Horse Trailer Camper Conversion Minimalist Nomad

My home since all of 2020. 2 horse travel trailer camper conversion. Traveling around USA camping and hiking in all the national parks and beautiful places! Check out my other backpacking, camping and travel videos on my channel!

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

You know, l have known many homeless people in my past who would have been thankful as you are to be sheltered from rain and snow. I am almost 62 now and extremely grateful for the little 1-bedroom apt. that l have now. Please be safe, young man, wherever you travel.🤗🍀🐾🌈☮️🇨🇦

[@ModelInAVan]

Grateful for it all. Keep life simple

[@frankrojas304]

I love how realistic this is. I've seen too many DIY builds where they have a lot of money and put in so many extras. This is a lot more realistic, thank you for posting. I've been looking at small trailers at auctions for a very similar project.

[@ModelInAVan]

Haha. Yeah those $100k setups u always see at the top of KZbin. So unrealistic

[@abbyt4713]

It's kind of fun just to take your time and put money into those like to build the bed room.... You know to build the toilet that's the most important two things... and the kitchen... I think it would be so much fun I always wanted to buy an old school bus and do that.

[@ChildofGodforevr]

I’d love to buy 1000 of these and hook them up with all necessities plus AC and heat and take them all to the homeless in AZ. And other very poor areas. Oh if I only had the money . ….

[@largemarge1603]

@@abbyt4713 toilet: Solids -- squat over a newspaper. Liquid -- laundry-detergent jug. . Shower: We use a Craftsman 20v garden-sprayer. We heat water on the Coleman propane two-burner camp-stove.

[@largemarge1603]

@@ChildofGodforevr In a couple-three hours, TheHomeLess© will strip them, sell everything for scrap, then abandon mountains of trash as they move to their next squat. . But never let Real-World interfere with your plans.

[@gettheledout4510]

My husband passed in 2016. We had a van completely self contained and, just like yours, it felt like home. We always came up with ways to utilize space, hooks, shelves, rack, baskets, caddies, lighting... Everything from scraps, yard sales, Walmart, $ Tree and Big Lots. We're not material people. Home is what you make it. And you did just that! 😎✌

[@CAM-fq8lv]

As the Brits say - Cheap and cheerful! Well done, man. Super comfy and practical. I've just discovered that this is even a thing and it is very interesting. Practical, light, enough room for essentials. What's not to love? You give an excellent overview. Good speaking voice (timbre, pace is excellent), no annoying background music, and no BS commentary. I'm subscribed!

[@ModelInAVan]

Appreciate a fine comment like that. Thanks for watching

[@aprilcoursey4533]

This is a realistic start for sure. Way better than a tent, much better out of the elements and safe. People live out of backpacks all of the time, minimalism is extremely doable.

[@ModelInAVan]

Minimalism is always the goal for me too!

[@susanbarry7289]

Fantastic job with this trailer conversion , we’ve thought of doing this with our gooseneck horse trailer once our very old horses are no longer with us. Very nice!

[@ModelInAVan]

They are heavy to tow but very nice canvases

[@glynn3331]

I love horse trailer conversions because they are much more sturdy and last twice as long as a regular camper due to the materials used.

[@ModelInAVan]

Agreed! The weight for towing is significantly more unfortunately 😕

[@deborahcurtis1385]

But the curved roof is great design because joins are minimised and away from water that pools in corners....I'm starting to think this is a serious option like an Airstream for the wealth-challenged. @@ModelInAVan

[@abbyt4713]

It's awesome you could save so much money too upgrade too...we bought a huge camper lived in it for three years had a awesome time paid it off and saved for a beautiful home so much fun....💜🥰✝️

[@AdamJMusic23]

I Really enjoyed this horse-trailer-home video.... Jobs & Money is not our only goal & living life to the fullest is a superb Education in it self ❤

[@CollectiveConsciousness1111]

Good for you. Minimalism is rewarding in so many ways. HaPpY DaYs mate 👍

[@shirleylaracuente8021]

I never thought of that for a tiny home. Nice I would put on the back wall a soft large rug to warm up if its to cold. if it was my place.

[@nathanielbaker2556]

It's a great blessing, it's home, you comfortable and happy, God bless you, good job too.🙏❤️👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@melaniewrath4933]

That is so cool we have a 3 horse and that what I want to do. Good luck to you. I would love to travel.

[@ccaatttiraffe]

Amazing! I've been looking into alternatives to convert, and am so glad I've stumbled upon horse trailers!

[@ModelInAVan]

Yeah they are sortof heavy but still very spacious

[@donnapratt1987]

It would be nice to have a bathroom compost toilet and little sink to wash off or prep food in that extra shortage area up front

[@largemarge1603]

@donna, Although those duplicate the familiar from a stand-still house, we simplified: * instead of tanks and plumbing and pumps and leaks, we use spritz bottles. . [edited to add] Instead of tanks and plumbing and elaborate contraptions such as a composter head: * solids -- squat over a newspaper. * liquid -- we use a retired laundry-detergent jug.

[@johndavis452]

I'm going to get a trailer with same dimensions this spring. Thanks for showing!!

[@ModelInAVan]

Glad u are going for it. It's the best life!

[@CreationsByWill]

Love it man. I picked up a similar trailer last year to do the same. Thanks for sharing. Hope to see more people live like this.

[@ModelInAVan]

Heck yes. This is simple, but the beauty remains outdoors

[@largemarge1603]

@@ModelInAVan Our million-acre front porch!

[@cynthiagasner2412]

I lived a couple years in the same size horse trailer. But mine didn't have windows you could close. So I covered it with a car cover to keep out sand. No body suspects a person is in a horse trailer.

[@marlenesalter-po9qx]

Great to see the idea. That works! I have been travelling for the last year in a SUV. Took out all seats except the drivers ... Bed in the back and wire shelf for propane stove - cooking and heating during winter months. Insulation is a problem since there are no straight walls. I am impressed with your ... 1. Book storage. 2. Glueing reflective insulation onto styrofoam insulation. Great idea . Myself, for this winter I am looking at felt from a boatyard store. I have travelled extensively for the last year and this land is absolutely spectacular. Putting in another year ... At least. Happy travels to you.

[@shannmartin9361]

You could also add an awning to increase your outdoor living space.

[@ModelInAVan]

Wow that's so genius

[@0U81TO]

Really love your horse trailer camper conversion...looks so cozy inside. Have all that meet your needs for your life style!!

[@cathykeim1088]

I would suggest painting the wood supports all the same color. Cover the insulation with panels or other lightweight material. It would give it a nice finished look. A fold down table to prepare and cook food, also to place a water jug and basin. A composting toilet in the area where your clothes are on the floor and a vertical bin area for clothes. Paint the floor a similar color to wood supports and cover with removable carpet that fits the area.

[@largemarge1603]

For our ExpeditionVehicle conversion, we wanted a 'vardo' arched ceiling. At a lumber surplus yard, we sorted a yuge pile of beautiful 12' 2x4 cedar... much of it pretzled and warped. . We set aside a dozen identical arched 'beams', then cut to the width of our ceiling. Our supports are the straightest ends, vertically whittled out on the top end with a router in the 2x4 dimensions so the beams slip in, then bolted through the walls.

[@Jollyprez]

I think that's closer to 8'. I've converted a 5'x10' cargo trailer into a camper, and you can fit a lot of stuff in a small space. I've been looking at horse trailers on craigslist as I think one of those would be an excellent candidate for conversion since they already have doors and windows. INTERESTING having a loft bed in there sideways....haven't seen that before...

[@wendycunningham2479]

It looks very copy and I respect you for doing all that and living the good life - in creation!!

[@ModelInAVan]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate the comment

[@patsy205]

Good job, all you need. Smart man

[@MissyQ12345]

The only thing you need is a better chair under that bed. But I like it. It's not a mansion on wheels. More realistic than some I've seen. You can add bits as you go along and see what you need.

[@largemarge1603]

@Miss, Our problem -- and the issue with other full-time live-aboard folk -- is constantly getting rid of stuff.

[@largemarge1603]

2003, we converted a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle. Two decades full-time live-aboard. . Our interior is 7x12 by 7' tall. "But but but LM!, how do you live in such a tiny space!" We do not live in our rig. We live out of it.

[@senceriacruse4943]

I like it ! Creative thinking

[@mainemermaid6596]

Glad you sealed up the back so no horses can get in. 😁 But seriously. That's pretty cool. Maybe you can get some sheets of paneling to complete the inner walls, and make it look a little nicer (or RV/car ceiling panels/fabric). But, hey! It's very practical, and you've got everything you need. Plus, people don't travel to spend time inside, right? I'm sure you spend most of your time exploring and hanging outside by a campfire. [PS: If you're cooking with a propane stove inside, remember to open a window or crack a door, and air out your rig afterward, so you don't get sick (or worse) from propane fumes. My brothrr's a firefighter, and he told me that, every year, people die (or, if lucky, end up hospitalized) from using propane stoves and heaters in enclosed tents and RVs. He said they call it "a silent kllr"] Safe travels!

[@lizsteilkie]

Thank you. Very clever. It's also warmer near the roof.

[@fuzzylogic8573]

Excellent job brother. If you want to do your roof just use 3mm ply wood then drill and pop rivet to the frame

[@ModelInAVan]

Wow sounds like a plan!

[@laurabell4459]

It looks like the first two horse trailer I bought in about 1978. It was a Miley that I had for 4 or 5 years until the ramp in the rear (they also have the step-up versions) would have needed to be replaced. I've also slept in plenty of trailers at overnight events. Good conversion......this one would have been a lot more comfy to sleep in 😊

[@dashnlace]

This is FANTASTIC!!! 😉

[@linda041169]

In the area that you have your clothes you should make shelves so you could put more clothes neatly and then under the 2 or 3 shelves for the whole length and on the back of the main door you should screw in one of those door shelves metal rack and then you can put your can goods soda water etc in the rack where the chairs are and where the carpet is when you walk in you should put a board on hinges and a swing out leg to make a table so you can eat there or while you are watching movies you can put your drinks or pop corn there and when not in use just fold it flat against wall....

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

That is some serious minimalism. Not sure I could live in a small space. Barely made it in a 20X6’ trailer. But I’d make a very poor minimalist!! Great to live without rent or mortgage though. Pretty cool!

[@NewDimension7]

Yuhuu... Enjoying.. Yeay mantaap sekali

[@stephaniemoore3779]

I used to dream of converting a trailer to live in!! Now I live in my minivan with my dog and cat.

[@Earthismadeoflayers]

Hey I also live in a twin horse trailer that I converted myself, im in the UK. They are awkward to work with! Would be cool to cross paths sometime...

[@ModelInAVan]

Wow that's amazing to meet you! They are awkward but every travel style had its own learning experience

[@curtisporter8468]

I've thought about the exact same thing ..horse trailer..great ...job ..for inexpensive

[@largemarge1603]

Showers : we use a Craftsman 20v garden-sprayer. We heat water on the Coleman propane two-burner camp-stove. . We shower outside to avoid humidity inside. After use, the appliances store in their cubby. . An enclosed bathroom? Poor air circulation encourages mildew. . We like the Craftsman series of 20v battery tools: * chain-saw * weed-whacker * DA orbital sander for cast-iron skillets . [edited to add] Craftsman 20v garden-sprayer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGKZeIl3bcZgiZY&feature=shared

[@dianeibsen5994]

hi thanks for sharing this. You don't have sink, kitchen or toilet? You didn't talk about the aerodynamics of it. I wonder if this is kind of like an airstream?

[@kirstinetermansen2213]

I was thinking two set together,. ??? Great to see, I been returning to campers, as bully, violation keep pushing me around

[@largemarge1603]

@kirs, Some of our caravan chums converted cargo-trailers with a rear-entry ramp. They park bumper-to-bumper, then set a portable car-port over their enclosed 'patio'.

[@craftykez]

Personally my horse float is lighter than my old caravan. I attach stuff in my float with magnets.

[@user-mu6qt7is8n]

Amazing ❤

[@kirstinetermansen2213]

Great, I like the color Himalayan sleeping bag,🌍

[@ModelInAVan]

Thanks for that. Appreciate you watching

[@petuniaromania6294]

I'm actually looking at an older horse trailer that I'd like to get and convert into my tiny home on wheels. I lost my car this year so I'm probably going to have to get a riding lawn mower, or something affordable like that, to move it around my local area. What do you pull your camper with?

[@ModelInAVan]

Horse trailers are cool but honestly very heavy compared to other travel trailers. I was using an SUV. A riding mower probably wouldnt work. Thanks for the comment and hope you find a cool tiny house!

[@largemarge1603]

@pet, Every area craigslist has part-time towers. Anybody with an appropriate hitch could move your rig. . [edited to add] A riding-mower... What!

[@petuniaromania6294]

@@largemarge1603 hello there and thanks for writing. I was able to get a van, a great job, and started living the van life in February 2022. I am enjoying the experience much better now and have adjusted to this new type of freedom and adventure.

[@petuniaromania6294]

@@largemarge1603 I thought about a riding lawn mower and adding a rain cover equipped with solar and pulling a little trailer with a little shelter built upon it. It was just an idea 😀

[@kathydeppe6883]

Sorry I am late to this-wonderful video & glad you did this & your brother. I do have something I wondered - where is a bathroom??? Just wondering…

[@largemarge1603]

@Kathy, Please, see our responses to identical questions.

[@linda041169]

Or if you can put electricity in the front of trailer and run off a battery or solar generator where the clothes are make shelves and on the middle shelf put a small refridge this way you can have cold drinks and on the side of fridge put small microwave run off a solar generator and when microwave is not in use then use for light at night create an outdoor shelf on the front of the trailer near the hitch for the solar generator and make a small hole to run wires out for fridge and microwave this way you can heat up your food and on the fold out table you can use a hot plate and when done put it away on top of fridge in your shelf area

[@nobodyisprfct]

So I am curious about the winter. During the winter was there condensation inside? If so how did you take problem. If not an issue, then cool. What would an off road version look like driven by a mule or horse?

[@ModelInAVan]

Well the area's I camped were quite dry so there wasn't much issue. It's not fully sealed so it breathes through little cracks between the doors. Also every morning it's a good habit to open it up to let the sun is as much as u can. That's a good recommendation for any type of tiny home

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@ModelInAVan thank ypu for your reply.

[@largemarge1603]

@nobo, In our ExpeditionVehicle, we always open two windows on opposite walls. Escaping warm air carries humidity and odors.

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@largemarge1603 cool thanks for replying!

[@nobodyisprfct]

@@largemarge1603 this may sound ridiculous, but I would like to have one modified for a more off road experience that 1 or 2 draft mules can pull. Winters can be harsh but with the new available tech I think there can be a way to protect the draft mules as well. Like these 180 degree canopies.

[@richierich7668]

Thats cool thats something im looking for nothing to big.

[@rogerr8029]

Nice

[@donfacundo2118]

Not bad mate

[@dadams19111]

Nice!

[@ModelInAVan]

Thanks for watching. It's simple and minimalist

[@valeriesmith7705]

I would love to live in a horse trailer, however I live in an area of Australia that can get extremely hot. Can anyone give me any tips on keeping cool??

[@ModelInAVan]

Well I can say I camped in this when it was 115 f out during the day in Moab and we just left all the little doors open all night to cool down. Thankfully since this isn't insulated much, it won't retain heat that long

[@largemarge1603]

@valerie, Could you carry a portable car-port, then camp under it... out of the sun? . [edited to add] In winter, close the ends of your car-port to reduce heat transfer?

[@largemarge1603]

@@ModelInAVan One of the benefits of living outside: * acclimatization. . In our ExpeditionVehicle, we rarely run the Wave 3 catalytic heater above about 40°f.

[@ChildofGodforevr]

Are u still living in it.

[@kirstinetermansen2213]

Hope you find, good place to camp, or built, home,

[@ModelInAVan]

Thanks so much for watching

[@deborahgarrison4349]

What do you pull it with? Weight.?

[@largemarge1603]

@debo, He said his tow vehicle is a Mercedes Benz ML.

[@tommysimmons3258]

What are you pulling it with? Weight too?

[@ModelInAVan]

I think it weighed 2500 lbs if I remember. Very heavy for its size. Travel trailers can be half the weight . We had a Mercedes suv pulling it.

[@axexen9180]

What happened to the minivan?

[@ModelInAVan]

I made a video about that. I crashed it, so no more minivan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnHZKKLoNOeiZY

[@margemargie9891]

I dream of the ideal RV.....is it a hybrid pickup towing a horse trailer? is it a Mercedes engine with a high roof? is it a Subaru 4-wheel drive with my talented mechanic neighbor raising and extending the roof somehow for me? who can relate

[@ModelInAVan]

We actually used a Mercedes ml series to pull this

[@vernonmartin4327]

What is the weight of it ?

[@ModelInAVan]

2500 lbs if I remember right. It's very heavy

[@TheDavinaLove]

U both live there

[@mamamia5556]

That's awesome 👍👍👍

[@kotieboatz6042]

There's a trailer for $600 I am tempted

[@carolridgway2201]

Where does he have a wash and go to the toilet

[@largemarge1603]

@caro, Please, see our responses to identical questions.

[@user-nv8po4py4s]

Kitchen bathroom toilet???

[@largemarge1603]

Please, see our multiple responses to identical questions.

[@keithenr]

HE FORGOT TO SHOW US HIS SHOT GUN 🔫

[@daisysoto1356]

Por favor Vacíen eso rompa lon y hágalo nuevo 😢

[@largemarge1603]

After a half-century of make-do camping in lesser rigs, after a year and a hundred thousand miles delivering factory RecreateVehicles manufacturer-to-dealer and dealer-to-shows, we are convinced RVs are barely adequate for a few weekends annually. Full-time live-aboard requires a substantially stouter rig. . Today's video is a reminder: * A stock-trailer for horses and cattle needs to be engineered for decades of safety for the animals. A factory RecreateVehicle is not.

[@vladislavdrozdov7487]

A for effort! However I don't think this a good conversion. But if it makes you happy that's all that matters

[@ModelInAVan]

Its very minimalist indeed

[@vladislavdrozdov7487]

@@ModelInAVan that's a better way of wording it!

[@LuIsSaNcHeZ510]

@@vladislavdrozdov7487 😂

[@wendycunningham2479]

That's rude. If he's happy and comfortable and enjoying nature, isn't that all That's important? Isn't that what we're searching for? No need to dump money into the fanciest thing to impress social media consumers.

[@vladislavdrozdov7487]

@@wendycunningham2479 Just because you don't like my opinion doesn't mean it's rude. I did not say anything rude.

[@caligula3901]

Convert back to a horse trailer and try a house.

[@bidadari5373]

sorry,why living in a caravan seen from the outside like a tramp even though it's not really🤭

[@calzydownunder3497]

Not something l would show the world. You could have done a much better job

[@ModelInAVan]

Well I'm happy that you are doing much better then I am. You are blessed to have more than me. Thanks for watching

[@donnaharding9604]

@@ModelInAVan I like that your tiny home looks like real people live there. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

[@loveyou4247]

Seriously with the cost of rent and houses these days why not if it works? I've even considered renting my house out for a year and living in my trailer.

[@ModelInAVan]

That is an incredible idea! What a great way to produce income! Go for it