Nomads,
I am seriously considering getting a 12-14' double axle V-nose cargo trailer to convert into a poor man's travel camper (can't afford an Airstream
)
I have spent numerous hours over the past few years Googling this question and have no definitive answer....aside from an all-aluminum "Featherlite"
as being best....and most expensive.
Any experienced Nomads in this area of expertise?
A while ago there have been threads on living out of a minimalistic set-up.....and that is not the info I am looking for as I have that figured
out....just opinions on best brands and why, please.
Gracias SFandH - 8-7-2015 at 10:35 AM
If they make what you want in galvanized steel, that's the way I would go. I like things to look good and rust doesn't.DaliDali - 8-7-2015 at 10:54 AM
Fold down rear ramp (get your moto in and out)
Side entry door.
Finished interior bulkheads vs bare metal.
One piece roof if available (won't leak)
Roof and bulkhead insulation.
Roof vent....Fantastic fans are great. (requires 12v)
Corner and mid point tie downs. A "chock" up front for the moto tire.
Interior lights and a battery to run them. (when the tow vehicle is not connected and the motor running, the lights won't work)
An exterior connection to 110V shore power would be great.
Edit:....I had a LOOK brand 6x10 enclosed. The "budget" model.
It was adequate for me at the time but I wanted a real bed vs a fold up cot and air mattress.
Sold it not too long ago
[Edited on 8-7-2015 by DaliDali]AKgringo - 8-7-2015 at 11:33 AM
My trailer is much smaller than what you need, but my parameters might make sense to you.
My axle, bearings and springs are far heavier than I will need. That gives me more travel on vados and pot holes, and I have never had any parts
fail.
I run the same wheels and tires as the tow vehicle, plus two identical spares. With my light load, I run half as much pressure in the trailer tires
to get a softer ride (your load/pressure may vary)
Buy your truck some new shoes....put the old ones on the trailer. motoged - 8-7-2015 at 12:15 PM
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
I am really only asking for recommended Brand names at this time.
However.....
Yes to some of the suggestions: finished interior (ads strength w/ thicker plywood rather than skimpy luan; yes to roof vent w/ fan; yes to trailer
being wired for 12 volt w/ other hook-up option [ 110 shore power] ....no fridge inside....just leds for ALL lighting; yes to side window (option of
bars for security);
I haven't noticed galvanized steel being a feature in company ads....
Yes to: one piece roof; side door
No to ramp---I want barn doors as I have a ramp and like the idea of opening one door at times rather than the ramp.....; no to wheel chock (tie downs
and flush mounts don't get in the way like a chock).
The concept will be outside kitchen set up (portable propane Coleman, small barbecue, cooler, dish pit, folding table (3'X5") and good folding
chairs; bed will fold up against sidewall (good foam-4"-6" thick) when bike needs to be inside trailer (I can carry bike in truck box at times....a
realization that took about two years to figure out when I was locked into narrow tunnel vision thinking that bike needed to be always carried in
trailer....DUH !
Question: torsion bar or spring suspension?????
Again....what brand recommendations? I have the set-up figured out ....
SFandH - 8-7-2015 at 12:42 PM
This guy has a few ads on craigslist. It looks like he fabricates the trailers. He's in El Cajon. Might be worth a phone call.
I mentioned galvanized because I've noticed a lot of boat trailers are galvanized. chuckie - 8-7-2015 at 01:12 PM
Wells Cargo and Pace are 2 brands that I am familiar with, BUT there seem to be a bunch of them out there....All about the same price..and not much
different....Overpriced to my way of thinking....Good luck and hope you have a fat wallet.....AKgringo - 8-7-2015 at 01:26 PM
Ged, even though you have the design in mind,you might want to check out the trailer jack I used to replace the one on my trailer.
I don't know why these folks wanted to make their own video, but the demo is worth watching. www.future2solutions.com
They did not even mention all the reasons I saw to make the switch. Besides being quick without having to use blocks; I can open the tailgate while
the trailer is on the hitch, it is galvanized, and can be quickly removed for cleaning, storage, and theft prevention.
I bought mine in Northern CA for forty dollars at a local trailer fab shop.
[Edited on 8-7-2015 by AKgringo]baronvonbob - 8-7-2015 at 01:27 PM
charmac out of idaho built a little tougher for hard roads.Hook - 8-7-2015 at 05:04 PM
I would get registered over at the RV.net site. There is such a wealth of information over there, about all things related to RVs. And cargo trailers
are a part of a lot of RVers lives.KasloKid - 8-7-2015 at 11:58 PM
Question: torsion bar or spring suspension?????
Single or tandem axle?
I bought a 24' enclosed car hauler last year (tandem axle) and had the same question.
The same answer kept coming up, and that is if I was to use the trailer on level ground only, then the torsion bar setup is the sweetest. However, if
there was a chance that I could get the trailer in a position where one wheel is un-weighted too much, the torsion rubber would twist off. I went
with the spring suspension, and will be switching the spring/shackle bushings from nylon to bronze with grease nipples.MMc - 8-8-2015 at 05:59 AM
We're looking for a small utility trailer for hauling all the toys, too. My fearless leader works in the RV biz and we'll go with springs. Also, brand
might not be critical...like RVs, most are built from components sourced anywhere and then put together. We're checking out our local Flaman dealer http://flamantrailers.com
Our idea is to set the trailer up as a mini-workshop and toy shed, then set the rear truck bed - it has a cap - up to sleep in. The deciding factors
is going to be whether we want to go back to towing a trailer al those miles. We like the freedom of not having a trailer.
[Edited on 8-8-2015 by windgrrl]Hook - 8-8-2015 at 06:55 AM
I hear you on the qualms about trailering. I had more problems with boat trailers than boats, when I was towing the peninsula.
But a good cargo trailer has to be the most reliable trailer to tow. Somewhat limited weight capacity, good brakes on most.
Are most all enclosed cargo trailers using greased bearings or have some gone onto the gear oil type bearings? Are they using external grease fittings
on the grease models?
I am interested in getting a cargo trailer to pull behind my truck camper. But since I go well off pavement, I want wheels of at least 15" for
clearance.bobblack - 8-8-2015 at 07:08 AM
A little different answer would be a Horse trailer. The Stock trailer type. No dividing wall , all open inside space... And why you ask. Tough,
rugged beyond any other cargo trailer. Low to the ground floor for easy in and out. Solid floor for heavier loads. Leave middle open for bike storage.
Side door already installed. Can be modified any way you want. The big point heavy duty. Also go unnoticed in life. Every body thinks you have horses
and will leave you alone. Easy to lock up and can not be broken into with out a cutting torch. ??? Crazy
Not really I have done it, solar panel on top. storage on top rack. solar hot water on top. Awning attached. Had every thing built so it can be
removed easily... then I would have a utility trailer for other uses. Versatility is the key. We all have diverse life styles. It work great for that
period of time in my life. I still have it. Best trailers available ... good luck and think out side the norm......after all it is Baja where talking
about... bbwillyAirstream - 8-8-2015 at 07:39 AM
A custom airstream with french doors would be perfect, you just missed it.
I need an enclosed trailer for the race car, with similar requirements as you need. I am using a 8 x 12 open car hauler trailer and building the
box. Rear barn doors, roof and partial sides hinged at the top rear, so good head room when open and wedge shaped when closed. Boxed beam
construction, aluminium skin with thermal break, mosquito net half sides when open etc. You could build a similar one for bout the same price as a
used wells fargo or pace. Glad to share drawings and sources, if you have an interest.o3dave - 8-9-2015 at 01:50 PM
Hi Ged, I recently (March) picked up my custom Continetal cargo trailer 7x14 tandem. I spent much time giving this consideration as you are doing.
Heres a few things I added and also why I chose this particular brand.
First I wanted 6" of additional height so I could ride my quad or dirtbike in without ducking or hitting my head as I have done more times than I care
to share. Also this made the man door a height 6'3".
16" on center floor and walls studs makes for a much more solid trailer and allows lots of options for upgrades later.
Tinted windows that open and allow air in but not wandering eyes to see what your cargo is.
Additional lights and fans. I have 2 overhead fantastic fans that run off the 12 v battery bank.
LED lights exterior, they have excellent life and use less energy. Enough said
Upgrade your tires to radials. Much superior for the Mexican heat.
E track tie down system built into the floor is such a value. And covers up so easy with sections of carpet when not being used to tie bikes with.
Depending on your tow vehicle. I would opt for the 42" extended tongue as it allows more turn radius and also I can open the tail gate and have some
room to make a sandwich or whatnot. Carol - 8-9-2015 at 03:12 PM
Ged, check u2u.desertcpl - 8-9-2015 at 04:29 PM
very nice and thought outmotoged - 8-10-2015 at 10:25 AM
Great tips, folks..... floor tracking is a good idea....and some on the walls; spring double axle is my thinking as well, glued/taped walls as
well.....
I am not that good at building things so fabbing my own is out....
Thought of a canopy for side but friend recommended those folding self-standing shade shelters ????? maybe....
I have 1500 Chevy.....so you guys with mega diesels can wave at me as you pass me with your "big rigs"
Thanks for the input....chuckie - 8-10-2015 at 10:30 AM
I'll wait for ya at the next Cerveza stop!motoged - 8-10-2015 at 10:53 AM
Except for the fact that this one is in Florida it really looks like a good starting point for what you want:
1987 Wells Cargo Trailer
$4,400
Utility Trailer
Wells Cargo TRAILER,We are selling two types of trailers which were both made by Wells Cargo. 1st Trailer: 24' Wells Cargo White Trailer Standard
Hitch with Two Axles.$4,400.00 It was made for Retail Concessions. This Trailer is good condition with Interior Counters, Doors, and Concealing
Shelves. The main features: Interior Lighting, Light Switch,
)
