Off Grid Cargo Trailer/Camper Conversion Budget Build Pt. 1

[@tawnyschlienz9063]

Just be happy you have one. I'd love to have one. And to find one with the wheel wells on the outside of it. My ideal

[@Sharpshooter5859]

Love this video. Just bought a cargo trailer that I plan to renovate. I had an idea of how I wanted to lay everything out but had no idea where to start. This is really helpful!

[@gachitadamunga2403]

Great job putting this video together. You edited in the meaty info and trimmed out the junk. The time lapse speed ups really enhance the value of your video. Thank you for doing this.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@phoenixelixer37]

100% agree!!!

[@MediaGrenade]

This very video inspired us to take on a build of our own!

[@builtbysonick1250]

That's what I love to hear

[@laddlester6498]

A brand new show! cool.

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

It looks like it’s a good start to an awesome rig!! More on the build if you can. Thanks for your work on these videos, I know it takes up major time to create each one. This is Alan, GREETINGS from Riverside in Southern California!!

[@tituslamay4463]

This is sick stuff

[@jgott1745]

I’m sure you’re much farther along now, but wherever there’s a seam, you should tape it so it doesn’t let any air through. I love the project!! Just trying to be helpful!

[@jenwallace1766]

Hello from Erie,PA. Can't wait to see it finished!

[@builtbysonick1250]

Nice! We go camping up there all the time!

[@Alexanderbuilds2001]

Car-Mate’s are well built trailers. I had a 6x12 for 11 years before selling it.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya it's a pretty solid trailer. It's an 05 so that's saying something

[@johnoceanyang5522]

Very good I like to see how u do the roof, yes

[@FANGSTALKERNINJAMASTER99]

I have a 6x10 single axle trailer that I want to do almost exactly what you are doing with your trailer. This is a great video.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks!

[@JoneyJefe]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. How much stability do you lose when cutting the frame to make holes for the windows? I was told by a salesman that if I install my own windows, I void the warranty (for that reason). I understand that this trailer doesn’t have a warranty, but still curious.

[@felixcat9318]

Nice project for your Family Camper, subscribed.

[@1993Revhead]

Should do a bed loft with a a kitchen under

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Great work, just 1 suggestion lol, maybe put coat paint or bed liner on floor beam's

[@danielbuechel4691]

I loved it. As a loyal viewer I would love to see how to put transmission cooling lines on

[@builtbysonick1250]

I don't know how to do those 🤣🤣

[@austinnipper6460]

50/50 clorox water would've made the cleaning of the outside very easy. A little soap, usually dawn for surfactant. The stronger the bleach, the brighter the white but be careful using strong stuff.

[@geoffreykruse563]

Leave the dirt and grime. Go gray man

[@Realsesar]

I disagree with you that they are cheaply built....you have obviously never seen RV construction... now that is cheap

[@mikel9567]

I'll disagree with you on that. RV's aren't built cheaply. They are actually built to code and must pass inspection by the State like a regular house. The issue with RV's though is they are built to be lightweight which effects the type of products used. They are also bouncing down the road which has it's own challenges. They can build much more solid RV's but they will be heavier.

[@Offgridhippie]

@@mikel9567thank you for that ^🤙🏼

[@mallorymuchnok6984]

Can't wait to keep watching this build!

[@ericgauthier8695]

Awesome project ... I think it’s awesome that you have a wife that ACTUALLY HELPS so you aren’t doing EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF .

[@builtbysonick1250]

She's awesome!

[@kermit6672]

Hey since I see you do read comments. I have worked in the RV industry for years. I would be happy to answer questions and help out. I have already built 2 different vans and am getting ready to start my next project. Very seriously considering trailer like this which is what led me to your video.

[@builtbysonick1250]

That's awesome man I'll definitely keep that in mind!

[@mikel9567]

I would have used spray foam insulation. Of course I also probably would have redone the framing too. You are going to regret not insulating the floor.

[@MrJimmyjoe5]

Spray foam is hell to run wire thru or any other items that come up on a build. If you need to remove Spayfaom it breaks off

[@leslieforster1774]

Nice build. I would recommend installing buttal tape (spelling?) with your windows, as well as caulking the exterior.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Good idea on the tape! And I think it's butyl. Weird name lol

[@andrewwalker3055]

Don’t use caulk around windows, use mastic. It comes in a roll and it’s what they use at the factory

[@supposedly1-2]

that's how they do any mobile home too! ours had been custom made on 16 in centers with 2x12 supports across the bottom but thru out the house the walls are built like that trailer nothing level at all!

[@jluv420]

What size insulation is that? Thank for the vid. Wanting to do this bad, but the wife is fighting me because she wants all the luxuries of home. Trying to avoid plumbing. Nice video.

[@builtbysonick1250]

They are 4x8 sheets that I bought at lowe's. And ya luckily my wife is like me and doesn't want anything super fancy

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Yeah, I'd be fine with whatever 5gal bucket with the toilet seat on it, and just maybe a little sink and a water tank on the roof, or somewhere lower with a little 12v DC pump for drinking, cleaning dishes and whatever else. It's just My wife, our 6yr old daughter and myself and if I could make some money along the way, mechanic by trade, I would absolutely LOVE to spend the time with my family, home school our daughter and get to experience some of the most beautiful places in our Country AND meet other good, like minded American People or ANY nationality for that matter!

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@BabyCharlotteschannel amen to that brother! I'm also a mechanic so it should be easy to find work. I'm too much of a home body to do that though. I love to travel but I need a place to come back to. I could do a couple months but that's about it lol

[@thunderrode1744]

U did great job on ur trlr build only thing is I would use butyl tape on any holes u make in it on the outside ie wndws and such and or auto wndshld caulking and some caulking that's flexible on the inside but at least butyl tape on the outside of wndws and any thing using holes from the outside wow really like ur trlr build u did great job on it u could do them as a side bz and build cargo trlrs 4 living or hobby 4 extra income however that's my personal opinion tho sending up prayers 4 yall and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping 🚐🏕🌌🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@naysworld]

Can't wait to see the next part. Music was great too.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thank you!

[@terrellk9299]

Looks good so far. Good job

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks man

[@anak4618]

I just got a 6x12. I'm basically handy. Or I'll figure out a way lip so I was wondering,.....Did you recaulk from the inside? How did you fix the dried up caulk?

[@nuevozealand2]

Nice video - thanks for sharing all the details most of us need to try this ourselves. ! I see internal vertical wood studs where vertical metal trailer beams normally occupy. How are these wood studs mounted - simply fastened to metal studs? Back side of wood studs look almost flush with side sheet metal where metal studs normally sit, almost like wood studs have a groove cut in back of each one.

[@jamesconnell323]

We build jigs for the weld shop to know where to place the metal hat posts so all are the same. What company built that el cheepo ?

[@timwegman5776]

I've been wanting wanting to do one of these for so long. Some years back I had the perfect 14' er we used for our quads but at that time I had all 4 of my kids home and my 3 older children were just too old and big to make it work but now it's just the wife and my youngest but honestly she is 17 now and wouldn't go with us anyway so it would of been perfect had I not sold it 10 years ago lol. Back then I could get them semi cheap now I may as well buy a fully functional travel trailer for the same price as a used 14' cargo trailer but I hold out hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. I am also kicking around the idea of a tear drop trailer however that still requires a trailer base albeit a smaller cheaper one. Anyway thanks for sharing.

[@barrydeacon3551]

Floor not insulated? Might regret if 4 season camper. Ceiling getting insulated as well?

[@hgj2019]

I’m building a 6x12 single axle. It occurs to me that a 7x14 just might be the perfect size. Not too big, not too small.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya it really is. I got lucky getting a good deal on this one. Otherwise they are pretty expensive

[@hgj2019]

@@builtbysonick1250 true! Which is why I settled for 6x12. Shoulda bitten the bullet and gone bigger...

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@hgj2019 could always sell it when you're done and build another

[@hgj2019]

@@builtbysonick1250 that's kinda what I'm hoping will work out, but then I might adjust to the size and just keep it. Hard to know how it will work out. I'll certainly be watching your progress hoping for inspiration and ideas. 😁

[@kermit6672]

Use butyl tape or RV sealant to seal your windows not caulking. It really isn't the same stuff at all and almost always fails at the most inopportune time.

[@MonteNate123]

How did you fasten down the plywood flooring? Also, I might be redoing something similar for a UTV hauler. I'm guessing I should use 3/4" plywood

[@ricardosilva8106]

Good work, how much was the total cost on a build like this?

[@Lookbusybuddy]

Room for a bed and sofa looking out to the view.

[@0U81TO]

Looking good already!! Have fun with your build...

[@barrykelly2722]

The dog makes the video. Dogs are the best.

[@builtbysonick1250]

I know dude they really are!

[@midlifetrailerlife]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I have a question about the window you installed in the door. Was the back of the door open, meaning uninsulated? I'm wanting to put a window in my cargo trailer door, and it looked really easy when you did it! Thanks.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Yes it is uninsulated currently I just kind of figured out where I wanted it and then traced it out and cut it. I'm prob going to spray in insulate the door eventually. Thanks for the feedback!

[@midlifetrailerlife]

@@builtbysonick1250 thanks.

[@gianna01michelle]

I would like to know where you can get the stands to turn the ramp into a deck like that. I am getting a cargo trailer with some customization options already done. I want to put some jack stands like that on my trailers ramp.

[@karynlee9632]

I believe the technical term is skilly wampas.

[@wjmiles]

Wow you guys work fast. 😁😁😁😁

[@FA-wf2lw]

Very cool stuff . Love to watch this type of video and get ideas for my build . 👍👍👍

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks!

[@rickdoesitforyou]

Bottom of wall plate replaced? kinda rotten too. Where was water leak coming in from?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Yes I replaced the section that was rotten and water was getting between where the roof meets the side and running down the inside of the trailer. It's an 05 and it sat for a number of years so it's to be expected

[@MultiMrNoone]

I hear what you are saying about being cheaply made and having a sloppy build, but compared to typical travel trailers I see, I think a cargo trailer build is worlds ahead of a traditional camper. And, there is probably some slop created in the years since it was built.

[@davidpatrick1813]

Also would have been good to use the frame under the floor and insulate and seal.

[@cricketcricket5547]

How would I know where to cut for windows without hitting the metal bars behind the plyboard?

[@Finfanpete]

How did you install the framing studs to the walls?

[@galacticwarlock2271]

Interesting.

[@karynlee9632]

How was the foam board? Cost?

[@andrew203]

Great video! I noticed that when you were installing the insulation, why did you cut it in half? Is there an advantage/ purpose?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I had some wiring going through the wood for the lights and couldn't slide the insulation behind it so I just did it as two pieces if that's the part you were referring to

[@chriscole1136]

You able to stand up straight in there?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya as of right now I can yes

[@karynlee9632]

Threw a pc of that foam for your doggie to get off the cold outside.

[@jamesconnell323]

Those trailers don’t have metal hat posts ( uprights ) in the walls ???😮 I never built a Cargo trailer with all wood walls. Stick wood in the metal hat posts is normal but not all wood.

[@preciousmonique9076]

What tools did you use to cut out the metal?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Just a sawzall and an oscillating tool

[@0623kaboom]

pity this was 2 years ago ... a bed that folds screams MURPHY BED .... yes thats right diy murphy bed with linen storage under it that is secure ... and accesible when up or down ...

[@emilyscarpetcleaningautode5345]

Awesome

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thank you!

[@kyle27453]

Do you have an update on your camper

[@karynlee9632]

I hate my phone. How thick is the foam ?

[@romeowhiskey1146]

$1,200 for THAT. OMG. Swamp land available just for YOU!

[@gachitadamunga2403]

Sorry if I just didn't see where you mentioned it, but what size is your trailer?

[@builtbysonick1250]

7x14

[@G3industries]

What was the R value on the insulation??

[@builtbysonick1250]

Like 6 I think

[@jakejanzen1428]

How big is the trailer

[@cadenrivera24]

you should rino line it black

[@builtbysonick1250]

I am probably going to paint it but idk about black. Would probably make it like an oven in the summer

[@cadenrivera24]

@@builtbysonick1250 good point

[@StephenMcElroy1]

Where do you find the windows?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I found a local guy that was parting out a wrecked camper. Got them pretty cheap

[@markchalberg3026]

Where did you source the windows from?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I bought them from a guy that was parting out a jayco camper

[@suhailhabibzadah8634]

Have you made the part 2 yet? Or still in the process?

[@builtbysonick1250]

It's made I'm in the process of editing. I'm hoping to have it out this week. Holidays and vacation slowed me down a bit

[@suhailhabibzadah8634]

@@builtbysonick1250 nice! I started on mine last year. 60% done....hopefully after winter I'll continue and finish it.

[@danlux4954]

Never seen a trailer with a wooden framed wall.

[@builtbysonick1250]

It's an older model. 05 I believe. Not sure if maybe they used to use wood and now they use metal studs. But I have noticed most of the newer ones are metal

[@elmerfudd835]

Which insulation is this and where did you get windows?

[@builtbysonick1250]

3/4 inch foam board from lowe's and I got the windows from a local guy that was parting out a jayco camper

[@zachbeers8714]

Kitchen would be way better in the back of the trailer

[@martinroy9922]

why didnt you use 1 1/2' foam

[@builtbysonick1250]

Mostly just cost and the fact that I didn't really think it was necessary. I'm going to have a little wood burner in it and I don't really plan on doing much winter camping anyways. Plus no AC

[@Keysey]

That floor is going to instantly rott, should've put a damp proof membrane below it to seal it

[@builtbysonick1250]

Watch the video man lol. I did at 3 minutes exactly

[@Keysey]

@@builtbysonick1250 Ahh my bad, didn't think the paint was a sealant

[@donbot5000]

warning to headphone users. you will barely be able to hear them then be blasted by music lol.

[@bryman31]

that back window looks crooked as hell

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya I said that in the video. It's not. The door is sagging and needs adjusted

[@nrk2of3]

@@builtbysonick1250 That was bothering the hell out of me I stopped the video to look for a comment. that sort of thing bugs the hell out of me just driving. Crooked ass stickers on the back of peoples cars. I hate seeing that stuff. I keep thinking "Is it just me or ..."

[@minixg4857]

That window is crooked man!

[@pedrobedoy9574]

I worked at Lance, it will fall apart

[@yeahman1756]

lol for all these camping builds. If you have a lady and kids.. I suggest a Toilet and shower built in. Cooking can be outside. Women cannot live without a personal toilet and shower. men can do without it.

[@danielmccaf]

Cheap lumber and poor carpentry skills likely account for your divergent, off-plumb stick framing. It might not be the fault of the trailer manufacturer.

[@karynlee9632]

Throw a pc down.

[@missourirebel9669]

I'm interested in your project but the music is horrid...ready to leave