16x7 Cargo Trailer Conversion

[Board917]

Hello, I am converting a 16x7 cargo trailer. This is my first cargo conversion but a few years back i did a 4x8 teardrop build from scratch. Figured I would document my build here. My plans include a sink, fridge, A/C, thetford porta-potti, outdoor propane hot water shower, microwave, queen bed, garage area and 7 interior outlets(2 on a 20amp line).

So far I have my walls insulated, electrical done and tongue and groove siding on the left and right interior walls. The counter top is built awaiting a coat of epoxy, 2 windows are installed, the main cabinet/ storage unit and A/C box is complete.

I plan to ave a 21” deep “garage” from the ramp door to fit cables, generator, etc. as well as my paramotor. The bed will sit atop a 6 drawer dresser/ storage drawer unit with a cabinet on the right side with access underneath a desk.

My A/C setup is going to be a window unit which will be completely internal and draw in and exhaust through the floor.

[featherliteCT1]

Looking good! I especially look forward to your AC install.

[Board917]

Looking good! I especially look forward to your AC install.

I will do a detailed review about that part.

[noseoil]

Looks like a good build, interested in seeing it finished & rolling. Just keep plugging along, & interested in total weight once it's all there.

[Board917]

I got the counter top coated with epoxy. Its painted white then coated with 48oz of clear epoxy with 18g of white pearl pigment mixed in. Epoxy counters are a great light weight option and it allows you to seal the edges of the plywood to prevent spills from seeping in. You can also do this on straight MDF but i think sande ply is a better option.

[featherliteCT1]

That counter top looks beautiful as is! Looking forward to seeing it installed.

[Board917]

I have the AC system pretty much tied up. The lid will get some foam tape to create a good seal on everything. Went with 2 intakes for the coil cooling and 1 for the exhaust. There is a 4th, small round vent that acts as additional intake but mostly for the condensation over flow to drain from. I added screen to all the vents to keep critters out.

I got some shelves shaped out under the v-nose counter top as well.

[featherliteCT1]

That is some mighty impressive work you have done. I particularly look forward to hot weather so you can test out your air conditioner.

[BigDave_185]

I guess pulling cool air from under the trailer would facilitate less work on the AC unit, I end up in dusty environments and wonder what type of air filtration would allow me to not fill that type of system with debris or dust.

Can’t wait to see more


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Board917]

I guess pulling cool air from under the trailer would facilitate less work on the AC unit, I end up in dusty environments and wonder what type of air filtration would allow me to not fill that type of system with debris or dust.

Can’t wait to see more


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am in Fl so not much dust here. Even if there was it would all be contained to that box. The AC has a filter on the face for the cold air return. I went with floor vents to keep it more stealth and have less water intrusion to worry about

[Board917]

I’ve got the cabinets almost built out. One more door to make then paint. I ended up doing a slider door on one of the inside corner cabinets because the 90°door i had planned was just not working out. These cabinets are built in place to minimize materials and weight but they have been a massive PIA so If i could do it over id take the weight penalty and build them out then install them.

Still have to determine a latch system for the potty dolly as well and finish several coats of poly for cleaning.

[BigDave_185]

Your gonna poop on wheels? That could get roudy!!
Looks good !

I’m trying to figure how I’m going to add weight to the front of my trailer. Iv built everything in the rear.

Granite countertops
Fresh water storage ( but that only works on one direction travel) otherwise where do I counter balance a damn rzr off the back of the trailer if the front is all kitchen and bathroom


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Board917]

I took a break from this build as its been quite a lot of work. I started back at it today framing out the RV queen bed and the 6 drawer dresser underneath. 3 drawers installed so far. There will be 3 more down the middle and the a cabinet door on the right side to slide a big plastic bin in. I’ve change my design a bit by including the back half under the bed in the garage area. So there will be an insulated wall at the back of the drawers which are 26.5” deep and the another insulated wall from the base of the mattress to the ceiling. It just makes more sense this way as far as storage. I was going to make that an interior storage area accessible from under the mattress but its too much storage area to dedicate to such difficult access. Coolers etc. can now be stowed outside the living space as well as my generator. Plus its a bit less for the AC unit to have cool.[album][/album]

[Board917]

Finally got the bed framed out and all the dresser drawers installed. I also go my bulk heads/ walls up that separate the living area from the rear storage area. The top bulk head will get a sheet of slat wall on the back to aid storage and organization in the cargo area. I also bought some cheap seatbelts to use to hang my heavy 50amp shore power cable.