Don & Christi's 6 x 10 Cargo Conversion

[d30gaijin]

I think this whole Recycling idea came up early in this Thread cuz the couple of places near us are real treasure troves. I especially like the finish and patina on some of the old Cabinets, and the stylin' Retro Knobs. No OSB, and construction is usually solid.

At some lil City-owned Duplexes down the Road, they just yanked out a entire Kitchen Suite. I was salivating at some of the free, old Cabinets, but the timing was wrong to grab and store them now.

Even here at our City House, a Standard Cabinet was used for the Vanity in a 1/2 Bath. Filler pieces stained to match were used on either side; the obvious way to make do.

EG,

As I was looking around the Habitat for Humanity Reuse Store I realized what a fabulous resource it is going to be as my CT build progresses. They also had a dandy overhead cabinet complete with doors that I probably should have picked up, and maybe tomorrow I'll go back and do so. It was a two door overhead cabinet that looked small enough to use in the 6x10 CT overhead of the galley.

Don

[d30gaijin]

Hi Don,

It's been a little while since I read up on your build.

It's funny that the Habitat for Humanity store is mentioned. I was just in my local store and they had some nicer looking cabinets from what looked like a kitchen set. I stood looking at them thinking that I could have made my trailer look a lot cleaner if I had used pre-built doors.

I agree with your goal of a professional appearing build. Used cabinets look like a smart way to go.

Paul

Paul,

It's great to hear from you and thanks for checking my build thread. It's been too many months since I made any real progress but now I am back at it and hope to continue to make additional progress and get it closer to "done" although knowing me it will never really be done.

Don

[d30gaijin]

By the way, I am going to need a 90 degree cap for the galley top to the oak plywood front to finish it off. Something I can glue in place would be best. Any thoughts as to aluminum or plastic and a source? I know pretty much nothing with regards to finish cabinetry work so have no idea what's available.

Don

[GPW]

How about some of that Aluminum edge trim , as found on vintage kitchen tables ... Is that what you mean, something like that ?

[d30gaijin]

How about some of that Aluminum edge trim , as found on vintage kitchen tables ... Is that what you mean, something like that ?

GPW,

I was at Home Depot today looking for hinges for the cabinet doors and remembered that they sell some nice thin aluminum angle that should work for a front cap over the galley forward top surface where it meets cabinet oak wood to finish it off once I get that far. Hopefully I can simply glue it in place with some sink/tub caulking compound, which should hold it in place as well and prevent water from getting under the aluminum, such as from sink splash back or when wiping down the galley top for cleaning.

See 1st pic below to understand the edge mating I want to cap and see 2nd pic below to show an example of what I am referring re: the aluminum angle. The second pic was taken using a leftover piece of aluminum angle from the rear door area where I capped the floor area after laying the linoleum. To do the cap on the galley I need a larger size angle (the leftover piece shown in pic #2 is 1/2" angle so I figure I'll need at least 3/4" or possibly 1" angle to completely cover the gap between the galley top and the front oak wood face).

I hope that provides a better idea what I am trying to accomplish. Still, I wonder if there isn't some sort of right angle sticky on one side rubber type cap material available?

Don

[GPW]

That should work nicely !!!

[denmohr]

Hello folks, new to this forum.

Woke up last night and thought..........has anyone ever converted a cargo trailer to an RV? Whoa, been spending all night reading and found your site!

Getting ready to retire and am thinking about converting my tool trailer;
http://www.denmohr.com/den11.html

getting ideas.

Look forward to more visits with you folks! Den

[GPW]

Den , Welcome to the Forum !!! You should have No trouble converting to anything you want ...

[Wolfscout]

Den, you could probably sell your trailer to another contractor and get more than enough to do a conversion. That is one nice looking work trailer you have. Would be a sin to gut it for a conversion.

[denmohr]

Yeah, I have thought of selling, I've got $3500 in it, 25 for the unit and a grand in material.

It seems to be an almost perfect size, at least for me. Probably should test the waters.

[David_L6]

Den, you could probably sell your trailer to another contractor and get more than enough to do a conversion. That is one nice looking work trailer you have. Would be a sin to gut it for a conversion.

I agree. Offer that trailer to someone that needs a trailer to work out of before you gut it. It looks to be very nice as is for the purpose it was built for. If it doesn't bring what it's worth, then convert it.

[d30gaijin]

Hello folks, new to this forum.

Woke up last night and thought..........has anyone ever converted a cargo trailer to an RV? Whoa, been spending all night reading and found your site!

Getting ready to retire and am thinking about converting my tool trailer;
http://www.denmohr.com/den11.html

getting ideas.

Look forward to more visits with you folks! Den

Den,

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with the others, try selling your tool trailer first. It appears well equipped. I can't help but think another contractor getting started in the trade would jump at the chance to buy a fully outfitted CT like yours.

BTW, I love the "Gone" countdown timer on your website. I share your enthusiasm for getting mr. teleprompter GONE!

Again, welcome!

Don

[denmohr]

and thanks Don for the encouraging words regarding my feelings on the "community organizer".

However, when someone has time, and so far, the information i am reading on the internet is rather vague..........that most folks here are dissatisfied with the "store bought travel trailer".

I have a feeling deep inside that a converted cargo trailer is the best way to go, very sturdy, waterproof, and at the most important, "customizable" to MY specs..........but as one who never owned, nor vacationed in a TT or travel trailer, (I'm getting the lingo down).... I'd like to hear some horror stories to continue my justification.

I was ready to plunk down some cash for a small trailer... had eye on an "MPG" and those sort of things.

I have done a lot of trim/cabinet work for a young guy here in Milford, who's Dad & uncle started "General RV", (he has since died and the two brothers are running the show, they have 10 "superstores" in 4 or 5 states).

I have been boasting the day I walk in and buy the tiniest one they offer, casually dropping the hint that a discount would be appreciated. They are big in the motorhome/coach class stuff.

I feel I'm a darn good mechanic and good at recognizing quality construction.........as one who has never "looked inside" one of those puppies, are they really built poorly and destined to fail?

I am sure my gut is telling me the right thing, as I really just got on this kick, haven't slept as I am digesting all the information, I truly think I a hooked on this project.

Thanks for your input, and thanks for making me feel welcome!

[Wolfscout]

denmohr the general consensus I think is.. that the bought campers are just not up to snuff. The materials are not of good quality. When you go to repair it you might as well start from scratch. They are like light years over priced. You have to pay taxes and insurance and license them.
In SC... you do not license or pay tax on a Cargo trailer, no tag. Though I do have some trailer insurance it is very minimal through USAA... $1.55 a month on my policy.

[blues brother]

Hey Den!
Your work trailer is awesome! Don't gut it! Buy another trailer and start over.

Over the years I have owned 4 or 5 5th wheel campers and am currently in a Motorhome. All but my first 5th wheel was pretty nice. But all are way below what I would consider decent quality.

I have just ordered a 24' box trailer(base cost $3700) that I will convert into a BBQ competition cook trailer. I will be posting pics as soon as I get it.

Best of luck!