6x14 Cargo Conversion Build Log - Rolling Thunder

[MrBo]

Hi All,

Thought I would start my build thread to share some of what I have in mind that might help others as well with a list of my resources. 6x14 with 72 inch extended tongue and electric brakes. Name, Rolling Thunder or Roaring Thunder. ON a budget, we'll see what works and what doesn't .

I was sooo excited to build a teardrop wanted a cool woody but was afraid it would not turn out as well as I like. Plus for my needs it was just a little too small. Was close to buying a harbor freight trailer when they recalled the tires. So happy I did not and know this is the direction to go for our needs.. Trying to find something light, secure and will last, ended up deciding on a Cargo Trailer Conversion. I like the fact that they are built with 15 inch tires and can be pulled at fast speeds. I keep it just under 65 very comfortable pull.

6x14 was as large as I could pull with a six 2.7, 2700-3300lbs pull cap on our 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe TV . The weight comes in at 1600 lbs and has brakes. Love the brakes. Pulls great. Plan to try and keep the added weight to 550lbs. The BIG test will be going up and down the canyons here in CO.

Ordered and picked up the Trailer in Pearson GA. South Georgia Cargo is the factory. Sold by Plain Ol Trailers, Their site is makemytrailer.com . The prices are good and it was easy to plan out. I dealt with Barny and he gave his personal number and was great to work with. The trailer was made to order quickly so off I went from Colorado to Georgia and Back again. ( BTW I get no benefits on any of the links or resources just sharing.) Cost $3392 out the door not including tax and registration in Colorado.

“Google Maps NO highways or Tolls I LOVE YOU!” Took direct route on the way there and it was crazy going through KC, St Louis and Atlanta and this was on the weekend. Longer drive on the way back but I did not hit any traffic or major cities. THANK YOU GOOGLE!
Great road trip, trailer pulled fantastic. Trailer is solid and when you buy from any GA builder you really have to look them over well. I found some missing screws that they fixed right away.

It was not until I got to LA… lower Alabama that I realized they did not put the paid for window in the door. And that’s another story. Anywho, Barney got back to me right away and is sending a window and said they would pay for install. So they are doing the right thing. So I will still recommend them. ( have not received the window yet)

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Here is a video below
https://youtu.be/_6nYynND06k



A very BIG THANK YOU to Iconfabul8 for helping me with the sketch for window placement.

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So now the fun begins. Need to tax title and register this week. Not looking forward to the cost there.

Next, to keep weight down I am going to sand, stain and poly the plywood on the walls and floor.

After staining with Golden Oak.

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Light Cabinets will be covering most of the walls so I may only skin in exposed places with barnwood paneling or leave as is.. Thinking about making cabinets with this as well hoping it is thick enough if not then the birch for cabinets and the paneling for accent. I guess I am going to have to take some cabinet making classes.

Hoping these will work below. Cool looking NEW products.

Home depot Authentic Pallet 32 sq. ft. MDF Paneling 20lbs a sheet 4x8. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Authentic-P ... /302944322 $18.95

Lowes - 48-in x 8-ft Smooth Weathered Barnboard MDF Wall Panel - 20lbs https://www.lowes.com/pd/48-in-x-8-ft-S ... 1000065005 $16.95

Lowes Revolution Ply 5mm Poplar Plywood, Application as 4 x 8 - $14.95 - https://www.lowes.com/pd/RevolutionPly- ... 8/50121135

Check out these cool cabinets made from foam another option.







The walls are insulated so next will be wiring everything 120 AC and 12V from the ceiling, insulating and skinning. Either white or birch on ceiling with built in led lights.

Electrical 30am box next to v nose driver side. DC and controller in v nose as well.


AC list

Panel Murray LC002GSU Load Center, 2 Space, 4 Circuit, 60A Main Lug, Indoor, Surface mount $13.97 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B ... 0DER&psc=1

Murray MP1515 Two 15-Amp Single Pole 120-Volt Circuit Breaker - $9.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B ... Y6KH&psc=1

Murray MP2020 Two 20-Amp Single Pole 120-Volt Circuit Breaker - $11.54 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B ... 0DER&psc=1

GFCI Wall Outlet -SECKATECH 15 Amp 125 Volt Tamper-Resistant Receptacle with Indicator Light,2 Nylon Wallplates, Screws,White. $11.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ ... N6HL&psc=1
12 gauge wire and 10 gauge wire from Lowes or Home Depot.

RV Electrical Locking Adapter 15A Male to 30A Female Locking Plug Connector $19.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8 ... 8EF1&psc=1

GoWISE Power RVP5001 RV Power Inlet - 30A w/ Twist Lock $10.00 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K0 ... 4FRY&psc=1

DC list and Solar

Blue Sea Systems ST Blade ATO/ATC Fuse Blocks $40.35 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P ... 0DER&psc=1

30AMP Solar Panel Charge Controller PWM Battery Smart Regulator with USB Backlight Display 12v/24v (30A) $32.00 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0737 ... S76R&psc=1


Switches - Yueton 12pcs Car Truck Rocker Round Toggle LED Switch On-Off Control, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red $6.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011U ... SCVJ&psc=1

Lights for the ceiling - 12v-LEDlight Marine White Recessed LED Ceiling Lights - Easy to Install (screw free) Cabinet Counter Lamp Campervan Trailer 5th Wheel RV Truck Car Bus, 3w, Bright Natural White, Pack of 6 with Bonus $36.99 https://www.amazon.com/12v-LEDlight-Mar ... op?ie=UTF8

RV WALL MOUNT 12V-VPA SOCKET/5V4A OUPUT DUAL USB PORT CHARGING STATION, WHITE $17.95 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVVQHKW/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

White Wall Mount 4 USB Charging Ports 12-16V DC Fits standard wall plates $17.95 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOIIQAO/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

Reading lights for bed - RV Reading Light LED Directional Spot Light for Boats RVs Interior Lighting Touch On/Off/Dim Switch Brushed Nickel 12 Volt Hard-wired $19.95 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DGQNDR/_e ... 1N98&psc=0


For lighting around top inside border or walls for low key lighting. 5m Meter 16 ft Feet RGB 5050 SMD LED 300 LEDs Waterproof Flexible Light Strip w/ IR Remote 24 Key - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IA5M4G0/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

100 Watts 100W Solar Panel 12V - 18V Poly Off Grid Battery Charger for RV $100.00 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HH ... FX8U&psc=1

2 batteries in parallel - ML35-12 - 12V 35AH DC DEEP CYCLE SLA SOLAR ENERGY STORAGE BATTERY - Mighty Max Battery brand product Amazon $63.98 & FREE Shipping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K8E4LR6/re ... B008D5YG3G

Walmart same battery free shipping $66.95 https://www.walmart.com/ip/ML35-12-12V- ... /126655222

Zamp Solar RVROOFSIDE Sidewall Port - $12.73 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3 ... 0DER&psc=1

Lumitronics LED RV Exterior Porch Light with On/Off Switch and Removable Lenses. Perfect Outside Replacement 12V Lighting for RVs, Motorhomes, Campers, 5th Wheels, Trailers.! $11.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PDSLH0/re ... rd_w=tq70n

Plan to insulate floor from underneath.

Flooring

One piece vinyl flooring inside to keep things light . TrafficMASTER Redwood Acacia 12 ft. Wide x Your Choice Length Residential Vinyl Sheet Covers 12.0 sq. ft. $10.24 /linear foot - https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMAST ... /300866841 Throw rugs on top of that. Need to know if I should glue or just float?

FAN

Fan-Tastic Vent Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - Manual Lift - 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" - $128.00 https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-and-F ... 01200.html

Fan-Tastic Vent U1500BL Ultra Breeze Vent Cover - Black $50.82 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007H ... UTF8&psc=1

Kitchen in the front V nose. Most of the time I am out late photographing the sunsets and such so the need to cook late inside bug free is always nice.

Was thinking a light metal backsplash like copper or even a flooring product. Like this vinyl tiles. https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMAST ... /206443738

Another idea Union Corrugating 2.16-ft x 8-ft Corrugated Steel Roof Panel - Lowes https://www.lowes.com/pd/Union-Corrugat ... el/3317582

Stove

Would you do two or three burner?

Suburban Drop-In Cooktop 2 Burner Black - https://www.adventurerv.net/suburban-dr ... -2862.html or
Not sure which on to go with. 2 or 3 burner. Last thing to order.

Suburban Drop-In 3-Burner Black Cooktop Stove https://www.adventurerv.net/suburban-dr ... -2865.html

Refrigerator Hisense 3.3 Cf Compact Refrigerator 46 lbs - $99.00 This will be used as an Ice Chest refrigerator with two gallon frozen jugs ( last about three days) boon docking and plugged in at campgrounds. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hisense-3-3- ... /811182219

Microwave -Mainstays 700W Output Microwave Oven 23 lbs - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-70 ... tual_color

Sink - HOUZER Hospitality Lustrous Satin Stainless Steel Drop-in Residential Bar Sink $47.80 5lbs 15x15” 6”D https://www.lowes.com/pd/HOUZER-Hospita ... nk/3663820

Leaning towards this cool sofa / bed . 60lbs (between kitchen and bed drivers side) Not using the legs and building a storage box for it to sit on. $174.00 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXDH29Y/_e ... 1N98&psc=0
To balance the weight thinking about placing batteries opposite passenger side with built in unit and folding up table under 30x30” window about 60lbs with cabnet

Bed in the back across side to side, storage underneath. About 12” from back galley. (only works for short people and we are  ) I use this same bed in the back of my SUV and it is very comfortable. Cr Sleep 4-inch Folding Memory Foam Mattress Full Size, Ventilated Mesh Cover, 54 x 74 inches $104.79 . Used this when I picked up the trailer and worked ut great. - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0713 ... UTF8&psc=1

Window Coverings - pull down blinds. Levolor Cream Room Darkening Cordless Vinyl Roller Shade (Common: 37-in; Actual: 36.5-in x 78-in) https://www.lowes.com/en_us/mylowes/pur ... =345200411 these can be cut to exact size at the Lowes store. $10.97 – $21.97 Price is right. Do not have the skills to make custom drapes so this is a great option.

Back Grill Galley with cooler, storage and small doorway in the back with awning. (hoping this will balance the front weight a little too)

Back Awnings

Timber Ridge Car Canopy Family Trailer Outdoor Tent for Beach Camping SUV 3-4 persons Sunshade $85.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X3V19P4/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

KingCamp COMPASS Awning Sun Shelter Auto Canopy Camper Trailer Tent Roof Top for Beach, SUV, MPV, Hatchback, Minivan, Sedan, Camping, Outdoor, Anti-uv Tents, Waterproof, Portable. $97.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q4CQLY2/_e ... 1N98&psc=1

Outsunny Car Awning - Portable Folding Retractable Rooftop Sun Shade Shelter (Small) $99.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Q ... DQCJ73A2H4


Front Canopy - On our Pop Up we had a great cabana we loved so that was hard to find at a good price so this is what I came up with.

Canopy and room. For Door side of camper. 10x10 heavy duty canopy Hoping the height will work with the camper door. $129.00 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LAPSV04/_e ... 1N98&psc=1

Two Door Canopy Room - $99.00 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00818JBUS/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

Flame King (KT20MNT) Dual RV Propane Cylinder Rack for front mount. $27.73 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZ ... 0DER&psc=1

Last will be Added outside Exterior Graphics image gallery on the white siding and you know there will be some lightning bolts!!! That's the plan man...

[cantsitstill]

Looks like a good start. I need to head to bed- but I’ll read completely tomorrow


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[Iconfabul8]

Nice! Aside from the door window I think they gave you just what you designed. It's fun to watch things come off the drawing board and into reality.
Congratulations on a speedy trailer acquisition. Looking forward to your build.

[MrBo]

Nice! Aside from the door window I think they gave you just what you designed. It's fun to watch things come off the drawing board and into reality.
Congratulations on a speedy trailer acquisition. Looking forward to your build.

Thanks for all your help!


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[MrBo]

Put a coat of polyurethane on the stained plywood walls and floor. Should put one more coat on the walls.

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To keep things light, the floor will have a 12 foot one piece vinyl sheet cut to fit side to side. Will be two feet shy of the back. That will have a wall unit for back grill gallery so I will put something different on there. (Or can take part out under the bed.) Not sure whether to glue down or float as I will be putting bed and couch on top of it.

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Today the cover for the fantastic fan came but the last missing part is the lap sealant to be delivered tomorrow. I decided to go with the rain cover now so I will not have to mess the lap sealant to put one on later.

Not looking forward to taking the existing vent out to put this new fan in. Need a good warm day to do it in the middle of winter and the time on that day.

Going to be 60 tomorrow. I hear a hair dryer works too. Another said a putty knife heated up with a torch works well to scrape off like butter. Will be happy when this part is done. Then I can wire this thing up and start with cabinets.

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Got this bright idea it would be really cool to put a small wall fireplace/ heater on the AC side for when plugged in and came up with this cheap mini bookcase heater fireplace I think I can fit between and below the two windows mounted to a shelf or something. 4100 btu. Good reviews. We’ll see how long it last but for 25.00 bucks how can you go wrong.

Wallmart- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Comfort-Glow ... n/39784299
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MS7V33Q/_e ... 1N98&psc=0

[Charly]

Looking forward to see this progress.

[MrBo]

Looking forward to see this progress.

Thanks Charlie.

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[sodatrain]

Nice job! Thanks for all the links! Some great ideas in there. Looking forward to seeing your progress.


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[zuren]

Subscribed!

Just curious - there were no trailer builders between CO and GA that could meet your requirements?

[MrBo]

Subscribed!

Just curious - there were no trailer builders between CO and GA that could meet your requirements?

Hi, The closes was Texas the Lark Cargo Trailers and some bulders in OR, but not with the options and price I could afford.

[MrBo]

Nice job! Thanks for all the links! Some great ideas in there. Looking forward to seeing your progress.


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Thank you! Was going to try and tackle the fantastic fan today but the lap seal got delayed on delivery.

[MrBo]

Nice day... had to get something done. In the meantime I decided to put up the window shades. Easy cheap solution. The small ones are like $10, large $20.00 levolor pull down blinds at lowes. They cut them to size. That was one of the problems I was having finding the correct widths. Mounted nice. Simple and easy. Thinking about covering the blind roll and hardware with a cover up shelf / box. The lap seal finally came today, so now next stretch of warm days I will try and get the fantastic fan mounted and start wiring this up.

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[MrBo]

We had a nice 70 temp day so I got to work on the fantastic fan vent. Glad to have this over with. Still need to attach the hood.... once the snow melts from the next day. Also have to cut the inside face plate and wire it up. I did not get one with a thermostat but am going to try an hook up a wall mount Honeywell on it and see if that will work. It should.

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Waiting for nice day to take the trailer to Lowes and Home depot to pick up the rest of needed lumber and supplies to start working on the inside. I have a pop up that I am going to sell in the late spring but need to fix a cable first. The pain is that it sits in front of the trailer, sooooo I have to hook up the pop up , move it to the garage to get the trailer out of the parking spot. Pick up supplies, put supplies in garage, put trailer back, then hook pop up back up and put back in front of the trailer.


One day at a time. Here is a video on the fantastic fan vent. Not the best job as the temps started to fall as I was finishing up. Just hoping the lap seal had enough time to set right before the snow fell the next day. I guess we will find out once the rain start falling in a month or two. I tried heating up a scraper with a torch to get the existing vent lap sealers scraped off. Did not work as well as I thought it would. But it was really windy and the torch ran out of gas.

What worked well for me was a razor blade scraper. Ran out of blades after starting so I ran to the closest store across the street and found one at the Dollar store to my surprise. A scraper and pack of blades for $1.00. Worked well. Anyway hope this helps someone that might need to do some scraping.


Video Update
https://youtu.be/3KsPx_-uboc

[McDave]

Hey "Jangles",
After you put in the "window treatments" and some furniture, the last pic in previous post looked like she was about ready to use. ... ...

I have never been the type to pay much attention to "the rules" but I am not able to see this alleged video you speak of. You may want to look into that.

McDave

[MrBo]

Hey "Jangles",
After you put in the "window treatments" and some furniture, the last pic in previous post looked like she was about ready to use. ... ...

I have never been the type to pay much attention to "the rules" but I am not able to see this alleged video you speak of. You may want to look into that.

McDave

Thanks, long way to go. The video shows on my side. Youtube, that's weird.