Cargo Trailer Conversion - Camper / Car Hauler | Part 1

[@metaljam7197]

I know this comment is 2 years late but I just ran across your videos. I'm designing a cargo trailer conversion and you are the first person that solved the bed/garage situation, and did with a strong, solid design. Most people try to pull the bed up on the ceiling with expensive, over engineered, and quite frankly, badly designed systems. You nailed it with your design which I will duplicate. Also, nice job on the rest of the trailer! I'm a woodworker and welder/artist, I build furniture, cabinets, metal/wood tables ect. You did a fine job on the cabinets considering you had never built them before. But the most impressive thing I noticed is your attention to utility and efficiency in your design. RVs alway try to jam in so much stuff that you never use, and give you no space to move around, you put in exactly what you need and nothing else...perfect! Nice job, thanks for sharing your videos.

[@lauratibbles6598]

I totally agree I’m looking to do something like this myself to travel an live in I’m Retired sold my house most my thinks are in storage no furniture but my persons stuff I’m staying with a friend his house if full but if something happens to him I’m homeless so I’m always looking for alternative housing but I love your set up and I’m not hauling any car but a four wheeler would be an option or electric bikes but you did a great job I got some really good ideas

[@abcantiques777]

The most impressive, functional, well built, organized cargo trailer conversion in KZbin!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks..... that really means a lot. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it!! I think it took me longer to make the design then to actually build it.... I guess it paid off!!

[@chrisp8418]

Dude, you could not have said it better. This is absolutely beautiful.

[@scottbrummett4915]

Excellent job, thank you for sharing such great ideas

[@davesworld7961]

This checks off all the boxes a person would want in a cargo trailer. It's a camper, toy hauler, concession stand. Brilliant.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks! That was the goal.

[@arthurt74]

Good 'ol American ingenuity. Love to see the craftsmanship. You did a fantastic job.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks

[@johndewey6358]

Cool. A frig with the built-in winch! I hope your kids realize what a talented dad they have.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... I really tried to think of everything... I try and explain things as I go to them... my oldest likes to help and it always like "Daddy can make anything!!".

[@HarrisonsGarage]

Nice job with this. Will definitely be copying a lot of this when it comes time to build out my race trailer with living quarters.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks, Copy all you want!

[@rvail136]

Im a madter cabinet maker. Ive been watching videos for ideas for a family toy hauler. Yours is the closest to what i want to do. Thanks for giving me the ideas i needed. Well done sir.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks

[@birdlady2725]

Genius bed systems! I love the layout. You did a great job on the cabinets and bathroom. Thank you for sharing.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... the beds design saved the entire thing. It was hard to make 1 trailer be a cargo, camper, car Hauler, etc. Also the beds come off the wall with just 4 bolts just in case what ever vehicle I pulled in there would fit.

[@DionMunk]

Your planning and work in this are seriously awesome. It's so clean. Everything has a purpose, no wasted space. I really like your utility cabinet. You'd typically have to tear apart a normal RV trailer to get to that type of stuff. Great work!

[@watsonst04]

Planning was key here. I'm also a big fan of tiny houses, so that helps!! Yea most RV's are built to just look good enough to sell and not worry about repairs. I'm always fixing things, so I built it with that in mind.

[@b00bala64]

Your wife is lucky you have these skills. This turned out great!!!

[@ChefCrys01]

My favorite trailer to date. Looks nice, quality build, and practical. Good job.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@freeidaho-videos]

Nice planning and execution. I like the floor plan, and wall-beds.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks.... I can't tell you how many weeks and times I just sit inside the trailer visually trying to walk it through.

[@GungaLaGunga]

The layering of functional hardware and systems like the winch is brilliant. GREAT IDEAS! Thank you for sharing this.

[@watsonst04]

Glad you liked it!

[@demiangarcia-monroy2564]

I have seen tons of DIY videos on trailers and this is the one that applies to what I want to do. Very well done, thanks!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... it was a great trailer to build.

[@a-a-ronbalakay7464]

Watched your whole video and WOW! Nice, clean, and very well constructed with both living and hauling in mind. Many videos I've seen don't accomplish both, and especially not as nice as this. Well Done!

[@watsonst04]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tammyturbide9463]

My husband and I love this design! Big enough to haul my kayak and my SUP board! Love it!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!! I like it this way as it's really universal for anything my family can throw at it. I used it the other day to get lumber to keep it dry, then another day I was helping someone move...list goes on and on!!

[@newlion7013]

AWESOME BUILD! I have a 24' cargo trailer, & you just gave me a couple of great ideas. Thank you

[@watsonst04]

Thanks! If you have any questions let me know!

[@patriciamuskevitsch8359]

Man, you did a beautiful job on this. It is the perfect blend of functionality and beauty. Love it.

[@ceasarmiranda526]

You are a genius! This is exactly what I want, since you haulers are reliable and not cheap. I wanted something simpler and more functional.i need to do something like this or find someone who can do it for me, as I'm not very handy.

[@chelseab5467]

I watched your bed installation and found it amazing! Now I can really see it as a useful camper and cargo trailer. Even gave me some more ideas! Thank you The Watson Garage!

[@watsonst04]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizlo8586]

I have just seen the most clever and well built cargo transformation ever. So many ingenious solutions, specially the beds design Wow!

[@jnbernard]

No bathroom sink, just a solo cup of water to brush your teeth, perfection.

[@watsonst04]

I know some people complain about the no sink (Even if there is one 4 steps away). Just got to remember this is a camping trailer, you could be sleeping in a tent...lol!!!!

[@chirogirl67550]

The man is a carpenter! How do I know?…my retired husband had 22,000 Union Carpenters and he’s enjoying this video. Beautiful build…love it! Peace and Blessings

[@shanephillips6060]

Very nice bro. The plumbing, the beds, the lights, the HIDDEN WINCH. Lots of great inspiration. Thanks for the video.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@joeleedirt7934]

Great job 👍.... I have watched dozens of builds.. Your camper gets my Tshirt...

[@waddellanator]

you could trailer a nice bass boat inside this thing and be able to haul your boat and camper with one tow vehicle to the lake. Great build!

[@watsonst04]

Yep, I had E-Track for the floor and you could place them anywhere to secure anything you want.

[@WandafulWrldWide]

Wow! This is simplistic, yet perfect! Fantastic, versatile build!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks..... that's what I was going for!

[@scottstclair8039]

You have built a great camper, car hauler. You should be proud! Great idea’s bye you, it looks great!

[@WaybackRewind]

There are many of these videos, but this is my favorite. I plan to do mine very similar with a few changes.

[@yachtboy]

I've watched probably 100 trailer conversion videos and this one is my favorite. Simple but still comfortable. I am definitely going to try to copy a bunch of these ideas. Really well done.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks, please copy whatever you need!

[@bmorecareful1014]

Gotta give you man props man. You have a really nice setup. I just picked up an 18ft for hauling. I wish I had the skills to do this. I would take one of these over a RV any day. Well Done!!!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!! Honestly if you just take your time it something I think anyone can do. There's plenty of help videos out there and forums to help you out. I used to be intimidated on doing things, but after "just doing it"... every project gets easier and easier. Also helps having the right tools for the job.

[@kenwestlake7461]

I think you did a great job .I have a 1930 model A that I haul in my enclosed trailer .would like to do what you did thanks for showing us.

[@twobusyliving6641]

This is amazing. Really like your passion for doing this. One of my favorite sayings from an actor I like is the people who have impressed me the most in life are the people who get s__t done. Looking forward to following your channel.

[@watsonst04]

I love to build stuff and it's hard to get anyone to do anything these days. So it a win win for me. I do it, save loads of money, help other people and make something 100% to my standards.

[@suelynch]

That bathroom is fantastic. I love it when people think outside of the box. Just about all conversions I have seen haven't taken advantage of the draw-bar area for internal uses. A bathroom is the perfect room to put in that area. I have seen someone turn it into the kitchen which wasn't to bad. I have to admit that you have nailed it. More windows are needed for sure. A small car to buzz around in is all you need when you get to where you are going. If for some reason you did need a large vehicle, unhitch the trailer.

[@bvrgrn1038]

You speak to my soul. Thanks for sharing and I’ll probably rip off most these ideas. One trailer for all!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks...yes please rip off anything you may want.... that's why I'm here!!

[@bkelley1979]

What an excellent build bro!!! Looks like all your hard work paid off!!! Awesome layout, fit and finish!👏👏👏👏👏

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!! We will be camping again in it this month.... can't wait!

[@bephoebe]

This is incredible. My son and I want to do this on a smaller scale so we can have a dual use cargo/camper trailer. So many great ideas in your build.

[@watsonst04]

You can do it!

[@innerspaceavailable]

This is an awesome layout. Great job on the entire trailer. I really agree with you about having additional shutoff for the water. Wonderful job. I have been following "I ride, tiny house adventures" too. They are living in theirs 24x7. Again, fantastic job!!!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!! I've just seen too many water damages in RV's or one little thing leaks and now your entire trailer is shut down. Also way I built everything with home components (PEX, brass fitings, faucets, etc) as RV stuff is cheap and breaks easily.

[@cherylrobinson378]

The bathroom is great and the cabinets look amazing. What a great job.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... we just need a big enough bathroom to shower, change cloths and have some storage. Didn't feel the need for another sink.

[@jonathanramey7578]

Ive watched a ton of conversion videos. I like yours the most because its so functional. Looks great too and way economical than most

[@bryansonnet2454]

Well thought out and the most functional build on You tube.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks, I spent a lot of time doing drawings and laying it out with tape before I ever started to cut anything.

[@The_Joy_Finder]

Those beds are pure genius.

[@watsonst04]

It took me 3 days to come up with that plan... LOL!!!

[@Corona8586]

Dude I love it. You gave me a lot of ideas of everything I want to do. Specially with the beds

[@jamestopeka2236]

Good Job man , very creativity .

[@VinceKelly-z8d]

hello and good morning. very awesome conversion. I`ve just bought a 24` and I`m going to do this. I would like to see how you did the bathroom, plumbing and holding tank and hook up. very impressed with what you did

[@DJAlgorithm74]

She's a BEAUTY, best conversion video I have seen to date! CONGRADULATIONS on your MASTERPIECE!!!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@shanecherry6731]

Wow!! I'm fixing to do this myself.....as a carpenter I must say very creative and a fantastic job sir!! Thx!

[@watsonst04]

I have to thank my dad mostly. Growing up he taught me how to do everything (plumbing, electrical, etc). Thanks for watching!

[@rphawx]

Such a beautiful build brother! Absolutely love the three beds. That’s sum jenius enginerdin’ right there:)! Jk about the wording however, I really do love everything about your build, especially the “Murphy style” bedding. I hope you’re getting a chance to enjoy it:)! Stay safe.

[@pamm5287]

Absolutely one of the best builds I've ever seen.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@pamm5287]

@@watsonst04 You're very welcome. Have a blessed & wonderful weekend.

[@russritchie532]

The best build I have seen so far! Beds are exactly what im needing to build. Great Job!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks...glad I could help!!

[@SoloIzDA1]

I love this build and am actually thinking about doing one in a smaller 7x14. Your build is so motivating.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... please steal anything you need, that's what I'm here for helping someone else if I can.

[@izzyarias2191]

This looks so sick! It almost has like a military feel/look to it .

[@jansweeney1333]

Your such a talented person , this trailer is fantastically built your geniuses is amazing. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👏🏻good job.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks...I'm just a guy from the country and grew up in my dads shadow.

[@bigdean4058]

You have just created the perfect motorcycle event trailer/camper I'm stealing every idea except the bunk beds lol

[@bigdean4058]

Also no way I get rid of pass thru perfect event system, adding windows right in it I could do

[@watsonst04]

Steal Away!!! If your just doing motorcycles you wouldn't have to have such a long trailer.

[@watsonst04]

I plan to add windows tot he concession stand door one day...

[@chadauer1113]

Love you trailer convert ,im looking to do the same for my beds can't wait to start mine

[@watsonst04]

Thanks, just take your time on the initial design. Design it on paper first, then tape out the floors, then sit back and virtually walk it out, then start working on it.

[@dorcasowens1210]

Have you got a video on the construction of the fold-up beds? You did an amazing job of designing and building you cargo/camper trailer. Some great ideas for space saving and utility. Great job!

[@watsonst04]

Yes I have

[@hd66trikerz]

You could manufacture that bed and bunk bed system, very slick. I’d buy it!

[@camerondierking7644]

Good thing you installed the pump! Easiest way to Winterize!

[@watsonst04]

Yep it came in handy when we had a freeze here!

[@rustytiller424]

I may have missed it but where is you grey , black, and water tanks

[@watsonst04]

I didn't have tanks.... I could easily add them if needed, but never have where I camped.

[@TrevorVera]

The kid bed set up is really nice! This is something ive been looking to do for a while but i need to upgrade my trailer from a 16 foot to a 24 foot. Great job!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... you could do this in the 16' trailer if you planned it out right.

[@chazdahda1058]

Man…. This is really cool. Thank you for this video. Excellent craftsmanship and planning.

[@FusionOffroad]

Thank you for the ideas, I am going to build a queen bed in mine with this idea

[@WCRichardson100]

Great Job!!! Im stealing the bunk bed design.

[@MelissaMalzahn]

This is awesome. I've been thinking of doing the same thing. I won't be haul a vehicle but having the option is great. Love the concession window too.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... the concession windows was there when I bought it.... just had to plan around it and it actually came in handy!!

[@kathleenlandolt5936]

I love this! It's so versatile! I could easily live in this trailer. It has everything I want, including durable all-wood cabinets, plumbing, electrical outlets, large fridge, shower, toilet (although my preference would be a composting toilet), microwave, shoe storage right inside the entrance - shucks! All of it! So much planning, ingenuity and care went into this. I wish I had the skills to do something similar, or the money to have someone like you build one for me. Congratulations on the wonderful job you did! You and your family should be very proud.

[@Doc1855]

I’d definitely be putting a curtain between y’all’s bed and the kids beds. My wife and I need a little bit of privacy.

[@fabricobblegarage9545]

Very nicely done! Awesome trailer

[@TheRed6263]

That is one awesome camper toy hauler.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@RR-wd1do]

Very nicely done.Gotta love the kreg jig best thing since sliced bread...LOL

[@watsonst04]

Thanks.... yea I love that Kreg jig and all the other ones that have. Hardly little things make the job so much easier!

[@drdt4]

I like the idea of this trailer the only thing I see is tie downs for your car to secure it. Great video.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... I planned on adding E-Track system to the floor and walls.

[@MyLogHomeLife]

Functional design and beautiful too. Great job!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@freespiritadventures849]

I just bought a 24 x 8.5 just like your. I've watching lot of bed ideas and your system is hands down the best . Would love to know if you have drawing for you bed system?

[@robertmcmahon1221]

Lots of ideas, good job.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@MountainLife86]

You're an artist and a genius. By far my favorite on KZbin. Good work, brother.

[@watsonst04]

Appreciate that

[@sheilacaine3962]

Very Awesome. Love the bed system. Everything.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks. They took alot of work, but worth it.

[@Lawnsbyjason]

Love this!!! Wondering about black and grey tanks? Would love to see a video on how they look under trailer

[@watsonst04]

I don't have tanks (could be added... made sure I had room for them just in case). I always stayed in full hook up sites, so it never mattered.

[@jeffshultz5348]

Beautiful trailer man. Love the cabinets.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks.... first time I built cabinets like that

[@dustup2249]

I agree on the comparison that RV's are cheaply built and that a sturdy cargo trailer can be made to be superior to RVs built using light weight cheap materials. You have the advantage of knowing every square inch of that trailer if you need to take stuff apart to repair plumbing, wiring, fans and AC etc.

[@endyw76]

Very cool camper trailer 👌🏼

[@watsonst04]

Thanks

[@indypup2003]

Wow! I love it. You did a really great job.

[@lauratibbles6598]

I have watched you whole video snd i Am really pumped about what you have done with your cargo trailer and I’m an old lady snd I want to down size and do what you have done travel trailers are junk but the cargo trailers are solid I gave toys as well th his is a great build and I could live in such a thing and hit the road if I want to greet job

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!! This trailer could easily last years way beyond a travel trailers life without question. Plus they has particle board floor, cheap paneling, cheap plastic plumbing (which ends up ruining a lot of trailer....insurance claim) and the list goes on. Mine having household appliances, wiring, plumbing should keep it going for my life time.

[@janebray9392]

Watched from Vancouver Island Canada - what an amazing build!!!! Top notch! 👍🙋‍♀️😍🇨🇦‼️

[@watsonst04]

Thanks Neighbor!!

[@AntonioMartinez-tj2zb]

Wao , the greatest cargo trailer built . You give me so many ideas how to build my but no so nice like yours lol I will try thanks man best videos .

[@philliphurd6545]

Great design looks fantastic. Thanks for the video.

[@stormtrooper88]

AWESOME! Simple, effective, nice looking, well thought our. The hidden winch... GREAT! i see only 1 thing i would change. use gfi outlets by the sinks [bathroom/kitchen] and not those regular ones.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks, it took alot of planning and back an forth on the design. I biggest obstacle was being able to pull a car inside it still. Also I have GFI breakers, so not sure if I still need them at the wall plug...I'll have to check. Thanks for looking out!

[@dontask7898]

Awesome job, very cool to see and pretty inspiring. Appreciate the video.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@christianlopez7307]

I love this layout great job

[@manstuff612]

Well thought well built and so functional!!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks!

[@TheMaverickAcres]

that is a well thought out nice build

[@watsonst04]

Thanks

[@mega-hb4re]

Very nice and you can technically put a small mattress or cot to sleep with a car in that small space on the kitchen. I’m working on my 8.5 x30 and I got a few ideas from you.

[@watsonst04]

Yes a cot will fit there, but only 1 person I would think. You could build the beds that hang from ceiling; therfore you could sleep above the car (depending on the car of course).

[@jonwright7729]

Hands down the best diy conversion I've seen. Well done. I know wood is heavy any idea on the before and after weights.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks.... Not sure on the weight. I wish I would have weighted it before and after. If I can find a scale around here I can at least get the current weight.

[@badillostyle]

Awesome Trailer!!!! Very thought out

[@Joizygyrl926]

This is amazing!! I've got a family of 6 plus a dog. This would be perfect for us when we travel. Well done!👏👏👏

[@juanziegler1471]

Finally something like what i want !!!! Thank you .

[@catherinenelson4162]

IKEA has fold up stools that would fit your table. They are made to hang on the wall. Great job, on your well thought out trailer!

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... I'll have to take a look at those. Right now we really don't sit inside as we have several Cliq bottle chairs that we use (expensive, but they don't take up the entire rear of our cars during soccer season).

[@terrell48]

You need to rig up solar panels and batteries and invertor to power the unit, I like the cargo conversions I have seen. A 12’ unit CONVERSION is what I have in mind to be able to tow with a half ton truck. You need “keepers” on the cabinet door to keep them closed when towing etc, the kind for kids to keep closed should work.

[@watsonst04]

I had the option to do the whole solar system, but I always camp somewhere where we have full hooks ups making it a waste. I help build another camper for my dad and his is fully off grid, so we can go anywhere he wants. Once he brings it home again I'll do a video on it. I've talked about making a Van/camper as well and if I do it will be off grid as well. The cabinets door all have spring loaded hinges and have a 1" lip on the front. So far we haven't had a issue with them opening or stuff falling out.

[@paulm.6437]

Great job, liked your bunk beds and table, and cabinets.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks! It was a lot of work, but I think it paid off.

[@Th3Will]

Really nice build! Would it be possible to install a drop down swivel mount for a tv centered over the concession door? For indoor/outdoor viewing.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks.... you could. I designed it if I wanted a TV I would mount it by the door, but a TV mount with a arm would be able to swing out for outside viewing. I didn't want it on the door as it could get in the way if you wasn't watching TV.

[@seabliss22]

Great 👍 job. Love the bathroom. No way would I go without a bathroom sink. 😆 Even if I have to put a little jug under it with a foot pump.

[@watsonst04]

Thanks... I could easily add one, but we just didn't feel we needed one as this is just a weekend camper. Less is sometimes more for us in this case.

[@davemetz7368]

I can envision a scene painted on the inside of your Big Widow while you are seated at the table. A beach with palm trees, etc., instead of just the huge black space. Great job on entire camper !!!

[@watsonst04]

I guess I could add a mural on the side... would make it a little more comfortable. Thanks for the idea!!