Converting Utility Trailer Into Sleeping Trailer?

Since so many of you are DIY'ers, I thought I would ask around....(Mooch, I tried a search first, but I was probably not using the right search term, haha).

My husband is "researching" the idea of converting an enclosed utility trailer into a space that can hold a luggable loo, a few shelves, and maybe 2 colapsing sleeping cots. We have always done tent camping, but after seeing some of the campers/shells at ISE, he wanted to see if it was possible to "make" a trailer type version at a much lower price.

It needs to be light weight, and the idea is that we can transport the kayaks on top.

The only time we would spend time in the trailer would be to sleep or dress, and I guess use the luggable loo (not sure how I feel about that   ) ....we always cook by camp fire or on a small camp stove.

Have any of you guys done something like this??!!! Any ideas?

-Cherie

My bet is you could get a used RV trailer for cheaper than you could convert a utility trailer.  What's you budget?

Quick check on craigslist;
$3600

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/3536055143.html

I have a coupel of dirt bike friends who did the same thing; it was functional when the weather was iffy, but when the sun came out and with no windows of vents, it got real hot and stuffy inside. when they tried to left the door open, they had to deal with bugs.

They switched to a trailer the next season....

Sounds like a fun task!  Just remember ventilation or it'll feel clammy in there in quick order at night.  Porta-potty, two cots and a couple plastic crates as a headboard/storage and you're set.  I'd consider a Bomar hatch on the roof or a Nicro day/night solar vent (both marine items) or a solar attic vent from hd or lowes.

Velcro and some screen door material will make ya a quick screen door

My bet is you could get a used RV trailer for cheaper than you could convert a utility trailer.  What's you budget?

Boy, you are fast! I checked out that link - thanks for finding that deal!

Good question about the budget....I am guessing as cheap as possible, but I am going to have to ask him. Those cargo trailers run about $2,000 but I could be very wrong. I know he was trying to find one that had a window of some sort; excellent point about the bugs!!!!!! I bet he hasn't thought of that yet.

I'm actually ok with tents - but when reading about Crabfest and Doran, I thought yikes, that might be a bit cold, even for me.


-Cherie

You should be able to find a good used pop up trailer for less than that.  Now is usually a good time of year to find one on the cheap.

Here's a little utility trailer...
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/3539959976.html

You should be able to find a good used pop up trailer for less than that.  Now is usually a good time of year to find one on the cheap.

Thanks, Bill!!

I will keep my eyes peeled. On most of those pop-ups, can you tie-down a kayak on top? Is it sturdy enough to do that?

-Cherie

You should be able to find a good used pop up trailer for less than that.  Now is usually a good time of year to find one on the cheap.

Thanks, Bill!!

I will keep my eyes peeled. On most of those pop-ups, can you tie-down a kayak on top? Is it sturdy enough to do that?

-Cherie

you can sometimes find some on CL with racks on top already installed for bikes or kayaks.

Here's a little utility trailer...
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/3539959976.html

Wow, and it has a roof vent as well - I just emailed the link to my hubby. That checkered pattern might make me dizzy (haha), but I think that is what he was looking for.

-Cherie

We gave up tent camping a little while back. But if you get cold, they have heaters for tents: Mr Heater Buddy, we used them for several years.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_mr.-heater 

You can get a cheap 4x8 utility trailer at harbor freight for a couple hundred bucks.  A few sheets of plywood and a couple 2x4's later and you have a good box to start from.  You could then make a bed with storage underneath and shelves on the side.  Put a door on it with a screen and a vent in the roof and i think you'd be good to go.  Basically like sleeping in a truck with a camper shell, but a bit more room.

You should be able to find a good used pop up trailer for less than that.  Now is usually a good time of year to find one on the cheap.

Thanks, Bill!!

I will keep my eyes peeled. On most of those pop-ups, can you tie-down a kayak on top? Is it sturdy enough to do that?

-Cherie

What type of tow vehicle you have will determine what you can tow but most smaller tent trailers can be towed by even smaller vehicles.  Most tent trailers can have a set of racks added or to save money look for one that already has the racks installed.  Stay away from the Coleman/Fleetwood tent trailers that have ABS roofs, the aluminum roofs are ok though.  The tent trailers would probably be more comfortable and have higher resale than a converted utility trailer. 

Very good piont, atavuss.

I can only tow up to 3,000 lbs - so that puts a definate limit on what we can lug around. And my husband would appreciate the resale value.

MANBEARPIG - ah! And I am supposed to get to Harbor Freight this coming weekend, so we will look at what they've got as well.

Snapperhead, I will look into those tent heaters - I would have never thought they had something like that...heat in a tent scares me!

I knew you guys would have some great ideas - thank you!