Cargo Trailer Build
The Journal, The Build
The Systems, The Solar
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Why Build a Cargo Trailer Conversion Instead of Buying a Camper, Van Conversion, Tent, or Truck Camper
Intro If you’ve been daydreaming about hitting the open road, you’ve probably considered all the usual suspects — shiny campervans, fancy fifth wheels, or rugged truck campers. But there’s a new kid in town: the cargo trailer conversion. It’s the budget-savvy, DIY-friendly, totally customizable alternative that’s giving traditional campers a run for their money. Let’s dig into why more people
Price Creep in Cargo Trailer Conversions: How It Happens and How to Avoid It
Converting a cargo trailer into a camper is one of the most budget-friendly ways to get your own tiny home on wheels. You start with a blank box, add insulation, build out the interior, wire in some power, and—voilà—you’ve got a cozy rig ready for weekend camping or full-time travel. But here’s the problem: costs have a sneaky way of
Why You Should NOT Do A Cargo Conversion!
I’ve been thinking about the parts of this cargo trailer build that frustrates me. It occurred to me that there are parts of me that should not have started this project. What parts? …glad you asked! Patience First and probably the most important part is the impatient part of me. I like to start a project and get it done
New Cargo Trailer Inspection
I’m creating this guide because, as is normal, I learned the hard way. I din’t follow these steps and got burned. Maybe you can save yourself some agrivation by following this inspection guide. I hope you find it helpful! When picking up a cargo trailer directly from the manufacturer or dealer, it’s crucial to perform a thorough inspection to ensure
How Many Rooms In A Cargo Trailer!?
These are the planned “rooms” in our cargo trailer starting from the V nose: Utility room Bathroom Foyer Kitchen Dining room Office Bedroom Deck Living room Ok, so let me explain how we are going to have ALL this in a 20′ cargo trailer! Obviously there is a lot of combining and imagination involved in the list. Parts of each
I Need a Mulligan!
Maybe I’m getting addicted to building this cargo trailer conversion or maybe I’m just having fun. No matter, as I progress I’m finding new, and sometimes better ways of doing things. One such thing is the mini-split air conditioner. It’s not what you might think… I didn’t find a different brand or a better price or change my thinking about
Crunch Time & Change of Plans
The Final Countdown We’re just 10 days away from our self-imposed deadline of August 1st. Initially, we aimed to wrap up the build by the end of July, but unforeseen challenges have thrown us off track. Here’s a rundown of what has slowed our progress in converting this cargo trailer: First and foremost, Iowa weather has been a real beast
Function Over Form
Question to Clarify There are so many directions a build can go. Open and minimalist, complete and off-grid, fancy and finished and on and on… As a build progresses, if you are like us, it can take on a life of its own. As we build we do a considerable amount of ad libbing. We have to keep budget in
If You Gotta Ask You Won’t Understand
I’ve been asked many times since starting this cargo conversion why I didn’t just buy an RV. I am an experienced RV owner so the question is understandable. I know how most RV’s are built and the first thing that comes to mind when the question is asked is “If you gotta ask, you won’t understand!”. Instead of responding with
Why We Started Our Cargo Trailer Conversion Project
After retiring, we made the decision to downsize, sell everything, and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. We purchased a new 36-foot camper and set out to adventure our way around the US and Canada. This journey has quickly become an irresistible addiction that shows no signs of fading anytime soon. We love living in our camper and the lifestyle that goes
Designing a Modular Interior (Bed, Table, Kitchen Combo) in a Cargo Trailer Conversion Build
Designing a Modular Interior (Bed, Table, Kitchen Combo) in a Cargo Trailer Conversion Build A Basic Guide for Crafting the Perfect Multifunctional Space Introduction Converting a cargo trailer into a camper can be an incredibly rewarding project, offering the flexibility to design a customized living space tailored to your specific needs and preferences. One of the most effective ways to
Insulation & Climate Control in Cargo Trailer Conversions: Staying Cool, Warm, and Mostly Sane
Insulation & Climate Control in Cargo Trailer Conversions: Staying Cool, Warm, and Mostly Sane So, you bought a cargo trailer and decided to turn it into a camper. Fantastic. But before you throw a mattress in and call it a day, let’s talk about something that can make or break your build—insulation and climate control. Think of your trailer like
Structural Modifications in a Cargo Trailer Conversion: Cutting, Reinforcing, and Trying Not to Regret Anything
Structural Modifications in a Cargo Trailer Conversion: Cutting, Reinforcing, and Trying Not to Regret Everything So, you’ve got yourself a shiny box on wheels. Congrats! That cargo trailer has infinite potential—just as soon as you start cutting into it, reinforcing it, and making sure it doesn’t collapse under the weight of your Pinterest dreams. Structural modifications are one of
The Importance of Planning and Designing Your Cargo Trailer to Camper Conversion
Converting a cargo trailer into a camper is an exciting project that offers freedom, flexibility, and the satisfaction of building something uniquely yours. But before you pick up a power tool or start cutting into those shiny metal walls, there’s one phase that can make or break your entire conversion: planning and design. A solid plan is more than just
12. Testing & Troubleshooting: Catch Problems Before They Catch You
Installing an off-grid solar system is only half the job. The other half is making sure it actually works—and keeps working when you’re miles from shore power. A multimeter, a bit of know-how, and a systematic approach can save you from warm fridges, dead laptops, and that sinking feeling when your lights flicker out in the middle of the woods.
10. Monitoring & Management: Knowing Your Numbers
Here’s the thing: solar power is invisible. You can’t see amps flowing through a wire or know your battery’s state of charge just by looking at it. Without monitoring, you’re basically flying blind, and “gut feel” isn’t a reliable energy management strategy. Monitoring tools—whether old-school meters, modern Bluetooth apps, or full smart systems—take the guesswork out of your setup so
09. Tools & Equipment Needed: Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed
Here’s the truth: enthusiasm doesn’t tighten bolts or crimp lugs. A solid off-grid solar system for your cargo trailer or camper isn’t just about panels and batteries—it’s about the tools you use to install and maintain them. The good news? You don’t need a pro electrician’s arsenal. The better news? Having the right gear will save you hours of frustration,
08. Safety & Grounding: The Insurance Policy of Your Solar Setup
Safety & Grounding: The Insurance Policy of Your Solar Setup You can buy the fanciest panels, the beefiest inverter, and the best lithium batteries on the market, but if you skip safety, you’re basically building a rolling fire hazard. A well-designed solar system doesn’t just power your gear—it protects it (and you) from shorts, surges, and catastrophic “oops” moments. This
07. Mounting Hardware & Installation: Where It All Lives
You’ve got the panels, batteries, inverter, and controller. Now comes the unglamorous but absolutely crucial question: where does all this stuff actually go? A well-thought-out installation isn’t just about making things fit—it’s about safety, efficiency, and making sure you’re not cursing every time you open a storage hatch. Solar Panel Mounting Options Roof Mounts (Fixed): The most common approach. Panels
11. Environmental Considerations: Designing for the Real World
On paper, solar setups look simple: panels in, batteries out, happy camper. But real-world conditions rarely match those ideal spec sheets. Sun angles shift with the seasons, heat and cold beat up your batteries, and dust, rain, or even a good gravel-road rattle will stress your gear. If you want a system that lasts, you’ve got to build with the
06. Wiring & Connectors: The Arteries of Your Solar System
If solar panels are the muscles and the inverter is the heart, then wiring is the circulatory system. Get it right, and your system hums along without complaint. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at voltage drops, blown fuses, or worse—a trailer that smells suspiciously like toasted plastic. Why Wiring Matters Every amp of power has to move through copper
05. Inverter: Turning DC Into Your Favorite AC Toys
Your batteries live in the world of DC (direct current), but most of your favorite household appliances live in the world of AC (alternating current). The inverter is the magical middleman that bridges the gap. Without it, you’d be stuck charging phones, running fans, and powering a fridge—but forget about coffee makers, laptops, or that glorious hair dryer. How an
04. Charge Controller: The Brains of Your Solar Setup
If solar panels are the muscle and batteries are the stomach, then the charge controller is the brain. Without it, your panels would pump raw, unregulated energy into your batteries until they overcharged, overheated, and eventually keeled over. The controller keeps everything balanced, protecting your investment while making sure power flows smoothly. Why You Need a Charge Controller Batteries are
03. Solar Panels: The Powerhouse of Your Off-Grid System
If batteries are the gas tank of your solar system, then solar panels are the pump that keeps filling it up—except instead of gas, they run on free sunshine. Panels are the most visible part of any off-grid build, and while they look like flat, shiny slabs of simplicity, there’s a bit more to them than just “slap some on
02. Battery Bank: Power Storage for Your Off-Grid Solar System
If solar panels are the flashy celebrities of your off-grid setup, the battery bank is the quiet, under appreciated assistant that actually makes the magic happen. Without batteries, all those shiny panels would just dump energy into the void every time the sun hits them. Your batteries are the gas tank of your solar system—they store power when it’s sunny
01. Planning & System Design: The First Step to a Successful Off-Grid Solar Setup
Getting Started “One step at a time” (Slowly and carefully, doing just a little at a time.) We’ve all heard the saying but it certainly applies to building a new solar setup, especially if you are new to doing this kind of thing. Let’s dive into planning and designing your new system. Before you rush out to buy a shiny
Overview: Solar & The Cargo Conversion Series
This new series will be a lot of fun. I’m going to share what I’ve learned as a general overview on the process of building 4 different solar systems. I’ve gone from a full DIY piecemeal system to high end Victron Energy system. Along the way I’ve made quite a few mistakes and found all the ways to NOT do