A 12 ft. FEATHERLITE conversion

[Prem]

More on aluminum Bowlus:



MUCH MORE HERE: http://www.openthinkinc.com/bowlus/index.html

[Prem]

Aluminum everything. The only way to travel!


Would someone please give me $1 billion.

[Prem]

Flat-front toy hauler with a front door.

[Prem]

It's the original toy hauler.

[Prem]

Well, I guess it's a start.

[Miriam C.]

Put the important stuff first!

[Dant]

A couple of people have asked why I didn't put plumbing in my cargo conversion.

I've built full plumbing into two prior builds, both of which I used for 5 or 6 years and traveled as far as the tip of Baja. Dealing with black water and gray water is a pain and then there's the smell, the volume limitation, the weight...and (yuk) the foul dump station procedures and the occasional leak.

I now highly prefer the Zen-like atmosphere of a plumbing-less RV.

Confession: There's a peat moss, double plastic bag porta-potty in the trailer's closet if it were ever needed. I'd rather walk to the restroom, outhouse, pit toilet or into the woods.

Hand washing? Five gallon container with a spigot goes on the picnic table.

After adapting to a bare bones teardrop (before the cargo conversion) I like the simplicity of no on-board plumbing.

Prem

I was going to force myself to wade thru all posts on this first, but couldn't wait. Since I read about Randy Vining's Stealth Cargo RV http://cheaprvliving.com/StealthCargoTrailer.html , I have been planning to do a similar conversion.

Like you, I've decided against any interior plumbing, at least at first, and for the same reasons. I'm thinking of a 7 x 10 + 3 V-nose Continental Cargo (Forest River), or a 6 x 12 +2. My quote on a similar Featherlite was over $8000. For $4k I can get a couple windows factory installed at the Forest River facility near Salem, Or. Plus the shipping to my place in SE Washington is less than $130

Anyway, I wanted everyone's thoughts and advice. I want to insulate, at least the roof at first. Then keep it very simple and light. I'll be pulling this with a Tacoma rated at only 3500 lbs. So one of the questions I have is about panelling after wall insulation. Want to keep the weight down, but it would be nice to have the homeyness of a light pine tongue and groove look.

One of the things that attracted me to the project is having the openness of the rear doors. I'm not aware of any RV anywhere near the price that allows that. Don't want to feel cooped up inside, except when sleeping.

I'm used to motorcycle camping so this will be luxury. Thinking of just using camp chairs and tables, stoves; stuff I already have on hand. Not sure about a bed yet. May go with my Yucatan hammock. Wondering about the structural integrity of walls when hanging a hammock inside a cargo trailer.

For an awning, my 19' Parawing has always been perfect. May attach one side to the trailer, using only one pole for the other end.

[Dant]

Liv'n Lite by CampLite

I've taken a very close look at these. Prob'ly what I'd buy if I didn't want a Stealth Trailer and the fun of doing it myself. May use window placement similar to theirs. Still working on that, plus I need ideas on how to maintain the 'stealth' look with windows. How to cover, hide, or camouflage windows on a cargo trailer? Ideas?

[Dant]

If one wants to keep the trailer light and simple (as in "not 2,000 pounds and not complex"), one has to think about it as a super tent that is hard-shelled. A super tent doesn't need running water, a 3-way refer, built-in electronics or a deluxe kitchen.

....(Camping is about escaping civilization and being entertained by mother nature...but a little CCR, Willie, Mexican or Brazilian music is my vice.)

Instead of HOW MANY FUNCTIONS / HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY CAN I FIT INTO THIS TRAILER TO MAKE IT LIKE HOME? you might ask, HOW LITTLE CAN I COMFORTABLY GET AWAY WITH TO ENHANCE THE CAMPING EXPERIENCE IN NATURE?

Side benefits to this approach include, far less money spent and far less time building.
....

That is exactly my own philosophy of camping. I've employed while cruising on a simple sailboat, as well as motorcycle camping. And it is the idea I have in mind while I plan my own cargo trailer conversion for boondocking in the SW and Baja.

[Dant]

Engineer Guy wrote:

The 'Lost Coast' of CA looks like an interesting place, too.

Nice little campground for shorter RVs on the beach beside the Mattole River just 5 miles west of the little town of Petrolia.
(See: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/wildlife/watchable/areas/mattole.html ---and--- http://tinyurl.com/mattole)

I have ridden a motorcycle on the 'Lost Coast' road from Ferndale to Honeydew and on thru the redwoods many times, always wanting to camp along the way. What is that road like pulling a trailer?

[Prem]

I need ideas on how to maintain the 'stealth' look with windows. How to cover, hide, or camouflage windows on a cargo trailer? Ideas?

Dant,

1) Put all the "windows" on the roof as skylights.
2) Put two small windows on the curb side of the trailer so that it ends up looking like a horse trailer (like my Featherlite).
3) Install aluminum shutters on the outside to cover the windows when you want to go stealth.
4) Or some other form of subterfuge, like lettering that says, "Jake's Lawn & Yard Service"

I have ridden a motorcycle on the 'Lost Coast' road from Ferndale to Honeydew and on thru the redwoods many times, always wanting to camp along the way. What is that road like pulling a trailer?

There is occasionally a 20-24ft. 5th wheel pulled into the campground along the back side. I wouldn't want to drive one of those down that road. The spaces on the beach side are short, but a 12-14 ft. trailer fits.

[Dant]

I need ideas on how to maintain the 'stealth' look with windows. How to cover, hide, or camouflage windows on a cargo trailer? Ideas?

Dant,

1) Put all the "windows" on the roof as skylights.
2) Put two small windows on the curb side of the trailer so that it ends up looking like a horse trailer (like my Featherlite).
3) Install aluminum shutters on the outside to cover the windows when you want to go stealth.
4) Or some other form of subterfuge, like lettering that says, "Jake's Lawn & Yard Service"

Thanks. Have to look into what kind of shutters are available. I've thought of having the factory save me the Al skin cutouts for the windows, and using them to build some kind of shutter or frame that can be attached to the outside when parked.

I also like the idea of combining the shutter idea with the sign subterfuge; a large sign on each side made of canvas that would cover the windows, but be easily removable. "Jake's Canvas & Awning Repair"

[Prem]

Sure. Please post pictures when you've done it.

[Guy]

Dear Dant,

Pulling a trailer on that road is no problem. Just keep the speed down.
I camped at that campground for two weeks almost 4 years ago. It was fun especially if the seals are there.

[Dant]

Dear Dant,

Pulling a trailer on that road is no problem. Just keep the speed down.
I camped at that campground for two weeks almost 4 years ago. It was fun especially if the seals are there.

Thanks. That is such a beautiful area.

I am still in the planning stages. Haven't even bought the CT yet. Am leaning toward a 7' x 11' + 3' V-nose if Continental Trailer makes one that size. That way it will just accomodate a big hammock

May ask if they can make it without the interior plywood, since I'll just have to remove it to insulate. Then put whatever is lightest over the insulation.

I plan to rig it for outdoor cooking and water. I'll use a backpacking stove for morning coffee if I don't want to go outside.

Anyway, since I'm starting from scratch with the idea of simple and light for just one or two people, any suggestions would be appreciated.