Hello Everyone, Atlanta, GA area noob...

[HSandy]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading on the forum for the last few weeks and getting a lot of useful information and decided to take the plunge last week and order a 5x8 Haulmark Transport cargo trailer for conversion to a hybrid cargo/camper.

I am an avid cyclist and do a number of bicycle ride events, usually weekends but at least one week long ride every year and have gotten a little weary of tent camping. My priorities are to keep the trailer as lightweight and simple as possible, have a comfortable sleeping area and have good climate control.

While I am waiting on the trailer, I am pondering the alternatives for wall and ceiling coverings, storage, electrical, windows, etc. I ordered the trailer with 24" side door w/flush lock, double rear doors, stabilizer jacks and roof vent. At this point I am thinking of a PetCool A/C that would be carried when I need it and set up outside the trailer with venting up through the floor.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Herb in Atlanta

[Mary K]

Hiya!! Congrats on your trailer purchase. You are on your way to lots of happy camping memories!

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Herb, welcome to the forum. It looks like your 'lite and simple' has already been blown with the purchase of a pre-built cargo trailer. Well maybe the 'simple' is OK, but I really don't know if it would be as light as you would like it. How much does an empty 5 x 9 Haulmark trailer weigh before you add anything to the inside? I have always been interested in converting a cargo trailer to be used as a camping unit, since I can see all kinds of potential for storage areas, sleeping accomidations and galley possibilities. It looks like you are on the right track as far as hauling your bikes and being able to sleep in it as well. Do keep us informed as to what it weighs, what you plan to do with the interior and take some pics and post em. Good luck on your traveling plans and revision ideas.
Roly

[Mark McD]

One suggestion would be to dual purpose an area for cooking and bike repairs, kind of like a toy hauler. I'd suggest 3/8" a/c ply as a wall covering so you it will hold screws since attaching things like shelves,etc., may not always fall on a "stud".Toggle bolts will hold in 3/8 ply. Perhaps a fold down bunk, or bunks, would help gain space for bikes and equipment. Try a few floorplans out on sketchup or cut out a full size template of your footprint and then scaled templates of your bunks, equipment,etc, and arrange and re-arrange them to suit your needs.

Good Luck and most of all Have Fun!

[HSandy]

Hi Herb, welcome to the forum. It looks like your 'lite and simple' has already been blown with the purchase of a pre-built cargo trailer. Well maybe the 'simple' is OK, but I really don't know if it would be as light as you would like it. How much does an empty 5 x 9 Haulmark trailer weigh before you add anything to the inside? I have always been interested in converting a cargo trailer to be used as a camping unit, since I can see all kinds of potential for storage areas, sleeping accomidations and galley possibilities. It looks like you are on the right track as far as hauling your bikes and being able to sleep in it as well. Do keep us informed as to what it weighs, what you plan to do with the interior and take some pics and post em. Good luck on your traveling plans and revision ideas.
Roly

Hi Roly,

Curb weight for a 5x8 Haulmark is listed at 820 lbs. I know that weight starts adding up fast once you start bulding anything in but I'd really like to keep the total weight down to 1350 lbs. or so since I will usually be towing with kind of a small car (Pontiac Vibe) although we also have a SUV/crossover but I'd have to borrow it from my wife....

Herb