4x6 CARGO TRAILER CAMPER CONVERSION - Can It Work?

I began a tiny 4x6 cargo trailer camper conversion last year, but ran into plenty of problems which stemmed from subpar building techniques. This video shares my plan to convert my 4x6 cargo trailer into a tiny sleeper. Now that other projects are done, I'm ready to resume my efforts with this build. Read my write-up at wp.me/p7YnQB-22M. See the full conversion playlist at • 4x6 Cargo Trailer Camp...
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Here are links to the products I mentioned in this video:
Fulton Trailer Fenders - amzn.to/2MJWfhe
Eternabond Tape - amzn.to/2MNGzto
MaxxAir Vent - amzn.to/2SFlwgB
Yakima Outdoorsman 300 Rack - amzn.to/2sD0eFI
Terminal Boards - amzn.to/2ZIRN84
Fork Spade Lugs - amzn.to/2MGMO2j
I don't call out the trailer's manufacturer in this video. However, I reveal all in a written long-term review on my website at stealthgti.com/2020/01/01/hom....
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#stealthgti #microlanding #tinycamper

[@donaldmcfarland3450]

Oh man, I can't wait to see it finished. Besides the sketchy craftsmanship and cut-corners, it seems to be a decent starting point at least. I've thought about grabbing a Harbor Freight trailer and building it up for this kind of purpose. Keep up the great work and happy New Years to you and your family 🤙

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! Beware of the Harbor Freight trailers and other bolt-together trailers (like at NorthernTool). If you look at the owner's manuals for any of them, you may be surprised to find that they're speed rated for just 45 mph. Sure, you have pull them faster. But what are they trying to avoid, if not the liability of owners taking the trailers on the highway. I've shared actual photos from the owners manuals in the album at the bottom of this page: stealthgti.com/2019/03/18/pros-and-cons-of-various-cargo-transport-methods/. Thanks for visiting.

[@eliw4232]

Generally speaking, the speed limit is due to the crap tires that come on them. Put some higher speed rated tires on them and they'll pull fine at 70mph.

[@cano1732]

Hope to see more soon👍

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! Taking a break until the weather improves. I have to work on this project outdoors. Thanks for visiting.

[@QbalaMusic]

Well done

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! I have the swing-up camper door now. I need to make a video about it, but lost traction... especially since I use the trailer for storage most of the time. See my website more more details about the rear door. Thanks for visiting!

[@paulx2777]

Always solder wire connections. Use heat shrink tubing to finish.

[@StealthGTI]

I have to make too many splices. It was easier to use the barrier strips. Plus, troubleshoot will be easy, if required. Besides, the space shuttles had crimped connections... no solder. ;-) Thanks for visiting.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

You got me to want to convert my trailer more, or at least get a smaller one to do. I would need a smaller one for my v6 f150.

[@StealthGTI]

I still need to finish the series by making a video about the rear wall/door. Someday... Thanks for visiting!

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

If you need to get one smaller than a 4ft x 6ft cause of your Ford f150 you need to go get a Dodge Ram and you will think your in heaven.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Half ton dodge with a v6 does no better.​@@Tommy-rr7ez

[@johnw65]

Feb 2024 Edit: I've got a 4x6 "V"nose... Did a diamond plate deck over a 4 ft tongue extension makes it more stable and easier to back, Plus, more cargo space! Added 2 windows, a 26x36 RV door, Tri-fold Sofa-Bed, 2" rear hitch, Roof rack, 7x12 Awning, 5K btu AC, 24"TV, AM/FM-CD/DVD, Solar, 750W Inverter, 970A car battery (WARNING! WALMART MARINE BATTERIES have 90 DAY WTY). Inside got an entertainment cabinet in the "V", cabinets both sides.... floors and walls still raw wood. May never paint it, hahaha. Total cost so far about $3.5K

[@StealthGTI]

Sounds great! I still haven't completed my "slide-out." I sort of lost my drive when camping exploded in popularity during COVID. I'll give it time. I also think of ways to car camp, but no motivation to actually do it. HAHA! Thanks for visiting!

[@johnw65]

@@StealthGTI , Just came across your reply... Being retired, I find the parks empty midweek. Still have walls and floor to paint/finish and some cabinet doors to hang but basically done! (for now) AC, 350W elec heat, 24"TV, AM/FM-CD/DVD player, Roof Rack for Awning and solar panel, 2000W Inverter-Generator for front deck, induction cooktop on folding table, 38"x75"x6" tri-fold sofa/bed and trailer hauls my KYMCO S200 scooter! Camping has never been so fun!

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

John o hate to be the one to tell you but buddy there is no T.V. allowed when camping! No sir and no internet or phones allowed either! So John as a real friend that I am you go ahead and gather all of it up and I will be by to pick it up cause I know you would want to break the outdoors code of conduct! Thank you for being so understanding my friend!

[@johnw65]

LMAO at@@Tommy-rr7ez.... 😆😂🤣 I backpacked and tent camped my whole life, from Cub Scouts to Army bivouacs, and thru my 60's! Now, I'm in my 70's and the kids have their own lives. I go where I want when I want and enjoy life. You're free to rough it as much as you're man enough to.... I camp off grid in peace and quiet. Solar recharges my pwr for AC and other comforts. To each their own...

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

@@johnw65 Hey buddy I fully understand but I was just picking at you I promise! If you have the room to put all that in and if that's what you want I say go for it and have a great time. I'm glad your still going! If you noticed I said if you get it all bundled up I would come pick it up so what do you think I was going to do with it? I'm trying to get things going for me but I'm on a fixed income so it takes me longer. I just got a raised top 8ft topper last week and after this video I went and looked at my 4x6 trailer flatbed but made extra tough. I'm going to start working on both mainly topper first but trailer when able so when iget them or topper fixed up and you see me can I come watch TV with you I will bring the popcorn? Happy Camping!

[@fauquierquadsandtractors6808]

Looks like the Anvil 4x6 I used to own. Definitely some corners cut in construction

[@StealthGTI]

Yeah. It was a real disappointment. Unfortunately, I think all "budget trailers" suffer from this. Thanks for visiting.

[@MrBuffalospirit]

Never saw a video of the finished inside just with flooring I have same trailer I am starting a build on would like to see your bedding arrangement thanks

[@StealthGTI]

I have a playlist at kzbin.info/aero/PL-eEOW1YZ1aU4QVs7EHU-i-VHXlPm4srQ. But I must admit that it does not have bedding. Odds are I will just use a memory foam mattress and a sleeping bag. I'm also going to work on a slider for a long interior. The weather has been bad for working outside, but things are about to change. Stay tuned. Thanks for visiting.

[@1stJohn3.9-10]

Would those bars support a Hammock?

[@StealthGTI]

If you're referring to the interior structure, I'd say NO. A hammock will put tension from directions that the structure is not made to support. Also, the wooden walls are structural, too. The trailer is very weak without walls; they are necessary. It's hard to imagine adding a hammock after the walls are reinstalled. Thanks for visiting!

[@keangfamily]

Are you sure German designed the GTI to hook to the trailer? It’s bothering me a lot because I use my GTI for handling corners, up to speed and pleasure driving only. It’s GTI purpose.

[@StealthGTI]

You are correct that the GTI's primary purpose is performance and pleasure, as well as practicality. But it is capable of towing. VW of UK rates the GTI for 1500 lbs without brakes. They wouldn't give it that rating if they knew VAG was going to deny any powertrain warranties as a result. See a chart in this video segment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrPpXiAmtejZ80. Regardless, if the car is unloaded and the trailer is 700 lbs or less, there's no additional burden to the drivetrain since the combined weight does not exceed GVWR on the door sticker. For this trailer, I'll exceed GVWR a little, but not enough to kill the car. Remember, as a "camper," the trailer is mostly air, especially since I don't plan to bring a ton of stuff with me on trips. Thanks for visiting.

[@pulsartech2945]

@@StealthGTI it must be nice to have towing capacity The US versions aren’t rated for towing last I checked

[@StealthGTI]

@@pulsartech2945 - The lack of US tow rating has more to do with lawyers than the car's capabilities. Thanks for visiting.

[@pulsartech2945]

@@StealthGTI interesting….so over where you’re at, are all golfs rated to tow? Including the sport wagon and alltrack? I’ve been wanting to get one, but I don’t want the US TDI

[@StealthGTI]

@@pulsartech2945 - Just to be clear, I am in the US and drive a US-spec GTI. The US Golfs are not rated to tow: "Info not available at publishing time" or something like that. Most cars are not rated to tow in the US due buffoons who speed and tailgate while towing without thought of consequence and the lawyers who need to defend the automakers from frivolous lawsuits. ;-) I looked-up and use the UK guidelines for my towing in the US, unbraked weights only. Oddly enough, the Alltrack with DSG is rated to tow in the UK, but the Golf R is not. I'm not sure what the difference between them may be, unless the Alltrack has more structure in the back due to its longer cargo floor. Take Care!

[@jamielee8184]

Cute :)

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Thanks! I've slept one night in it. It was snug, but well insulated and quiet. :-) Thanks for visiting!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

"CARMATE"- Leeper, PA

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for the note. This was an impulse buy. At the time, I had no idea how the trailers were made and whether shortcuts are taken. Most trailer makers don't share details about their construction process. WeeRoll shows it all, though. BTW, I'm almost done rebuilding this. New content coming soon.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

@@StealthGTI My CARMATE 6' x 12' extra tall is 17 years old, perfect roof, floor & walls ,the exterior looks new; lights all work . We camp in it (unmodified).

[@StealthGTI]

@@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594 - Very nice! Keep in mind, though, that my current need is a lightweight trailer since I'm towing with my small car.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I probably would have tackled that one you did, sounds like ssd's something I'd do.,

[@capricejones2106]

I thought you had to have a truck to tow a camper

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! The trailer is a bit smaller than it looks. Thanks for watching.

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

No you can pull one with you caprice.

[@donzi9293]

I think wee roll is out of business

[@StealthGTI]

I don't see any evidence of that. They're still posting on their FB page and their website is still active. Thanks for visiting.

[@donzi9293]

@@StealthGTI I have tried to call them about 10 times. Goes to a phone that tells you to go to another phone . There VM is always full so you can't leave a message.

[@StealthGTI]

@@donzi9293 - Interesting to know. That's definitely a problem. My money would go to the ones who answer their phone. Thanks for the note.

[@donzi9293]

@@StealthGTI I was looking to buy a trailer from them. But there was no way to get ahold of them. Covid might have shut them down.

[@StealthGTI]

@@donzi9293 - I contacted them via FB and got an immediate response, even at 10:30pm. I think he's shuffling some phones around. I also think he may visit this video and post a comment. So, it looks like a WeeRoll is still in my future someday. :-)

[@felixcat9318]

As a former motorcycle mechanic and workshop owner I cannot over emphasise just quite how appalling those Scotch Lock electrical connectors are! I'm referring to those blue plastic abominations attached to your trailer wiring as revealed on your video. There can be no worse product ever to have been adopted than those horrors, which have been found to have been responsible for countless failings. They are the very worst gremlins which you never want to see infecting your electrical circuits! I wish I was joking, but unfortunately I'm not! They have no place in any electrical application in which reliability is considered to be an important asset.

[@StealthGTI]

Agreed! That's why mine are all gone now. I replaced mine with terminal lugs. Watch the playlist and you'll see the follow-ups. Thanks for visiting.

[@felixcat9318]

@@StealthGTI I'm genuinely pleased to hear that you removed them, if ever there was a case of designing in problems, those horrors are it!