to prevent trailer sway.

What I want it to have:
Lots of windows
Room to sleep 2-4 (looking into possibly adding two fold up bunks)
Ability to put a roof top tent in the future
Cargo box on the tongue
Galley with camp stove
Rear hitch for bike rack
Lockable from the inside/some type of alarm (I am a female, so any safety feature ideas, let me know!)

I am not sure yet about:
AC unit or fan?
Mini fridge
How I want to power the thing- solar, or what other options are out there?

So, since you all are the experts, I just wanted to see if you had any input, feedback, things you did right, things you wouldn’t suggest… Ill take it! Thank you again for reading this. I look forward to getting to go through this build process together!

[EZDog]

I think the entire content of this Forum is the answer to your questions?

Read as much as you can and get as many ideas as you can.

Welcome too!

[McDave]

Welcome! Sounds like great fun working with Dad on this build. A one week build time may be a bit ambitious, but maybe not depending on skill level and planning. Draw up your plans and start ordering items a.s.a.p.
Solar is definitely a great way to go, if you can afford it. Make a list of what electric items you want (lights, pumps, fans etc.) and how much power they use, then go on one of solar sites and there will be a form to fill out that can tell you how much solar and battery storage you will need. It can get pricey, but you can start small and expand later.
As far as security, I would say start with a BIG DOG. Then get some motion activated lights, air horns and whistles, possibly side arms and pepper spray. Deadbolts and door alarms, peepholes etc. BE SURE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FIRST AID KIT! Tools, jacks and spare tires. Cell phones and a AAA membership.
These are only the basics, but keep reading this forum and you can find all your answers.
Good Luck and have fun!
McDave

[NO David!]

Welcome!

Here's where I usually read your post, and start dropping in build links that I think are related to your goals. I always had a hard time searching the forum, because of the wealth of information. So here you go:

Wood shop? This one should get dad's interest:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=35325
and:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=45197

Folding bunks: (ours are in this thread too...)
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=49766

Gadgetman!...well, it does have a mini-fridge!
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=45992

For ideas: an Airstream Basecamp. Not made anymore, way too pricey, but I stared (and stared) at these pictures for design ideas.
http://www.colonialairstream.com/preowned-rvs/9722/index.html

Bike rack/rear hitch: (also check out BC_Explorer build)
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=48619&p=909146

Windows, I like higher up and offset for airflow. Higher up creates privacy and more usable wall space. Also consider having the factory install them ahead of time. Look at builds by me: (No David!) and (Gonefishin) re: windows

Solar made simple here, and just chock full of great ideas:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=47175

Galley, seems most of us end up cooking outside anyway: (source: advrider.com)


Careful of the weight of the built trailer vs. your 4Runner tow capacity.

Last but not least, If you didn't already see this one-I'm really intrigued with this new Cargo Craft (Texas) built 5x10. Seems like a great starting point for a small trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8fnFCYfkEE


Y'all have fun!

[mikesova]

That cargo craft looks sweet. The ladder would be helpful on mine for loading kayaks.

[2Tornadoes]

NO David!, that is a great search list. I always have a hard time sorting through all the advice around this forum too.

[NO David!]

Thanks 2Tornadoes!

Here's another one I was looking for, but his pictures are gone from the thread. I found his other build story over on Expeditionportal.com (Elmo_4_vt, here)
His slide-out galley is pretty radical:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/70564-Elmo-s-New-Toy-Hauler-Build/page3

The for sale post here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/151731-Base-Camp-Small-Off-Road-Toy-Hauler-Slide-out-Kitchen

[maryaustinmorgan]

Thank you for all of your input. I have decided to go a different route. We found a mini-trailer company in Columbia, TN that has a base model for us to start with. We are going to do a lot of customization and upgrades on it. Ill post about it in another feed. Thanks for all the info on the safety stuff... definitely using that info.