This is the first video on our cargo trailer to camper conversion on our 2021 6’x10′ enclosed cargo trailer! We’re including a rear galley (for Cupcake’s cooking on the road), a shower and toilet area, desk area, ample storage, and plenty of room for our fold-out bed! Our camper is intended to be used primarily off-grid, but we’ve added a few things to take advantage of power when it’s available.
See Part 1 of our YouTube video on the conversion here!
We are installing a shed-type window (RV windows are fairly expensive and we’re trying to keep our cost down – hey, a window is a window) to allow for ample ventilation and to bring in natural light as much as possible. Cupcake and I are not experienced carpenters, but we want to show you that it is possible to build out an enclosed cargo trailer that is functional, beautiful and absolutely amazing for less than $4500, including the cot of the trailer!
We’ll have more information and a video for the big reveal, cost review and how the plan came together. Also, we’ll be leaving on our 4+ month trip out west very soon (finally) and we’ll update on that, too! Thanks for visiting!
Here’s a few notes, in case you’re interested:
- We’ll be using a Jackery Explorer 1000 for our power needs (if we don’t have access to other options). The Explorer 1000 offers 1000 watts of power and will provide for what we actually need on a day to day basis. We’ve tested it out and based on our usage, we will probably need to recharge it about once a week. We also purchased a 100w solar panel to recharge it, but can also plug it in to electric power when possible or use the 12v outlet on our vehicle to charge while we’re driving!
- Since the Jackery will provide us with power, I don’t see a need for backup batteries and inverters. However, we are setting the trailer up to accept shore power when available by means of an external plug under the camper (that will provide power to a power strip/surge protector). When available we’ll use that to recharge the Jackery.
- We are not using gray tanks. If required we’ll put a bucket under the shower to catch the gray water and transfer to an extra tank (to be emptied at a bathroom). I don’t see this as being a problem. Also, our portable toilet can be emptied at any RV dump station, so no issue there, either.
More to come soon!
