6X12 Cargo Conversion - Dual Purpose

[H2Nut]

After reading many builds and posts on this forum - I made the great leap this morning and ordered a new 6X12 cargo trailer to begin my build over the next several months. Will take a few weeks to get my trailer built and delivered, but can not wait for the fun to start. Will be building this trailer to hall my KLR650 dual purpose bike and be able to camp in it. Also, trying to make it usable as a tailgate trailer for those football game weekends. So this will be a true "Dual Purpose" trailer. Will be using many of the ideas from this site and hope to have a few good ideas of my own along the way. So until the trailer gets made - I am stuck with pencil and paper working up a master plan.


Thanks to everyone on the site for the inspiration to under take this project!

I will be sure to take lots of photographs and keep the build progress documented.

[roadinspector]

Welcome!!! I've learned a lot here from everyone. Don't lose your pencil and paper, but you might look at downloading Google Sketchup. It's a free graphics program that has been very helpful in designing mine.

Earnest

[H2Nut]

Thanks for the tip - I will check it out.

[David_L6]

Welcome! I look forward to seeing your build. I'm always looking to borrow ideas.

We like pictures.

[Gonefishin]

As far as "dual purpose" goes, removable storage is your friend! I used a lot of soft, hanging storage on the walls, all quickly and easily moved or removed. Same with cooking boxes and other storage. Portable. My small table folds against a wall. I can "empty" my 6X12 in a half-hour, yet when its loaded, its home away from home. My only large bulky item is the full-size bed, but there's more portable alternatives posted all over this site, and mine is not permanently mounted to anything. I'll be watching your ideas take hold. Welcome to the forum.

[pete42]

welcome

pete

[crumvoc]

Will be building this trailer to hall my KLR650 dual purpose bike and be able to camp in it.

Don't ya just love that KLR? The universal motorcycle. I have a fully farkled 1996 with 16000 miles.

[H2Nut]

Love my KLR! Was able to get a great deal on a used 2009 two years ago that had a few mods and was even garage kept the entire time. Have not had much time to do many more other than a Seahorse hard case on the rear rack and headlight stone guard. Will soon be putting on the crash bars.

[H2Nut]

Have started to grab items for my build - first item acquired - a new Progressive Dynamics 45AMP Power Converter Charger Mighty Mini (PD4045). Found a great deal on eBay - now to wait on shipping! Well I guess I am really waiting on the trailer!

Will make a trip next week to one of the local home improvement centers to start getting some other items needed. Will wait to get my foam board insulation for when I pickup my trailer at the dealer - since it is a cargo trailer with the room needed for the multiple sheets.

[crumvoc]

Love my KLR! Was able to get a great deal on a used 2009 two years ago that had a few mods and was even garage kept the entire time. Have not had much time to do many more other than a Seahorse hard case on the rear rack and headlight stone guard. Will soon be putting on the crash bars.

Here's mine last summer in the Sawtooth Mountains in South Central Idaho near Stanley:

[H2Nut]

Got the magic phone call this afternoon stating my CT had arrived and was ready for pick-up Bad news I am out of town this week enjoying a break from work enjoying some outdoor activities in Phoenix, AZ. Will have to wait until next week to get my new baby home.

[Wolfscout]

My CTC is a 6x12. I've been satisified with the low budget I've kept and occasional improvements.

The greatest thing I added was a AC. I have a foam mattress ordered in shipment now... from FoamFactory. best price for the money I think.

[rando18]

I have 7x12 vnose that I hunt and camp out of. I may be the biggest minumalist here.I put a shelf in the front with storage under.
My bed is in he back which may not work for you with the bike. My thing is to have space. I may be clostrophobic.
My advise is to get the trailer and then put your plan together. Look at others ideas and you will see things you like and what will work.
You can always add things. Keep it simple. No rush. I accually travel with my cordless drill so I can adjust as I go.
I could pop the bed out of mine in about 15 minutes and haul whatever. My bed is a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood with a nice futon matress.
A futon is something to think about. You can move it to the front or back...or even outside. Very comfortable.

See ya out there.
Rando

[H2Nut]

Well I picked up my new trailer last weekend! Have not had a chance to take any pictures since it has been raining pretty steady since getting the trailer. Took it on a trip up to the North Georgia Mountains today. Towed beautifully and great having the extra cargo space. Lost about 6 MPG towing the trailer which is about what I was expecting given the size and weight.

Factory Features include: 6x12 Lark Cargo Trailer (SA), Round Front, Rear Ramp, Sidewall Vents, Roof Vent, 15x30 Window (Driver Side), RV Door Latch, 3x4 Concession Door (Passenger Side), Rear Stabilizer Jacks, and Reinforced Roof for A/C.

Some might wonder why the side Concession Door - I am working up a revolving TV design that can be viewed from the inside and then turned for outside viewing with separate radio speakers and remote control for main radio. This will give me a great indoor and outdoor entertainment system without having to move things.

Will try to get some pictures up next week of the trailer in the purchased state and hope to begin work shortly after the Holidays.

[BC Dave]

welcome! I did the same thing; 2 Duc Monsters and an old XT225 I rebuilt that I bought for off roading and light weight toodling around.

Some randome thoughts that you've probably thought of so to confirm your suposissions and get you further along ....

Im assuming theres 2 vents; one on the front and rear (an in-y intake and and out-y outflow for gas fumes when you hauling) they double as vents for when you sleep in it; always keep them open and operational. Im sure you know this but you shouldn't (cant) sleep with your bike for various reasons and that was ment to be funny and serious all the same time ...

extra tie down points are always usefull I added 4 to the existing 8; I built a rail on the inside at the 3'-8" level to tie and protect the ply; OH also use better quality ply min 3/8 (1/4 isnt strong enough for walls) or go to 1/2" seal all 6 sides so moisture doesnt seep into the ply.

and insulate the roof and protect with ply (1/4 min) or other stiff material to hold the insulation in place; in hot and cold you'll never regret it. all side and the floor;I did eventually.

and add windows

plan to add a proper RV latching and locking door handle (I keep meaning to buy and install one); I have a simple sliding barrel lock on the inside ... it creates problems ...

you can easily use a folding cot as a bed for one; 2 cots for 2 it would make for more room if there folded up to accomidate a bike; I have 2 removable pcs of 1/2" marine ply (more layers of ply; stronger and better made)

high mounted wall lights are very handy I have 4 10W halogens ac/dc; and use them all and one movable flouresent worklight with a large spring clip.

ac & dc power are both handy in different sutuations; install both; oh and you can install a floor hatch to run an extension cord through instead of an exterior wall plug; and an inverter / charger is very handy.

electric trailer brealk arent a bad idea; expecially if your up and down steep hills & corners at highway speeds.

a secured and safe; out of the way to place have a hot plate burner inside ( where if you spill the boiling water for coffee it wount end up on your bare but as you changing; etc and tee shirt on the burner etc scnarios .... ;b.

I winter camp; so safe heat is a must; fire; oxygen; and build up of poisinous gases in a small enclosed area is dangerous. thats the best 650 I ever spent on top tof the 2500 for the trailer; and get wayyy more use out of everthing than ever expected.

Happy trails!

Cheers BCD