Cargo Trailer Conversion Build Episode #1 - Silicone Prep, Insulation, Skylight Install & More!

[@SOC-Outdoors]

I’ve been watching as many conversion videos as I can for ideas. And although it does no good for me because I have quite a bit of building experience… it is good to see a video series that is great for the beginners and those who don’t have construction experience. Watching the time it is taking you guys makes me so glad I have as much experience as I do… it will only take me a couple days to do the whole thing. I hated it when I did it but it has paid off numerous times

[@steveanimatrix3887]

A little tip for caulking - cut the 5 fingers off of a cheap disposable rubber glove (like bulk nitrile surgical gloves) and use those as a cap on your index finger for the smoothing. No crap on your finger and you get 5 clean tips per glove. Easy to peel off and put a new one on without making a mess. :)

[@Hoodgranny]

Your a genius ty for that

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Steve! SUCH a pro tip! Thank you so much for that! We're definitely using that anywhere we can. We've got new episodes coming soon, make sure you're subscribed 🥳 - Maranda & James

[@opossumgrylls3275]

Lol just eat a greasy sandwich like a grilled cheese and all the caulk will be gone.

[@RebeccaRyan-d4c]

Best video! I've watched so many, yours is by far the most informative and practical!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@corywadedavis]

If you turn your camera sideways to landscape mode it presents a much better field of vision for KZbin videos.

[@jamesballard1170]

Agreed. Please don’t film like this.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey Cory, Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately we filmed on different devices and didn’t know the “rule” about filming horizontally. This footage is 2 years old so there’s no going back now. I figure at least we’re giving out free videos to people to be resourceful and helpful. Sorry it’s not cinematic quality. We’ll remember that for our next build 😉 Thanks! Maranda & James

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey James, Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately we filmed on different devices and didn’t know the “rule” about filming horizontally. This footage is 2 years old so there’s no going back now. I figure at least we’re giving out free videos to people to be resourceful and helpful. Sorry it’s not cinematic quality. We’ll remember that for our next build 😉 Thanks! Maranda & James

[@MonkeyNamedJay]

You guys are so awesome. Thank you so much. I’m hoping to get going on my conversion in two years or so and I’ll be watching this a lot of times to take notes! 🤟🏼🤟🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Lol hi there MonkeyNamedJay! Thank you for that compliment!! Congrats on wanting to do your own conversion! 🥳 It's definitely challenging but 100000% worth it! I mean, how many people can say they built their own trailer? Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions when you start your conversion! Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Don't forget to hit the notifications button so you don't miss future episodes. Thank you! - Maranda & James

[@KurtKoster-s6t]

Skylite? The same color as the vent,with the vent you'll able to get air in and a vent

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

Just beginning our conversion, and I have watched well over 100 of these types of YT videos. Yours is by far the best one I have seen. You both have the heart of a teacher. And not just any teacher, but a *good* teacher! Ours is a minimalist build, so you will probably lose me around the solar, wiring, and plumbing, but I still appreciate your clear explanations. Subbed just so I won’t miss anything…😊

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Kirsten! Thank you SO much!! 🥹 You truly made our night! We were 100% winging it during our build process because there weren’t many explanations on YT. So we try to explain as much as we can (with having little formal knowledge 🥴) to be helpful to awesome people like you who are doing conversions and following what you want to do! Absolutely nothing wrong with minimalist. It’s amazing you’re doing a conversion in general 🎉👏🏼🙌🏼🎉 We’re almost done with the next episode and there will be more after that. Thank you for subscribing, thank you for your incredibly kind comment, and please reach out if there’s anything you need help with as you go! We’d love to see yours when it’s completed if you wouldn’t mind sharing 🤗🤗 💛 Maranda & James

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

@@homeiswheretheheartsare We think in April we’ll be heading to where we used to live (central FL back to middle TN) because our handyman who is amazing is going to help us. I am 75 and hubs is 77 (with Parkinson’s), so we’re in no shape to do any “build” even a minimalist one. But we’ll let you know how it goes for these two oldsters! Kir

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Ahh TN is beautiful - hopefully you’ll love that decision! 🎉 So so grateful that you have a handyman who can help you! 🙏🏼 I wish we could make it down to TN to lend a helping hand! Please let us know if you have any questions as you go - we’d be happy to help!! Cheers to you and hubby for going for it, even with obstacles. 💛 Who knows, maybe our ventures will bring us out your way one day!

[@dmarcdavinchi9152]

Wow gorgeous and inspirational couple ❤ thanks 🙏 just bought a cargo trailer cant wait to get started insulating it because of the cold winter here in Michigan.

[@dhyde9207]

I'm insulating one in Texas for the opposite problem.

[@knight907]

The detail you guys put into sealing all the gaps is above and beyond what I’ve seen from anyone else. I don’t think it’s possible to overdo those initial steps. The last thing you want once you’ve put so much hard work into building a trailer is to have it ruined by leaks. Great video. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your build series. 👍

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey there Knight907! Thank you so much for that recognition! We were so worried about leaks that we wanted to do anything and everything we could think of to prevent water intrusion! Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon - don't forget to hit the notifications button so you don't miss any episodes! Thanks for watching! - Maranda & James

[@GrillinandChillinwithColeman]

Great video, thanks for the step by step. Starting my project soon.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey There! Congrats on your project 🥳 Let us know if you have any questions! Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Don't forget to hit the notifications button to you don't miss any future episodes! Thanks! - Maranda & James

[@seannfawnc2282]

You two working together is great and exactly what we are planning on doing as well. thanks for being so fun to watch and so clear in your work. Watching these get the excitement up for our cargo conversion 🎉🎉🎉

[@thomaspage7633]

Wow!! Great job guys. Im doing this to my trailer for sure

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Thomaspage7633! Thank you for the kind comment! Let us know if you have any questions about your build! Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Don't forget to hit the notifications button so you don't miss any future episodes! Thanks! - Maranda & James

[@jimsears2434]

I have the same size trailer with 5200# axles. You have done the same pretty much so far as I did with mine except I used adhesive silicone and my walls are 2 in insulation and ceiling is 4 in insulation with 1/2 in air gap. It's fun to build these trailers to your specific needs and awesome to watch others do theirs. Mine is called "StuffEnuff"...and believe me it's a fun project as not 100% complete yet. Enjoy your build! Your doing great IMO. Embrace not being able to go right to sleep at night because the brain won't quit imagining and mentally building...lol.

[@dotjohnson231]

Great job! I look forward to the next episode

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Thank you so much! Build episode #2 will be up very soon! Stay tuned 🎉

[@pedrokd5439]

Replace axle , wheels for braked axle of correct weight you intend to end up at.

[@wrxs1781]

So far your build is impressive, and you must have studied thermal bridging, steel and aluminum are great for transferring hot and cold. I have subscribed to watch your progress. We are on trailer #2, only the two of us now, so went smaller with a 6'x10' and a one piece curves roof skin, #1 developed leaks at the sides.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi wrxs1781! Thank you for the kind compliment & for subscribing! We're newbies but tried our best! 🥴 Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Darn it - so sorry for the leaks on your first trailer! But hey, at least it gave you a reason to perfect your 2nd! We'd love to see your build! - Maranda & James

[@elkbow]

They should have studied air gaps and thermal barriers, could have easily increased the R-value significantly.

[@gypsyroseyoga3295]

It's ya tiktok girlie again 👏 great video! Y'all did do a great job explaining details & I'm even more excited for my solo build 😳 lol

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey girly! Thank you for watching and for the kind comment! 🥳 We didn’t find too many resources when we did our build so we try to be as thorough as possible! 🙏🏼 Congrats on your upcoming build!!! 🎉🎉🎉 you got this! Please reach out if you have any questions as you go - we’d be happy to help!

[@BillyGirlardo]

I've seen others use bubble wrap insulation (that looks like windshield sun blocker material) for the floor and ceiling, but I guess yours may have a softer feel walking (even with flooring above it). I used to live in a '84 Chevy-powered 37' mobile home til it died on me, but am determined to be in a CTC ASAP. Adding you to my growing trailer YT library, congrats and best wishes!

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey there! We’ve seen so many different ways to insulate, but the bubble wrap insulation is one we haven’t seen! I wonder how well it holds up to the cold? 🥶 That’s so awesome you went mobile too! Sorry it died on ya, but it only opens the door for you to do a conversion yourself and have it be 100% your design. Let us know if you have any questions! We are NOT experts 😂 but we’ll absolutely share any info we have and are here to bounce ideas off of! Thanks for good wishes and for watching! Build episode 2 should be posted next week so stay tuned 🎉

[@dhyde9207]

Bubble wrap is NOT insulation. It is a thermal break at best. That's it.

[@Right-laneRubberDucky]

For anyone trying to get those strips off at the beginning.... I used a double putty knife trick. Wedge one putty knife under the strip then slide the second one in between the first and the wall. The staples are a bit easier to pop off without breaking the strip, if you wanted to reuse them that is.

[@Right-laneRubberDucky]

You guys are goofy, that's great! I know this is an older video but --> New Sub!

[@450rhino1]

Pre drill all self tapping screw holes, 1/8 or 9/64th bits. Sure makes the day easier.

[@2500Ram]

They're called self tapping for a reason

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey 450rhino1, Thanks for the tip! I think the trouble was using a 12V drill and not our 18V impact drill. Once we got that, the self-tapping screws went in like butter 🧈 Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Thank you! - Maranda & James

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey@@2500Ram Thanks for watching! The self-tapping works nicely with enough power behind it. Episode 3 is now posted & episode 4 coming soon! - Maranda & James

[@daledanford4596]

@@2500Ram, True, but they go in easier if you pre-drill the wood. They may be self-tapping, but that is in reference to the metal, not the wood. The main reason it didn't work so good with the 12V, is because it didn't have enough speed. Even though they were using a torque drill, an 18V chuck drill would have had the speed to do it.

[@stevel15]

I mixed paint cans like that for years, 1 gal and 5 gal. The wire gave out one time, 5 gal of paint disappeared all over brand new floors in a fraction of a second 😂

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

😂😂 Hey Stevel15, OMG that made us laugh! Sorry for your mishap 🫠 Thankfully that didn't happen to us but it was certainly something I was worried about lol. Maybe we should mix outside next build? Haha! Episode 3 is now posted if you'd like to check it out! Thanks! - Maranda & James

[@WhereIsJeena]

Thank you for the info you brought.

[@geraldmcneal7110]

I saw 2 or 3 other similar clips, and they seemed way overkill and extra. Cautious.made me think no one else Mold Proof as they did i Wonder do they get snowed, and that's why? . I love love there details they had everything so well planned out I enjoy this and going to copy alot of them since I live in my suv and some what homeless I'm finishing up my trailer hitch and wiring Harness in the next day or so then looking for a cargo trailer that will allow me to Stealth camping when visiting friends and family or just hinding from local code enforcement or pd. Thank you for making this

[@dalexander4204l]

Hot knife for the foam ;)

[@719vol]

7:00. Dab of Vaseline & a common electrical wire nut also works well.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey there 719vol! That's an awesome tip - thank you so much for that! Thanks for watching, episode 3 is now posted if you want to check it out! - Maranda & James

[@GoatZilla]

Sort of question shoving sealant and boards and more foam in the frame... If anything gets in there (which it will), it will never dry out. The real danger is from the humid meatbags inside. Seems better to put rigid insulation on top of the frame inside and seal that. Whatever happens between the insulation and the exterior is really just the same as if you hadn't done a conversion.

[@joestarr2136]

Thanks for a really well made video,, looking forward to the future episodes. I am curious why you decided to remove the vent that was essentially just a skylight in the first place, and opt for a traditional sky light?

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey there! Thank you for the kind comment! Build episode 2 was just posted so let us know what you think! Great question about the vent/skylight. The vent that originally came with the trailer was a manual vent that only opened a few inches. It didn’t let in near as much light as we wanted or needed (trying to always save on solar 😅). The skylight diffuses the light and most of the time throughout the day, we never have to turn on our lights because the entire trailer is lit by the skylight alone. 👍🏼 Let us know if you have anymore questions!

[@tracysanzone9146]

Oh yesss! 👏🏻

[@billstoys8324]

Great video on how to make a great quality trailer. Why didn't you use a max air fan for circulation instead of a skylight?

[@sleek55044]

Curious why you insulated the top side of the floor instead of underneath adding the extra 2 in into the interior?

[@tec2mro]

Also… Why put particleboard on top of the floor insulation??… if something spills on the floor and that particleboard gets wet, it’s gonna turn into mushy cardboard.

[@jwfmechanical9864]

I would of preferred to hear the wind vs the unbalanced music aka noise, I will thank you for putting your success into my build🤔

[@W4ABN]

I enjoy seeing builds right from the beginning of the initial demolition. Looked good on the prep work getting things started. Only question i have, did you or the manufacturer do anything to protect the plywood floor from the bottom? I've seen stories of the floor plywood falling due to water getting kicked up from the road and soaking into the wood. I've thought of getting a cargo trailer to convert. Thought of insulating from the bottom but that might be a harder job to take on. lol. One thought i had recently was using a moisture barrier i just heard about, Red Guard. It's used to water proof showers/bathrooms before tiling. I think I've seen posts somewhere of others using painted on rubber coating or even truck bed liner. I'll check out your other videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@woody22660]

Was wondering, why take the roof vent out for a sealed "skylight"?

[@rongreen1199]

I see no bell for notifications? Subscribed and liked but I would like to be notified when you have another video

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey Ron, We replied to your other comment. Hopefully our solution works 🤞🏻 Let us know! - Maranda & James

[@HuntrPat]

Isn't the studs on your walls an inch. Trying to understand what's the purpose of the the furring strips? I'm also converting a 7x16 Interstate trailer. Trying to find ideas to incorporate to my build.😊

[@HuntrPat]

Also curious why you face the reflective side of the insulation inwards to reflect heat inside to stay warm during the winter.

[@xdmatt1320]

How has it been in cold weather ? I would think all the wood running with the metal would allow for thermal bridging ?

[@jfreem1898]

Great content! What brand of trailer did you go with?

[@bigguard7669]

Why did you guys put in the furring strips?

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey there, Great question! The insulation we wanted to use was 1.5 inches thick. The steel frame tubing of the trailer was only 1 inch thick. So we added furring strips to not only house the insulation but to give the electrical wire a little breathing room so friction/heat wasn't a problem for our electrical. Let us know if you have any other questions! Episode 3 is now posted & episode 4 coming soon! Thanks! - Maranda & James

[@GymWithRay]

Did your trailer come with a door lock that locks from the inside? Mine only locks from the outside and I'm struggling to implement an inside locking system. Any thoughts on putting epoxy on all my walls and ceiling for insulation? It's a route I'm considering to save on time and money

[@greatslambino]

Hey I’m about to seal all the seams of my used cargo trailer that I’m converting. Do you think sealing between the frame and the aluminum walls would cause water to get trapped on the outer face of the frame causing it to rust? The trailer I bought had some interior rust on one part of the frame that I had to grind off due to a leak. I ideally would like to seal just the seam between the aluminum wall panels where they overlap but this particular one is a pain bc the seam is right behind the frame tubing

[@stephenharrison1303]

How many panels of foam did you end up needing?

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey Stephen, Thanks for the question! We used (4) 2-inch foam panels for the flooring. We used (12) 1.5-inch panels for the walls and ceiling. Thank you for watching! Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon. Don't forget to hit the notifications button so you don't miss future episodes! - Maranda & James

[@4Chrissymom1981]

What size self tapping screws did you use?

[@michaelposey6529]

Drills are for holes. The only thing to drive a screw is an impact driver.

[@kryan318]

run wires and put in boxes before insulating.

[@Kandice571]

Why remove vent, that works as a skylight, with a skylight (same size even) that does not work like a vent? Thank you.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Kandice! Thanks for the question! We wanted 2 separate functions which called for 2 separate pieces of equipment. The skylight is solely meant to bring in more natural light so we don't need to use our battery to power our lights as frequently. We needed a vent fan for air flow. When the weather is bad and we can't run our vent fan, our skylight still provides light throughout the trailer. The vent fan is also tinted (something we opted to go with for heat reduction) so it doesn't allow much light in at all. Hope that answers your question! Let us know if you have any others - thanks for watching! - Maranda & James

[@thunderrode1744]

Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy building and happy camping in the name of the Creator God and Yeshua/ Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall yall and cool cool videos keep on keeping on many blessings also I subscribed waiting to see more of ur travels and build many blessings yall 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Thunderrode1744, Thank you for the uplifting of good vibes for us! We're grateful for kind comments like that! 🙏🏻 Episode 3 is now posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Don't forget to hit the notifications button so you don't miss future episodes! Hope to see you there! Sending you good vibes 💫 - Maranda & James

[@harrytraction1380]

Environmentally conscious paleeeze 😂

[@ElLocoCoyotefarms-og8rj]

Are you not supposed to put the Reflective toward the living space to give you more R Value

[@eggman62046]

You did a great job of relaying information. However, I found your constant switching from narrow to wide on your phone annoying. Might want to pick a format and stick with it. Good info.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hey Eggman62046, Thank you for the feedback! We had no idea of the formatting issues between social platforms so we used different cameras throughout the build process (iPhone, GoPro, Canon, etc). Will definitely take this into account in a future build! Thanks for watching - episode 3 was just posted and episode 4 coming soon! - Maranda & James

[@sherrismith4754]

Where the red or the build?

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi there, Episode 3 was just posted and episode 4 is coming soon! Make sure to turn on the notifications for our channel so you don't miss future episodes! - Maranda & James

[@Glynntodd]

Used a electric knife!!

[@rvail136]

Pre drilling your holes for your screws is a thing.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi, Thanks for the view! You don’t pre drill doles when using self-tapping metal screws 😉 Thanks!

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌❤️🇨🇦,

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi! We appreciate the love from Canada!! 🇨🇦❤️ New episodes coming soon, stay tuned 🥳 - Maranda & James

[@gearhead93adventures]

cringeworthy but i still enjoyed it lol

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi, Thanks for the view! Glad you enjoyed! - Maranda & James

[@Spankytrucker69]

As soon as I heard the bs on Environmental conscious, I exited the video and pressed not interested.

[@homeiswheretheheartsare]

Hi Jimmytaco6445, Thanks for the view! - Maranda & James

[@michaelposey6529]

Did you mistake this for an airport sir? Absolutely no need to announce your departure. Your grandchildren won't appreciate your ignorance in a few decades.