We all learn as we go. I wish I would’ve changed a few things from the beginning in mine as well but at this point I just replace or modify to make it better.
I am converting a 4x6. Adding a diamond plate deck over a 4 ft tongue extension! Installed 2 windows and a 26x36 RV door. With: AC, 32" TV, stereo and 4x5 plywood add-on 'ramp-room'... The front cabinet in my 4x6 toy hauler/camper will be about 48x24 with a 29x18 TV mounted to a 30x20 door. 6x9 speakers will mount to the sides as well as electric controls, light switches, etc. This allows 3 ft clearance for the front end of my scooter.
Despite the size, you did a remarkable job on the build, With the skills you have, in time all the things you would have done differently, you always have the option to do them. Have the best adventures with your family. I agree about black tanks; composting all the way for me! lol
Thanks for the kind words Manny! Since I shot that I already upgraded the faucet and now I am working on the beds. Will post more videos after I get back from my trip this weekend! Thank you for watching!
From one Hoosier to another, that shtik is funny 🤭🤣.. As I am doing my research on doing a conversion in the future, I appreciate the information! I had wondered about those rechargeable water pumps, glad to hear a real opinion on them.. And thanks for the point of tow vehicle to trailer ratio, things to consider 👍.. Thanks, Mark (aka Hoobilly)
It's always good to see what people would do differently after they have used something for a while. It was very helpful for me, especially your solar comments which I too suspected. I just special ordered a new Wells Cargo 6x12 x. 6.5 and plan to build it out so your opinion is very useful.
Thanks for watching and good luck on your build! I did everything I wanted to do from this video, real beds, dual axle, water tank, built in fridge. Just haven’t made a video.
I have a 7X14 Dual axle with brakes. My vehicle can tow 9,900 lbs I have never gone over 50 miles with it. I have gone to Maine twice and I am glad I didn't tow my trailer. Too many hills. Every other weekend I go 233 miles one way. Some day I may take the trailer on this trip. I have 3 more years until retirement. I will use it more then. I had it insulated as it was built and eclectic in the walls. It has a rack on top for my some day solar panels. I will watch to see how you progress. Hope your holidays are good.
@@bwiesman Yes I like the dual axels and I will be starting back on my build in February. I went back to school and will finish my bachelor's degree mid February. I am back-ordered for my Honda 3000si generator mount. There is a 1.5-year waiting list. It will be secured in the front with 2 propane tanks. I have had 2 hip replacements and I want to make setup easier. The trailer is already fully insulated and I have matching 12v and AC lights depending on if I am boondocking or have shore power access. It has 2 windows already and a rack on top for when I go solar. Come February I just have to decide on the interior. For now, I have 2 sets of Bunk-O-Beds and with the extra height I just set the bed up as a 3 level bunk bed. I put Bunk-O-bed extenders on the bottom bunk. I am a big guy. The Grandkids still have plenty of room. I have 3 pelican coolers and 1 extra-large Yeti cooler to hold extra Ice. All coolers keep Ice for over a week if you pre-chill the food and drinks. So I have no need for a refrigerator. I may get a Dometic freezer to keep making Ice when I retire. I am getting close. Just a few years. My goal now is to be debt-free so I can travel as much as I want. Thank you for the info you provided. It is very helpful.
07:17 We have two smoke detectors from different manufacturers. We have two CO detectors from different manufacturers. Weird, huh? . Although we inherited a Mister Buddy heater, its output greatly exceeds our need. Our Wave 3 catalytic heater on LOW burns 1,700Btu, and we open two windows on opposite walls to vent warm air, carrying humidity and odors.
2003, we converted a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle. . Heat: We use a single Wave 3 catalytic heater set on LOW. . Windows: We mounted 3010 (three feet wide by a foot tall) dual-pane sliders designed for a stand-still house. We sealed around the vinyl frame with Vulcum 116; nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, the Vulcum 116 remains soft and pliable. . Bed: Semi-retired welder-fabricator here. I fabricated the platform using expanded metal, similar to stout window-screen. This assures adequate ventilation under the mattress to reduce moisture and the potential for mold.
Nice build and good info on what works when going the “cheap” route and what kinda doesn’t. The Chinese diesel heaters are pretty cheap but can be I dependable. But, you have the Buddy as backup. I say give it a try. I have your same toilet and a camco cassette as well. Each have their good points. I think I’d love a nature’s head but $1,000 is a throne too rich for my budget right now.
Thank you for your suggestions! I may try that diesel option, seams like they are working well for everyone. I am currently working on building some custom bunks and can’t wait to share them! Thanks for watching and commenting!
$1000 is too much for a toilet, especially when your typical residential toilet costs around $350. You're better off with a Lowes buckets and a toilet seat, and doing kitty litter/wood chips. Remember...you're building a camper, not the Taj Mahal. 🙂
We're smaller with a 5'x10' with v-nose...It's more convenient to tow, very light, and much easier to find places to park. Wouldn't go bigger on a bet.
I’m glad that size fits your needs! Unfortunately this is as small as I can go and still trailer my sxs. I did just upgrade to dual axles w brakes and it’s setup a lot nicer now!
@Jolly, Our ExpeditionVehicle interior is 7x12, three paces across by seven paces long. This's perfect for three RedHeelers plus two adults (and a frequent yummy third!). "But but but how do you live in such a tiny space!" We do not live in the rig. We live out of the rig.
Going bigger has a lot of cons. I had to fight the urge to go bigger. Most folks are going 6x12 or small like you have done. The original poster has a good reason for a larger CT with the side by side and family, but it will cost a lot more (4 tires, gas milage, etc.).
Thanks for sharing the information. Ten miles to the gallon makes me cringe. LOL I have driven Tacoma’s since 1983, I had a Land Cruiser Jeep at one time but had to sell it do to a bad accident and disability. Tacoma is the best quality 4 X 4 truck you can own, you need mudgrip radial tires, not to fat and close to stock size. It is the outside grip that pulls when you are in the mud and big oversized tires really eat into the gas mileage and sometimes force a need to re gear if you go too big. You pay for the quality with a rough ride but you get a solid truck. The Tundra gets even worse gas mileage, a friend bought one and got 8 miles to the gallon and traded it back in on a Tacoma. Have you ever thought about getting a used ambulance ? They do have some in 4 wheel drive. Next year Toyota is supposed to have a 6 cylinder Tundra I have heard. Every time I think about getting a big truck for comfort, I pass by the dealership service department and see the long line stacked up for repairs and I change my mind. LOL 😂
Thank you for the advice! Yeah I love my Taco, but the gas mileage gets to me when towing. I think about an ambulance a lot actually! I retrofitted one for a job once and enjoyed it. I just don’t know if the fam can get a over the fact they’d be sleeping right where hundreds probably died! A flatbed diesel w the sxs on back and also a sprinter van conversion pulling a flatbed trailer are other options I consider daily. Some things to think about for sure!!
@@bwiesman LOL 😂. I thought about the dead people in the ambulance too, especially after being struck from behind while stopped and having the Postal Truck knocked over 1/10 of a mile from the point of impact. One of the preachers at church has a full size truck that gets 30 plus miles to the gallon on the highway but when pulling a trailer it comes down to around 10 -12 on the highway. If the manufacturers would just gear the transmissions somewhat like 12 speed bicycles are, they would get good gas mileage. I remember one of the first full size V 6 Chevy trucks, it would drive me nuts constantly shifting in and out of overdrive from 50-60 MPH.
Nice video. Thanks for all the effort it required. You are SO correct about the high tongue weight and lack of brakes. Don't go looking for YT clips about that, you may hurl and then hate yourself for having risked it even once. I found pine pellets are better than kitty litter, cheaper and more effective and no dust. Separating urine is better all around, but not strictly necessary. If you do, with sufficient wood pellets/kitty litter/sphagnum you can probably get away with pooping in paper garbage bags rather than plastic. And either of those can go right into a convenient garbage bin, just like you'd do with disposable baby diapers. Always eliminate plastics if possible! Skip the solar and recharge a lithium LiFePO4 battery with your truck's engine once every week. Look for a $600, 12V, 200Ah, 2560Wh Max, 4k charge-cycle lifetime, 10 yr warranty. No need for fancy wall-internal wiring, either. LED-based lighting is best. Don't be afraid to use li-ion battery-powered lighting and just recharge it periodically; it is so efficient. U-shaped electrical chases to protect the wires can be installed at the top or bottom of walls easily enough. No need to bury them inside your wall assembly. An ultralight mentality applied to elex installation makes maintenance a breeze, triples design flexibility, halves construction time+cost. The Chinese diesel heater is def the way to go. Combustion and exhaust gases are all external. Yes, they are hard to trust at first, a cheapo-seeming product like that but they work Fantastic - and no bad review of those seems to exist. Takes about 8 minutes to heat us up from 30F to 70F with Sierra snow on the ground. Barely sips fuel. Best addition ever: use a popup carport or tarps or install a canned awning, whatever you can rig up. Keep the weather (sun, wind, rain, snow, hail) from hitting the skin of the trailer and all your insulation and proofing efforts double in effectiveness. And your trailer will look that much better in 5 years, as if it is almost always garaged.
Thank you for watching and for the recommendations! I have since switched to dual axle with brakes and it’s a much better setup! Also installed Chinese diesel heater (made a video on that too). Also made better beds. Getting ready for summer, happy travels!!
Thanks for watching! I’ve made a bunch of improvements and actually working on re doing the vnose section right now so it’s all tore up. But maybe in a month? I’ve done all the upgrades I talked about in the video, and now I’m installing a 3.4cu.ft. 12v fridge in under the cabinets which is requiring me to rework a lot of stuff.
I have the axles, tires, brakes and fenders that you're looking for. I purchased a Cargo Mate 6.5' x 12', spring 2021 that I removed the axles and mounted to a skid box frame with the intent of winching in and out of a 14' dump trailer. I'm near Grand Rapids, Mi if you're interested.
I would avoid trailer brakes. Less hassle and less maintenance. I think by law, if it is 4000 lbs or more, it requires trailer brakes. I use my 16X7 cargo trailer for occasional camping. I tow it with a 3/4 ton Chevy truck. Since I only use the trailer for occasional camping, I only install 2 sliding windows and a 30 amp RV outlet. That is it. I don’t want to sacrifice the cargo space for anything else.
New subscriber here, SE Michigan. Because of you "Go bigger" people, I ended up with a 8.5x20 car hauler. 😁😁😁 We haul a Street bike (motorcycle) and plan on boondocking and using the trailer for "Basecamp". Our current method is small trailer and tent. - Thanks for the tips. I'm still a shell, currently running DC wires. I have the small water system you have. I've not used it yet, but on your advice (and its already in my "trailer shopping list"), I'; go with the 12v pump, filter, accumulator system. Will you use an accumulator? I see ppl on the FB forums say they help with the pump running less often. I look forward to your other videos. (This is the first) I'm going to go back and watch your build. Thanks for sharing!! See ya down the road! Lapeer, Michistan
Thank you for the sub and welcome aboard!! I have a bike and put nut serts in the floor for a removable wheel choke. Sounds like you are off to a good start on your build. I actually installed a new faucet and pump last week then used it on a trip this week. I will post the faucet install and camping video in the next few days. I did have a lot of pulsating of the pump. Will most likely add an accumulator to help with the issue. Good luck on your build and thanks again for watching!!
Same here, bought a 7 x 12 V nose 5 years ago just for hauling a bike to places "Sturgis" and in winter storing the two bikes we have. Things change, like the idea of camping in the trailer and we went to Tennessee this summer in it and had a BLAST with it! Going to do more with it, going to need to insulate it this summer, better heater, got caught in a few early fall frosty mornings. Chinese heater should fix that.
@@davej7434 Glad you stopped by! Yeah these trailers work well for using as campers. I mainly trailer my side by side but have a vintage Honda I wanna hit a few places with down south. Thanks for watching!
Talk to me about Tacoma towing. We drive a Tacoma and I've been looking into a cargo conversion which I thought would be easy because they are so much lighter than a normal travel trailer. At first I was looking at 7x14 because that still WELL under the weight limit, but my friend balked at that and said I needed to go 6x12. Sounds like the same feedback in the cargo conversion forums. However, I see people towing much heavier RVs with Tacomas all the time and not having such a panic about it. You think they are also getting 10mpg even though it's even heavier? Is it the aerodynamics? We have a family of 5 and I want something super efficient - basically an insulated tent on wheels that's easy to just go, but all the traditional trailers are big and focus too much on second-home features.
Sorry just got back from a week camping w the 4 of us in the trailer w no service. My trailer is heavier than some ultralites out there. I also did the cabinets in the front end which added to tongue weight. Aerodynamics are a huge huge part of it too. If I were you I’d look at a trailer with a longer rake in the front vnose or a tapered front to help with that. If you can afford it go w an aluminum trailer. I have since sold the Tacoma and now have a gladiator, which gets the same bad gas mileage towing, it’s just the nature of the beast w mid sized trucks. 7x14 aerodynamic aluminum would be my ultimate choice, w more consideration to the floor plan for weight distribution. Hope that helps. Oh, and I’ve since added stuff to the trailer, the dinette now folds down to a small bed, and there’s a 3.3cu.ft. Fridge under the counter. This setup worked great for us for a week on drummond island.
I’m actually still working on this one. Already fixed the beds and also ordered dual axles with brakes, and fixed the faucet too by adding a pump and accumulator.
Lol. When you said you wished you went bigger, I thought, don't we all? But I'm stuck with a Tacoma, and every pound counts. ... Then you said you have a Tacoma. I have a lot to learn from you. But really, I think you have the smallest size conversion that looks livable and functional. I have too many kids w/ dirtbikes though, I have to go bigger and concentrate on weight saving.
Sure is! Since this video I made the trailer dual axles w brakes and added air bags to truck suspension. Pulls a lot nicer but gas mileage is the same.
The problem is the truck/SUV and not the trailer. Toyota’s were never the best selection for hauling cause they are Lite and Underpowered. A heavier Pickup like a Chev or Ford with an 8 cylinder or even turbo V-6 would be much better…. Just saying. Also , the axel should be moved a few inches towards the tongue for that single axel. A Mini Split for heating/cooling might be a good addition as well. Cheers!
@@bwiesman ya it will make a world of difference. The trailer single axle is best at around 65% of the distance back from the front of the enclosure. Yours seem to be off by about 14” towards the back (give or take a few inches). Keep in mind the loads and the heaviest part of you SXSide. With a single axle you really really need to balance that load carefully and you will have a whole new love for that trailer.
@@brentstarkes9682 thanks so much!! I plan on upgrading to a 5200lb dexter axle w brakes in the spring will do it then. I know another owner of same trailer say it handled poorly for him too. I also wonder if a dual axle setup would do well on this.
Just giving an honest opinion instead of just saying how cool all my stuff is. But, I have replaced everything I did t like and now it’s perfect! Just haven’t posted a video in a while.
We enjoyed your video. Great points on improving your build.
We all learn as we go. I wish I would’ve changed a few things from the beginning in mine as well but at this point I just replace or modify to make it better.
👍
Thanks for your after thoughts -- very helpful.
Cheers
Thank you for watching Patrick!!
Nice trailer set up!
Thanks. Ya talked me right out of solar. With these batteries they make now I really didn't think I needed it. Cool vid.
Glad I could save you some money and work!
Excellent video, also starting a cargo trailer build in NE Indiana. Thanks for the overview.
Awesome, good luck, you’re in the right part of the country for resources 👌
I am converting a 4x6. Adding a diamond plate deck over a 4 ft tongue extension! Installed 2 windows and a 26x36 RV door. With: AC, 32" TV, stereo and 4x5 plywood add-on 'ramp-room'... The front cabinet in my 4x6 toy hauler/camper will be about 48x24 with a 29x18 TV mounted to a 30x20 door. 6x9 speakers will mount to the sides as well as electric controls, light switches, etc. This allows 3 ft clearance for the front end of my scooter.
Hi John, sounds like you’re creatively using all your space too! They are fun little projects!
@@bwiesman I wanted a camper to fit the garage but teardrops are too short.
This gives me 4-10 ht and I still get up to 28mpg!
Murphy beds that come down from sides might also work. In floor radiation heat might help.
Great ideas, thanks Kim!! I’m actually working on the beds this weekend, will make a video when done.
love it!!
Despite the size, you did a remarkable job on the build, With the skills you have, in time all the things you would have done differently, you always have the option to do them. Have the best adventures with your family. I agree about black tanks; composting all the way for me! lol
Thanks for the kind words Manny! Since I shot that I already upgraded the faucet and now I am working on the beds. Will post more videos after I get back from my trip this weekend! Thank you for watching!
pine pellets work like cat litter also
Cheaper and biodegradable, nice suggestion!
Holy Shit! 850 bucks for a WD Hitch? That thing better be made of gold for that price!
Yeah didn’t have time to shop it or diy so had a place in town install it. About the going rate around here to have one installed.
From one Hoosier to another, that shtik is funny 🤭🤣..
As I am doing my research on doing a conversion in the future, I appreciate the information! I had wondered about those rechargeable water pumps, glad to hear a real opinion on them.. And thanks for the point of tow vehicle to trailer ratio, things to consider 👍..
Thanks, Mark (aka Hoobilly)
Thanks for watching! I have made almost all the changes I mentioned in this video, I need to do an update video.
It's always good to see what people would do differently after they have used something for a while. It was very helpful for me, especially your solar comments which I too suspected. I just special ordered a new Wells Cargo 6x12 x. 6.5 and plan to build it out so your opinion is very useful.
Thanks for watching and good luck on your build! I did everything I wanted to do from this video, real beds, dual axle, water tank, built in fridge. Just haven’t made a video.
I would love to see it. If I were carrying a side by side or had a large family, I would do the same. I am going small for now.@@bwiesman
I have a 7X14 Dual axle with brakes. My vehicle can tow 9,900 lbs I have never gone over 50 miles with it. I have gone to Maine twice and I am glad I didn't tow my trailer. Too many hills. Every other weekend I go 233 miles one way. Some day I may take the trailer on this trip. I have 3 more years until retirement. I will use it more then. I had it insulated as it was built and eclectic in the walls. It has a rack on top for my some day solar panels. I will watch to see how you progress. Hope your holidays are good.
Thanks for your comments. Do you like having the dual axles with brakes? I hope you get the chance to build yours out like you want it.
@@bwiesman Yes I like the dual axels and I will be starting back on my build in February. I went back to school and will finish my bachelor's degree mid February. I am back-ordered for my Honda 3000si generator mount. There is a 1.5-year waiting list. It will be secured in the front with 2 propane tanks. I have had 2 hip replacements and I want to make setup easier. The trailer is already fully insulated and I have matching 12v and AC lights depending on if I am boondocking or have shore power access.
It has 2 windows already and a rack on top for when I go solar. Come February I just have to decide on the interior. For now, I have 2 sets of Bunk-O-Beds and with the extra height I just set the bed up as a 3 level bunk bed. I put Bunk-O-bed extenders on the bottom bunk. I am a big guy. The Grandkids still have plenty of room. I have 3 pelican coolers and 1 extra-large Yeti cooler to hold extra Ice. All coolers keep Ice for over a week if you pre-chill the food and drinks. So I have no need for a refrigerator. I may get a Dometic freezer to keep making Ice when I retire. I am getting close. Just a few years. My goal now is to be debt-free so I can travel as much as I want. Thank you for the info you provided. It is very helpful.
Maybe a murphy desk bed? thanks for the tips....I am researching this type of trailer for my 4Runner.
No problem thanks for watching!!
The Buddy heaters are as safe as a house furnace, maybe even safer but as is usual, have an alarm, the heater has a low O2 sensor- and use good sense.
Thanks for watching!!
07:17
We have two smoke detectors from different manufacturers.
We have two CO detectors from different manufacturers.
Weird, huh?
.
Although we inherited a Mister Buddy heater, its output greatly exceeds our need.
Our Wave 3 catalytic heater on LOW burns 1,700Btu, and we open two windows on opposite walls to vent warm air, carrying humidity and odors.
the name of the book in the start cracked me up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for watching! Found it in my sons library hahaha!
@@bwiesman lol lol lol lol lol awesome video bro
2003, we converted a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle.
.
Heat:
We use a single Wave 3 catalytic heater set on LOW.
.
Windows:
We mounted 3010 (three feet wide by a foot tall) dual-pane sliders designed for a stand-still house.
We sealed around the vinyl frame with Vulcum 116; nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, the Vulcum 116 remains soft and pliable.
.
Bed:
Semi-retired welder-fabricator here.
I fabricated the platform using expanded metal, similar to stout window-screen.
This assures adequate ventilation under the mattress to reduce moisture and the potential for mold.
Sounds like you did it up right!! Thanks for watching!
Best trailer ever has plenty of room inside.
Thank you for the kind words!
Nice build and good info on what works when going the “cheap” route and what kinda doesn’t. The Chinese diesel heaters are pretty cheap but can be I dependable. But, you have the Buddy as backup. I say give it a try. I have your same toilet and a camco cassette as well. Each have their good points. I think I’d love a nature’s head but $1,000 is a throne too rich for my budget right now.
Thank you for your suggestions! I may try that diesel option, seams like they are working well for everyone. I am currently working on building some custom bunks and can’t wait to share them! Thanks for watching and commenting!
$1000 is too much for a toilet, especially when your typical residential toilet costs around $350. You're better off with a Lowes buckets and a toilet seat, and doing kitty litter/wood chips. Remember...you're building a camper, not the Taj Mahal. 🙂
We're smaller with a 5'x10' with v-nose...It's more convenient to tow, very light, and much easier to find places to park. Wouldn't go bigger on a bet.
I’m glad that size fits your needs! Unfortunately this is as small as I can go and still trailer my sxs. I did just upgrade to dual axles w brakes and it’s setup a lot nicer now!
@Jolly,
Our ExpeditionVehicle interior is 7x12, three paces across by seven paces long.
This's perfect for three RedHeelers plus two adults (and a frequent yummy third!).
"But but but how do you live in such a tiny space!"
We do not live in the rig.
We live out of the rig.
Going bigger has a lot of cons. I had to fight the urge to go bigger. Most folks are going 6x12 or small like you have done. The original poster has a good reason for a larger CT with the side by side and family, but it will cost a lot more (4 tires, gas milage, etc.).
Split the bed frame and add a piano or other hinge to fold up half one side; this way you have a functional sofa space and more footage
Great idea! Thanks for watching!!
I think the solar system is awesome. I wonder if we can come up with something to automate your heater..
The Universe is pretty incredible! That would be nice.
Size always matters!
That it does! Thanks for watching!
After looking at your Camper, I' would say "It's not what you got, It's what you do with what you got" LOL
@@chrislincoln489 Hahaha, right! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing the information. Ten miles to the gallon makes me cringe. LOL I have driven Tacoma’s since 1983, I had a Land Cruiser Jeep at one time but had to sell it do to a bad accident and disability. Tacoma is the best quality 4 X 4 truck you can own, you need mudgrip radial tires, not to fat and close to stock size. It is the outside grip that pulls when you are in the mud and big oversized tires really eat into the gas mileage and sometimes force a need to re gear if you go too big. You pay for the quality with a rough ride but you get a solid truck. The Tundra gets even worse gas mileage, a friend bought one and got 8 miles to the gallon and traded it back in on a Tacoma. Have you ever thought about getting a used ambulance ? They do have some in 4 wheel drive. Next year Toyota is supposed to have a 6 cylinder Tundra I have heard. Every time I think about getting a big truck for comfort, I pass by the dealership service department and see the long line stacked up for repairs and I change my mind. LOL 😂
Thank you for the advice! Yeah I love my Taco, but the gas mileage gets to me when towing. I think about an ambulance a lot actually! I retrofitted one for a job once and enjoyed it. I just don’t know if the fam can get a over the fact they’d be sleeping right where hundreds probably died! A flatbed diesel w the sxs on back and also a sprinter van conversion pulling a flatbed trailer are other options I consider daily. Some things to think about for sure!!
@@bwiesman LOL 😂. I thought about the dead people in the ambulance too, especially after being struck from behind while stopped and having the Postal Truck knocked over 1/10 of a mile from the point of impact. One of the preachers at church has a full size truck that gets 30 plus miles to the gallon on the highway but when pulling a trailer it comes down to around 10 -12 on the highway. If the manufacturers would just gear the transmissions somewhat like 12 speed bicycles are, they would get good gas mileage. I remember one of the first full size V 6 Chevy trucks, it would drive me nuts constantly shifting in and out of overdrive from 50-60 MPH.
Nice video. Thanks for all the effort it required.
You are SO correct about the high tongue weight and lack of brakes. Don't go looking for YT clips about that, you may hurl and then hate yourself for having risked it even once.
I found pine pellets are better than kitty litter, cheaper and more effective and no dust. Separating urine is better all around, but not strictly necessary. If you do, with sufficient wood pellets/kitty litter/sphagnum you can probably get away with pooping in paper garbage bags rather than plastic. And either of those can go right into a convenient garbage bin, just like you'd do with disposable baby diapers. Always eliminate plastics if possible!
Skip the solar and recharge a lithium LiFePO4 battery with your truck's engine once every week.
Look for a $600, 12V, 200Ah, 2560Wh Max, 4k charge-cycle lifetime, 10 yr warranty.
No need for fancy wall-internal wiring, either. LED-based lighting is best. Don't be afraid to use li-ion battery-powered lighting and just recharge it periodically; it is so efficient.
U-shaped electrical chases to protect the wires can be installed at the top or bottom of walls easily enough. No need to bury them inside your wall assembly.
An ultralight mentality applied to elex installation makes maintenance a breeze, triples design flexibility, halves construction time+cost.
The Chinese diesel heater is def the way to go. Combustion and exhaust gases are all external.
Yes, they are hard to trust at first, a cheapo-seeming product like that but they work Fantastic - and no bad review of those seems to exist.
Takes about 8 minutes to heat us up from 30F to 70F with Sierra snow on the ground. Barely sips fuel.
Best addition ever: use a popup carport or tarps or install a canned awning, whatever you can rig up.
Keep the weather (sun, wind, rain, snow, hail) from hitting the skin of the trailer and all your insulation and proofing efforts double in effectiveness.
And your trailer will look that much better in 5 years, as if it is almost always garaged.
Thank you for watching and for the recommendations! I have since switched to dual axle with brakes and it’s a much better setup! Also installed Chinese diesel heater (made a video on that too). Also made better beds. Getting ready for summer, happy travels!!
Excellent advice. Thank you. How much electricity does the chinese diesel heater use? I read one post that stated it used a lot.
@@jimihendrix8535 almost none in my experience. anyway i don't notice it. i'll have to measure it now that you brought it up.
Enjoyed the video. I'm in NWI also and thinking of doing the cargo trailer setup.. ?? Would like to see your trailer?
Thanks for watching! I’ve made a bunch of improvements and actually working on re doing the vnose section right now so it’s all tore up. But maybe in a month? I’ve done all the upgrades I talked about in the video, and now I’m installing a 3.4cu.ft. 12v fridge in under the cabinets which is requiring me to rework a lot of stuff.
I have the axles, tires, brakes and fenders that you're looking for. I purchased a Cargo Mate 6.5' x 12', spring 2021 that I removed the axles and mounted to a skid box frame with the intent of winching in and out of a 14' dump trailer. I'm near Grand Rapids, Mi if you're interested.
Hi Jon, I wish I would’ve found you two weeks ago! I just ordered all that through a local company. I appreciate the offer though!
Portable a/c with a heat pump? Or diesel heater. We have both going in for our CTC.
I would avoid trailer brakes. Less hassle and less maintenance. I think by law, if it is 4000 lbs or more, it requires trailer brakes. I use my 16X7 cargo trailer for occasional camping. I tow it with a 3/4 ton Chevy truck. Since I only use the trailer for occasional camping, I only install 2 sliding windows and a 30 amp RV outlet. That is it. I don’t want to sacrifice the cargo space for anything else.
Yeah I’m at 5000lbs now which is more than my truck weighs. Trailer brakes required by law.
New subscriber here, SE Michigan.
Because of you "Go bigger" people, I ended up with a 8.5x20 car hauler. 😁😁😁
We haul a Street bike (motorcycle) and plan on boondocking and using the trailer for "Basecamp". Our current method is small trailer and tent.
- Thanks for the tips. I'm still a shell, currently running DC wires. I have the small water system you have. I've not used it yet, but on your advice (and its already in my "trailer shopping list"), I'; go with the 12v pump, filter, accumulator system. Will you use an accumulator? I see ppl on the FB forums say they help with the pump running less often. I look forward to your other videos. (This is the first) I'm going to go back and watch your build.
Thanks for sharing!! See ya down the road! Lapeer, Michistan
Thank you for the sub and welcome aboard!! I have a bike and put nut serts in the floor for a removable wheel choke. Sounds like you are off to a good start on your build. I actually installed a new faucet and pump last week then used it on a trip this week. I will post the faucet install and camping video in the next few days. I did have a lot of pulsating of the pump. Will most likely add an accumulator to help with the issue. Good luck on your build and thanks again for watching!!
Same here, bought a 7 x 12 V nose 5 years ago just for hauling a bike to places "Sturgis" and in winter storing the two bikes we have. Things change, like the idea of camping in the trailer and we went to Tennessee this summer in it and had a BLAST with it! Going to do more with it, going to need to insulate it this summer, better heater, got caught in a few early fall frosty mornings. Chinese heater should fix that.
@@davej7434 Glad you stopped by! Yeah these trailers work well for using as campers. I mainly trailer my side by side but have a vintage Honda I wanna hit a few places with down south. Thanks for watching!
Talk to me about Tacoma towing. We drive a Tacoma and I've been looking into a cargo conversion which I thought would be easy because they are so much lighter than a normal travel trailer. At first I was looking at 7x14 because that still WELL under the weight limit, but my friend balked at that and said I needed to go 6x12. Sounds like the same feedback in the cargo conversion forums. However, I see people towing much heavier RVs with Tacomas all the time and not having such a panic about it. You think they are also getting 10mpg even though it's even heavier? Is it the aerodynamics? We have a family of 5 and I want something super efficient - basically an insulated tent on wheels that's easy to just go, but all the traditional trailers are big and focus too much on second-home features.
Sorry just got back from a week camping w the 4 of us in the trailer w no service. My trailer is heavier than some ultralites out there. I also did the cabinets in the front end which added to tongue weight. Aerodynamics are a huge huge part of it too. If I were you I’d look at a trailer with a longer rake in the front vnose or a tapered front to help with that. If you can afford it go w an aluminum trailer. I have since sold the Tacoma and now have a gladiator, which gets the same bad gas mileage towing, it’s just the nature of the beast w mid sized trucks. 7x14 aerodynamic aluminum would be my ultimate choice, w more consideration to the floor plan for weight distribution. Hope that helps. Oh, and I’ve since added stuff to the trailer, the dinette now folds down to a small bed, and there’s a 3.3cu.ft. Fridge under the counter. This setup worked great for us for a week on drummond island.
@@bwiesman Thank you! Always great to get feedback from people that have experience!!
I'm planning another build down the road. Will we ever be satisfied with what we build?
I’m actually still working on this one. Already fixed the beds and also ordered dual axles with brakes, and fixed the faucet too by adding a pump and accumulator.
Glad you like your toilet, what toilet is it?
PLAYBERG Portable Travel Toilet for Camping and Hiking a.co/d/0NUk0wC
yep
Nice
Thanks for stopping by and for the sub!!!
Hi good video. However, it’s advised to remove pants before pooping. Have a great one.
Lol. When you said you wished you went bigger, I thought, don't we all? But I'm stuck with a Tacoma, and every pound counts. ... Then you said you have a Tacoma. I have a lot to learn from you. But really, I think you have the smallest size conversion that looks livable and functional. I have too many kids w/ dirtbikes though, I have to go bigger and concentrate on weight saving.
Thank you for the comments! I have since did the dual axle w brakes and other stuff. I need to get another video out! Good luck with your build!
The poor gas mileage is disappointing. Obviously expect it to drop, but half is rough.
Sure is! Since this video I made the trailer dual axles w brakes and added air bags to truck suspension. Pulls a lot nicer but gas mileage is the same.
The problem is the truck/SUV and not the trailer. Toyota’s were never the best selection for hauling cause they are Lite and Underpowered. A heavier Pickup like a Chev or Ford with an 8 cylinder or even turbo V-6 would be much better…. Just saying. Also , the axel should be moved a few inches towards the tongue for that single axel. A Mini Split for heating/cooling might be a good addition as well. Cheers!
Thanks for the suggestions Brent! I wonder if I should move that axle a bit.
@@bwiesman ya it will make a world of difference. The trailer single axle is best at around 65% of the distance back from the front of the enclosure. Yours seem to be off by about 14” towards the back (give or take a few inches).
Keep in mind the loads and the heaviest part of you SXSide. With a single axle you really really need to balance that load carefully and you will have a whole new love for that trailer.
@@brentstarkes9682 thanks so much!! I plan on upgrading to a 5200lb dexter axle w brakes in the spring will do it then. I know another owner of same trailer say it handled poorly for him too. I also wonder if a dual axle setup would do well on this.
I am in northern Indiana as well, had a few questions on your conversion. Send me a PM, I would like to pick your brain…
Thanks for reaching out. I can't find a way to PM in YT anymore. I'd be happy to answer some questions.
So not a lot you like about it. Do you know what a Tesla auto battery cost? - Mega bucks!
Just giving an honest opinion instead of just saying how cool all my stuff is. But, I have replaced everything I did t like and now it’s perfect! Just haven’t posted a video in a while.
I want a bigger trailer and I want better gas mileage.
Good luck with that.
Yeah that about sums it up! Thanks for watching!
F is for fart lol
Good eye! Thanks for watching!!
We enjoyed your video. Great points on improving your build.
Thank you so much for watching!! Your videos were some that inspired me to start this in the first place!