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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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Cargo Trailer Recommendations?
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
Don't believe everything you think....
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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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.
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DaliDali
Super Nomad
Posts: 1132
Registered: 4-21-2010
Location: BCS
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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]
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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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.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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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 ....
Don't believe everything you think....
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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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.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/rvs/5116902365.html
I mentioned galvanized because I've noticed a lot of boat trailers are galvanized.
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chuckie
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6082
Registered: 2-20-2012
Location: Kansas Prairies
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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.....
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6025
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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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]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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baronvonbob
Nomad
Posts: 196
Registered: 1-5-2010
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charmac out of idaho built a little tougher for hard roads.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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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.
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KasloKid
Nomad
Posts: 326
Registered: 8-29-2009
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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.
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MMc
Super Nomad
Posts: 1679
Registered: 6-29-2011
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Mood: Current
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Wells Cargo, very good Trailers.
http://wellscargo.com/index.php
"Never teach a pig to sing it frustrates you and annoys the pig" - W.C.Fields
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Hi,
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]
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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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.
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bobblack
Newbie
Posts: 8
Registered: 5-20-2013
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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... bb
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willyAirstream
Super Nomad
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-1-2010
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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.
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o3dave
Junior Nomad
Posts: 90
Registered: 10-20-2013
Location: Oregon
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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.
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Carol
Junior Nomad
Posts: 37
Registered: 9-2-2003
Location: Kelowna, BC Canada
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Ged, check u2u.
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desertcpl
Super Nomad
Posts: 2396
Registered: 10-26-2008
Location: yuma,az
Member Is Offline
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very nice and thought out
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Gettin' Better
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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....
Don't believe everything you think....
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