Converting Utility Trailer Into Sleeping Trailer?

My first trailer was a 6x10 interstate inclosed for my dirt bike. I had a carpet I would roll out, and an air mattress. It worked ok but was quickly replaced with a 23' toy hauler. I would look at tent trailers, the year round comfort would be a lot better than an uninsulated inclosed. Check out the truck bed / SUV tents too

Any trailer over 1500 lbs. will have to have brakes if I remember correctly.  If the trailer has brakes then you will need to add a trailer brake controller to your tow vehicle.  Many of the newer tow vehicles are pre-wired for trailer brakes, the controller is pretty much plug n play.
Might give you a few more ideas on this site for the wide range of trailers out there:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/42-Expedition-Trailers

If memory serves me correct, there was a post from an NWKA guy who built his own and it was top notch!!!  Not sure what kind of fabrication skills your hubby has or how much the previously mentioned trailer cost the guy, I just remember being in awe!

I started off with a pop up and let me tell you in my opinion you will be much happier and more comfy in one.

im not trying to sell anything but a quick CL search says there are a few really good deals out there

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/rvs/3543278588.html

This has been my dream for the past year or so, and I just finally bought a Cargo Trailer to convert!  Hoping to have it semi read for crabfest! Check out this forum for lots of ideas and great examples:  http://www.tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42&sid=5d9672a5d27996266dffd2ea75b43e7f 

With a limited load capacity, and the desire for a crapper indoors you are limiting yourself a bit.

Here is what I would suggest if you are limited on funding, yet creative and resourceful.

Starting with the small 4' x 8' utility trailer found at big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight or even Craigslist, or start with a trailer you may already have,  you can build a nice light "Tear Drop" trailer.

If you scrounge around, and be creative you can find all kinds of stuff like RV window, vents, heaters, doors etc that can be picked up on the cheap used.

Add a rack on top for kayaks, and get a popup privy to do spit showers and take care of nature as needed would be all the rave.

Picture these to get your mind juices flowing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13368295@N04/1428935014/#
















Now for the pop up privy.

You can find several makes out there and they all work pretty much the same.
If you get one like this, you can easily and quickly deploy, and put away. I have one very similar, if not the exactly the same one.
With sand bags in each side pocket full of sand, dirt or rocks it stays put in high wind.   Lots of vertical room to stand while spit showering, and plenty of room for the Loo, too.

Costco
http://www.costco.com/Lifetime%c2%ae-Camping-Tent-Trailer.product.11752397.html

or

http://www.buylifetime.com/products/blt/trailers/default.aspx?viewAllProducts=true

Those teardrop trailers are VERY cool! Fancy digs - and I love how the kayaks fit nicely on top!

You know, I think we have one of those changing tents around here somewhere....and now that I have a luggable loo and baggies, we might be set privy-wise.


AlsHobieOutback - we will be at Crab Fest - if you have the one you are building all ready, would you mind if we checked it out?

-Cherie

Problem with the 3000 dollar CL trailers is most of the time the roof is gone. I have a 5th wheel that is that way now. the RV people told me to sell it on CL. I won't. I think I'll try to fix it myself. I need to pull the whole front off when weather is good after rain season. I would cost 9,000 to fix it. I paid 10,000 for it. I'd put windows in a cargo trailer if I was to convert one. Also build a Rocket stove as well too cook on.

ever consider getting a van instead?  (MOOCH.MANVAN 2.0 and 1.0)

More ideas

http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/hbothertrailers.htm

or

http://www.tentrax.com/video/video.html

Those teardrop trailers are VERY cool! Fancy digs - and I love how the kayaks fit nicely on top!

You know, I think we have one of those changing tents around here somewhere....and now that I have a luggable loo and baggies, we might be set privy-wise.


AlsHobieOutback - we will be at Crab Fest - if you have the one you are building all ready, would you mind if we checked it out?

-Cherie

Sure thing!  Although at best, it will still be a work in progress  Hoping to have a bed, insulation, and a window before crabfest.  But have many many more ideas, after reading though the Tear Drop and Tiny Travel Trailers website:  http://www.tnttt.com/