Cargo Camper Conversation 6x10 V-Nose with 200W Solar

2019 Pace American Journey 6x10 single axle V-Nose converted into a Cargo Camper.

[@cetifoxproductions]

Nicely done. I think what some people don't pay attention to, when commenting, is what YOUR purpose for the build is. For most it's some sort of camping, not meant for full-time living, so you really don't need an extravagant build and much of it can be temporary. If someone is building for part- or full-time off-grid living, getting more involved in the build definitely makes more sense. Of course, the beauty is that everyone can refine their build over time, as they discover different needs. When we first got our 6x10 I outfitted it for teaching scuba diving. It was perfect for that. Then we had the Snowmageddon in Texas and were without power for a week. Thankfully, we had a 1000w pure sine wave generator in the tongue box of the trailer, which rescued or bacon. But what that experience did was launch us into looking into off-grid capabilities. The 6x10 became our "experiment". I still teach scuba, so I couldn't do much about what I built in already, so I spent many days on KZbin looking at various approaches to van and trailer life. As a result, we've maximized space and found compromises between function and convenience. So, in many respects, we looked at things the same way you did. I saw on the Gonagain channel they're approach to sleeping using Berth Bunks. While theirs are somewhat permanently installed, it inspired me to have removable ones that took advantage of gaps on our walls. Obviously, it can get annoying to setup and take down every day, but they're pretty comfy. Hindsight being 20/20, I wish we had gone with a v-nose with a side door. So, the bottom line is that we can travel places in the U.S. that we want to scuba dive and also camp...but, if SHTF, we could survive for quite some time off-grid in it.

[@frederickbecker8672]

A power system built around the coffee maker. Seems legit and effective. Very effective.

[@felixcat9318]

You have kept your build out simple, lightweight and easy to use, which is about as good as one could hope to get! It's ever so easy to add stuff but that all packs on the pounds and eats into the limited available space, making less to appreciate. The light, airy and uncluttered feeling is great and your diesel air heater transforms the space into a warm and comfortable Travel Cabin. i

[@jenniferl4861]

I am so with you on the simplicity. I’ve had every type of rv. Pop up, travel trailer and class c. I want to avoid all of the annoying things about rv life. The plumbing, the possibility leaks and the cheap, yet super expensive detail. Great build. Thanks

[@donschweitzer6671]

I love your honesty about the coffee pot. I can totally see myself going through that trouble.

[@Firewatch557]

Brother it’s perfect .. hope to see y’all out on trail . I’ll buy you a beer thanks guys

[@annettegallo6940]

I appreciate you sharing this video; it’s given me some ideas what to do with my cargo trailer.

[@antonioperez1624]

Definition of KISS: brilliant!

[@makeitworkdiy3768]

Great work. Great setup, very functional and throughout

[@nothere7198]

Nice and simple. Lots of good ideas. Well done !

[@FakeLegGreg]

Nice build. Good luck with your travels.

[@rogerpedrosa1854]

Cool. Simple. Not to crazy build. That’s what I want to do....👌

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

Functional. Nice work. I converted a 7x12 about 2 years ago. Finally finished the ceilings during this Covid quarantine. There’s a few videos on my channel if you feel like watching. Enjoy your camper.

[@rightathomecontracting5102]

Very nice job tip my hat to this project definitely a well thought out job

[@christianjensen3182]

Lots of great ideas, saving this video so I can steal some thanks!

[@pobo6113]

I agree 100% function over fashion. This is what I want to build. Thanks for sharing.

[@Merlinsluck]

Awesome build. You have me thinking!

[@darrelltemple1565]

Great build man, and entertaining video too!! Thanks!

[@harrydowning1871]

Like the build a lot. I think I was your bus driver for Washing dc trips back in the day.

[@thelightersideofrc]

Awesome Simple Conversion! Well done!

[@stilesevans1]

Nice to see something simple once in awhile. Get overwhelmed with some of the builds. Forget that less can work as well, at least get you up and running.

[@shipdog44]

Great job! That is the way I will build mine. I still want to use the Utility Trailer to do other things as well, like haul my dirt bike, lawn mower, tools & equipment etc.

[@connerroach8379]

dirt bike and use it to camp/ drink beer

[@margemargie9891]

thanks for sharing your build...very helpful.

[@MsQtrrider21]

Great basic example thanks for the learned tips

[@johncole3010]

I get accused of being a utilitarian as well. I have a 6x10 with only the back door making room for a bunk across the front and a lower cot couch / bed or pole bed. This keeps the back door area open where I mounted a drop down work bench/ kitchen area and plan to put the sink and magnetic induction on the door to tuck under the cabinet.A drinking water container sits underneath. An on demand propane heater goes on the back of the door outside allowing me to set up a shower pan with awning and poles. You have some good ideas, however for me I prefer to convert the unit for hauling materials as well as rustic living so leaving the floor open is required and takes a lot more planning to achieve. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindaselover2536]

I like the simplicity. I am trying to do a similar thing with my 6 by 12. I want it to still be usable as a cargo trailer, so everything will be moveable. Thanks.

[@SaabAholic]

This is close to what I want to do to mine. If I wanted fancy shmancy I’d buy an RV. I have the same solar set up to utilize. I like the slide out bed/sofa! The shower idea is great! LED lighting is the way to go. I have mountable Mr Heater propane 10,000 btu heater I’m going to use, but I have a feeling it will be an overkill. Nice job!

[@davidkozelsky]

Save $3000, get instant coffee for camping! 🙈 love the bed idea! Great job!

[@maddogsk8er86]

Nah... Coffee drippin' while I take a morning constitutional.

[@jimcameron9848]

Lovin this bro!

[@FortWildernessRicky]

Cool set-up. 😎

[@bkane573]

Nice set up.

[@ModelHomeDeals]

Quick and easy setup but still looks like you put some thought into it m except those pesky 3m hooks. 😆 thanks for sharing

[@mariochingon3842]

Nice set up!!

[@mikescallon4069]

It appears most of the weight is on drivers side of trailer, do you notice any leaning or pulling when driving ? Love the build !

[@beachbum9869]

Very nice. You have given me some great ideas. I am in process of building out a 1993 Wells Cargo 6x12. I love your vertical storage rack. Looking forward to watching future videos of your adventures in your 6x10. Are you going to name her? Have fun, stay safe and stay healthy!

[@RDEZtinationsCreations]

Very nice, thanks for sharing this

[@gemajams]

You did a very nice job! Do you have details you can share on your bed build? Thanks

[@georgiacorey954]

It's a perfect build. Other than painted walls, but thats me. Do you need a sway bar with this size?

[@michaelmaringo9306]

Very nice conversion the basics for camping and getting away I think everyone makes them to fancy like they are living in it and not getting out and having fun very nice build

[@hbfl4265]

Very nice. What brand or Where did you get your large screen for the rear doors? Thanks

[@hifistuded]

very neat and efficient

[@bobwestinicky8447]

Very similar to my 5x9x5 build. Simple and modular. No polished walnut cabinetry or marble countertops for me. Mine converts back to a cargo trailer with 9 bolts.

[@leadlacedinkeater6539]

the "to go box" is a great name

[@bruceallen6016]

Nice use of space. I too have a 6x10 Pacace v nose, except I have the ramp style door in back. What do you use to tow yours? I checked and found mine is roughly 1200 lbs unladen and have a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 that is rated for towing 5000 lbs? I've been seriously toying with the idea of a similar build. Problem is I'm currently using it for storage. Thanks for posting this and thumb up.

[@frankmckinley1254]

Great build. Hope to finish mine asap. What did you use to cover the top corner edges, the flat like metal plate?

[@maddogsk8er86]

That's how the trailer came from the factory. Pretty sure the sale's guy at the trailer lot saw me coming and was like, "this dumb dumb will pay for the high end trailer for his 'camper', hahahahaha."

[@brianwest5348]

I like how simple you kept it. I want to do one and was thinking of sleeping in a hammock since i don't sleep well in a bed. What issues did you run in to sleeping in your hammocks? I like that rack also (might steal that idea)! Good job on the build, it looks like a fun and functional way to camp and travel.

[@maddogsk8er86]

I couldn't get the hang angles right. I'm a pretty big hammock user, so it was frustrating to not get it dialed in. Also it just eats up so much space if you're not going to pack it away every morning. Tucking them to the sides still just felt like a giant brain bag was eating up the room. I switched to two 5 inch memory foam cot sized mattresses to make a full sized bed and it's been much more enjoyable.

[@neofool1019]

Great build! Was wondering where you found the (what looks like aluminum) trim for the ceiling/walls and what it's called? I'm on that part of my build and have no idea what kind of trim will look good there and what you have looks great!

[@maddogsk8er86]

That actually came with the trailer from the factory. It does give a nice finish, but I'm sure you could use some MDF crown molding to get s nice finish.

[@neofool1019]

@@maddogsk8er86 Thank you for your response!

[@StevenSandhoff]

Do you have a link for that DIY solar shower? I did the same thing with a pump container but it came is a wand sprayer and is cumbersome to use. Would love to use whatever sink nozzle thing you have

[@maddogsk8er86]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGrIc35srbJspc0

[@rogerpowell1831]

Thanks for the video! I have a Pace 6x10 v nose that I am converting to a camper. Question: Did you custom order the bug net or did you modify an existing size?

[@maddogsk8er86]

For the RV door, I bought one from Amazon that was close to the correct size and trimmed the bottom myself. For the rear door, I found a 72" wide one and made it work. That one i actually just let dangle of the back, but it doesn't touch the ground.

[@rogerpowell1831]

@@maddogsk8er86 Thank you!!

[@notagain8661]

What is the white metal edging you used from the walls to the ceiling? And where did you get it?

[@maddogsk8er86]

It came from the factory with that installed. Don't know if this will help, but it's a Pace American Journey.

[@the4thj]

I like it, it's extremely practical you could have 2 adults and a child too with a bedroll. I love it the way it is because you could anyways if you wanted to add improvements.

[@237311]

Nice job. What size of your window there? Did you use some insulations around the walls?

[@maddogsk8er86]

Ordered it through my dealer for the factory to install it. $125 felt really reasonable vs trying it on my own.

[@thomashorn9152]

You did a great build on your cargo trailer. Just wondering where you got the sreen on your back door. Happy camping. 👍

[@maddogsk8er86]

I found almost everything on Amazon. Look for your width of your rear end and go from there. They will likely be longer than your rear opening.

[@thomashorn9152]

@@maddogsk8er86 thanks for getting back to me.

[@cornereatery]

Awesome 👌

[@jaydegelder2964]

Very cool !!!

[@krisg3984]

The coffee pot’s got to Work !!!

[@bwiesman]

Yours looks a lot like mine…great minds think alike! Is that the Chinese diesel heater, and what awning did you buy? Looking good man!

[@maddogsk8er86]

Yeah, that's the Chinese Diesel Heater. Works great, but the fuel pump knocking is a little annoying. The awning was pulled from an old Land Rover Overlanding rig. No idea the brand, but if I were to buy one, I'd rig up the Batwing one to cover the rear door and side door.

[@davidt9238]

Nice! Really curious what the total weight of the build is, including trailer.

[@maddogsk8er86]

Just shy of 3000lbs

[@terrycooper384]

Where did you find the screen door for the rear?

[@maddogsk8er86]

Amazon of all places. www.amazon.com/MAGZO-Magnetic-Fiberglass-Curtain-Max-Grey/dp/B073YTBXZ5/ref=dp_prsubs_2?pd_rd_i=B073YTBXZ5&psc=1

[@bikeninja956]

thanks for the review, I'm curious, can this size be pulled with an SUV, mine is rated for 3700lbs, figure 80% to be safe so ~ 2960lbs.... these are what? like 1100lbs dry, figure add 5-600lbs of gear so I'd probably good to go.... any thoughts..?

[@maddogsk8er86]

I'm not a towing expert, but I'm fully loaded 3k lbs. There's definitely lighter materials and gear that you could use. If you're not trying to win any races or go on really long trips, you could be ok. I personally towed this very trailer with a Nissan Frontier one time, and I traded that truck in for a better towing Midsized Truck (Canyon Diesel). I do way too many trips over the cascades to have my vehicle even near capacity.

[@bikeninja956]

@@maddogsk8er86 oh wow, that's heavy for that small a trailer, I guess the steel build out really does make a difference...

[@maddogsk8er86]

@@bikeninja956 it adds up quickly from a base weight of 1900lbs. My batteries alone are almost 150lbs.

[@lifebestlived]

Where did you get your diesel heater? Make? Brand? Thanks

[@maddogsk8er86]

I bought from a random seller on Amazon. These things are mass produced in China (AKA the Cheap Chinese Heaters). A lot of brands slap their own name on the same units. I'd advise buying from an Amazon Seller with good ratings, incase something doesn't go as planned. I had to return one that was DOA. Most Cargo campers won't need any more than a 5kW heater. There's a ton of additional info out on KZbin for how to use/install. www.amazon.com/s?k=Diesel+Air+Heater+all+in+one&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

[@NoZenith]

How tall is it inside? What is the curb weigh?

[@maddogsk8er86]

6'

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

Where did you get the screen doors?

[@maddogsk8er86]

Amazon.com

[@jaehanson781]

Do you have a link for the bug nets that you used?

[@maddogsk8er86]

The one for the rear door is no longer available on Amazon, but I searched for a 72"x80". Both front and rear were taller than needed, and might need to be trimmed. This is for the entry door. www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESSA9VO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_D7DK47DWG64RRXHQSBR0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@jaehanson781]

Thank you! My parents just bought one and I was telling them they needed bug screens for the doors. I will have to do some measuring and searching. Thanks for the response and nice trailer.

[@hldye7442]

insulation ? Weight of trailer ? LxWxH ? bumper 2 hitch length.

[@maddogsk8er86]

No insulation. It doesn't get too hot in the PNW and in the winter the diesel parking heater keeps it super warm. I'm weighing in around 2200lbs loaded. Trailer is a 6'x10' v-nose. Overall length is ~15'. Interior height is just a hair under 6'. Exterior is 7'8" (I park it in a garage with an 8' door).

[@hldye7442]

@@maddogsk8er86 Thanks for answering the questions :)

[@chrispycriter6682]

add an air valve and use a 12v airpump for the shower tank,also i set my freezer on coldest seting and runs allday (sun)and unplug it at night and its still under 32 degrees in morning(saves my battery)

[@maddogsk8er86]

Yeah, not hard to ad air preassure to the shower, but not needed. The hand pump is easy and it's one less thing to break/build.

[@nathandalleave252]

@@maddogsk8er86 does the e-cooler fridge drain the battery excessively or does the 200 watt solar keep up?

[@maddogsk8er86]

@@nathandalleave252 The fridge has a minimal draw once at temp, and if you aren't constantly in/out of it. The big thing is not treating it like a Beer Fridge. I use an ice chest for that. As far as the battery/solor, I've had no issues letter that fridge run 24/7 with minimal draw on the battery. I do have a 225amp Hour battery bank though.

[@jamonmang6099]

nice

[@Bmad185]

Simple is best

[@jessesumrall2449]

Why do you have your couch so high?

[@maddogsk8er86]

Maximizing storage. We don't sit on it all day.

[@tomturbo5296]

Is the trailer insulated?

[@maddogsk8er86]

I opted not to. I'm typically never anywhere too hot and never much colder than freezing. The little heater is more than enough on its low setting to keep it toasty.

[@chancereynolds5528]

What’s the full weight

[@maddogsk8er86]

Fully Loaded I'm coming in around 2300lbs. Weighed in at truck stop last summer. If I were rebuilding, I'd move the battery bank toward the axles to reduce tongue weight a little.

[@leadlacedinkeater6539]

could you break down the cost?

[@maddogsk8er86]

I built this over the course of a few summers, and it was a few years ago. Prices may not be accurate to todays material costs, and I only have some of the bigger items for you here: -Trailer ordered brand new for $4500 -Solar, Battery, and Electrical - ~$2000 -Heater - $250 -Fridge - $250 Really, there's just a bunch of odds and ends on here. My guess is the build put me somewhere in the $8k-9k range all in.

[@leadlacedinkeater6539]

@@maddogsk8er86 thank you

[@davidt9238]

Sparten, but if it makes you happy then it is the right way to go. I like the rv cup holders - leaves a bit more room on the table for stuff.