Off Grid Cargo Trailer/Camper Conversion Budget Build Pt. 2

[@Docholliday1106]

So good to see the little one showing interest. Also way glad to see you allowed him to stay and help further nurturing the interest in a skilled trade. I'll bet in a few short years he'll be building trailers that would make our heads spin.

[@OnYourWheel]

I love watching cargo trailer builds! Keep making videos.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks!

[@lifeisgood141]

I am buying a new 7'X14' cargo trailer and am going to build it, too. Good info. I will buy pre-made cabinets since I don't have a lot of tools to build from scratch. I will keep everything simple.

[@glenokla4079]

Looking good! That's quite a big helper you & your wife have there, & so smart too. Keep teaching him!

[@kasper3579]

Can't go wrong with a Chinese desiel heater I put one in my camper and I love it.

[@builtbysonick1250]

That's a good idea. I was going to do a little wood burner just because I like wood burners but I'll look into that anyhow thanks

[@goodcitizen4587]

@@builtbysonick1250 Nate on the channel 'Class A Living' shows his Chinese desiel heater in a lot of vids. That thing sips (safe) desiel fuel and heats his rig pretty well.

[@timwegman5776]

Absolutely! Those are great heaters another great heater if your going to be using propane for cooking then get a Catalytic radiant heater. These things are amazing, we had a 28' beast of a travel trailer that had the large forces air heater and my tiny little Catalytic heater and the forced air with guzzle the gas I installed the little Catalytic to heat the sleeping area and found that little 8"x8" Catalytic would heat up that whole trailer in minutes and I could run off a 5 gal tank for weeks versus using 5 gal in 2 days on the forces air heat pump. Anyway both are great ideas the only downfall on the diesel is having to buy an extra fuel rather than just tapping into your currant propane line

[@kevinroberts9580]

I use the pebbly finish 4 by 8 wall boards that you see in Commercial bathrooms for my ceiling after I insulated it. I put crown molding all the way around the top with rope lighting behind it. I cut my windows in with tin snips🤣😁

[@uralbob1]

Sonic, just think what your little guy will be building in 30+ years! Great build vids! Thanks!

[@bradscottbutler]

I remember my young daughter helping me do projects. Priceless. Trailer looks great.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks man!

[@louroberts1910]

I didn't sub, but when I saw your kid with the colors on the wires. That's my America.

[@starofgracebbq]

I like the use of different colors for the different systems. Easy identification!

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks!

[@101IplayWOW]

A tip for the future, I worked in a cabinet shop. It's easier to square cabinets and then place them on top of a tow kick, the tow kick provides extra support and makes your cabinets sit on the same base.

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm not quite following what you mean by that

[@101IplayWOW]

@@builtbysonick1250 sorry, building your cabinets and then placing them on a base. It's like a structural frame that the cabinets sit on top of, this gets rid of your gaps between your cabinets. I was just saying that it might add support and make your future builds easier.

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@101IplayWOW ohhhh I see what you mean now. Thanks for the tip! I'm planning on building all my kitchen cabinets eventually so I may use that idea

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

watching you vacuum the floor was exciting

[@billybike57]

Try to glue your joints and then nail them. I know seems like the ole belt and suspenders deal but do it 😊

[@andymarshall7165]

I like the build so far keep up the good work. Datto blades are nice but only serve one purpose, my advice from 30 years in cabinets as a job is invest in a router and straight bit. It's much more versatile and easier to get a consistent datto. Especially if you're limited by a smaller table saw.

[@builtbysonick1250]

That's good to know thanks for the tip! And thanks for the feedback!

[@therancher420kid5]

I have a trailer in my driveway and I’m gonna try to do this to mine 😁

[@jasonmcdaniel3520]

Before you get too far may I suggest welding some jacks on the bottom of the trailer for stability. Just the back would be good but all 4 corners would be best. Keep up the good work!

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya I had something like that in mind I just haven't thought of how I want to do it. Maybe have them so they swing down or something

[@jasonmcdaniel3520]

@@builtbysonick1250 may I suggest some simple collapsible style jacks like that come with cars. Probably get them cheap at a junk yard. Try to get the ones with the nut on the end so you can use a cordless impact to jack it up quick. Also just take some 18”x18” concrete pads and that will help a ton. Glue on some levels and you’re ready as far as all that goes. Good luck!

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@jasonmcdaniel3520 thanks for the tip man!

[@JohnSmith-ud4lh]

I dig it! Dont forget to coat the underside of trailer. Like rhino liner or something

[@builtbysonick1250]

I will be undercoating it once it's done

[@suhailhabibzadah8634]

Its looking good bro! Keep up thr great work. Can't wait to see the next video.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks man!!

[@thunderrode1744]

Did u ever notice the day light coming through on the fiberglass cap above the hitch tongue on the left side standing facing that wall on the inside just trying to look out 4 u so like ur cargo trlr build yeppers u should do this as a side bz many blessings keep walking tall and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping have fun 4 me too lol 🚐🏕🌌🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@3370603]

Todays show was brought to you by colors and by the number four 😂😁🤣👍

[@chadsmusiccreations]

Over time especially with something that moves, metal staples to hold electronic wires will eventually rub insulation off and with high amp batteries might create one heck of a fire if you don't blow a fuse first. But otherwise loving these videos, keep up the great work!

[@builtbysonick1250]

Actually that's not possible. The staples could be touching bare wires and nothing would happen because there is nothing for it to short to. It's wood and low voltage. Completely safe. Plus those fuses are rated at 10 amps. Not even close to enough to create that kind of heat

[@bottlecap_42]

That is a seriously cute kid!!! Nice progress! Looking forward to seeing it come along. I am planning on kinda doing the same thing for a competition bbq trailer.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Can't get enough of him haha. Thanks man and goodluck with your build!

[@tennysontappan5349]

This might sound crazy but I would love to see a close-up shot of that diagram! No background in electrics, been watching tons of videos for my conversion. I have an old electrical engineer that's going to help me and he's asked for a good diagram.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Shoot me an email and I'll send it over. [e-mail]

[@tennysontappan5349]

@@builtbysonick1250 thank you!

[@tituslamay4463]

That's coming along. So sick!

[@roberttrahan4251]

Nice work... That fox body though! 😍

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks!

[@dugfern]

Have you run into problems with EPS absorbing water from condensation on aluminum skin behind it?

[@kristinmedley2573]

Looks like great craftsmanship. Could I get a picture of your wiring schematic?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send it over

[@donovandelaney3171]

Master? You didn't throw the ball! LOL!

[@jakjaktaylorjr2342]

Now you have to cut slits into the wall panels that you're going to be putting in to slip down behind the cabinet what you doing we've more draft areas

[@abdullahmushtaq8422]

well done brotha

[@visamedic]

Yeah......this is the part I’m dreading. I can probably do the DC if it weren’t for how I want to set up the solar, multi battery setup. Still not sold on 12 or 24 volt. And I have appliances from an old trailer, but I think I’m gonna go with a tankless water heater, wood stove, just go with a small wall AC and the inverter will be at least a 3 k. I won’t need any more than maybe 1500, but I don’t want to work it to it’s limits. Yeah. The electrical is what I’m probably just gonna pay my buddy to do if he’s up for it. I’ve got 2 trailer frames, 19’. Ones already cleated for the floor. The other I’m actually gonna start the tear down on the remaining deck tomorrow. My plan is to build one to get it all figured out. Work out the bugs, get it right, then sell it. Use the money from that do do the other a bit more higher end. Great little series. Keep the little one invested in this. My wife would always bring my daughter to my cabinet shop when I worked late. She’d always leave finger drawings in the sawdust. We’re divorced now. Lots of regrets on both side, just too irreconcilable. My daughter turned on me at first. We talked and talked and remembered, it’s those little insignificant things that they remember. A lot is better, but still healing. Keep it up. You’re gonna have great little trailer when you’re done. 😁👍

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks man and ya luckily for me I have a background DC electronics so that part is relatively easy for me. The cabinet building now that's another story haha. But ya it's awesome being able to do this stuff with my family. It makes it not as much like work. Goodluck on your build!

[@davetoms63]

following along. What amp solar inverter did you go with? The solar side has me confused as to what all I need to be able to switch from shore power to solar. Also, can you leave the solar going while camper is parked for months without damaging batteries?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I bought the Renogy 10amp unit. I have it linked below. It is considered a smart charger so it will stop allowing current to pass through to the batteries when they are fully charged so you can just leave it hooked up without worrying about damaging batteries. And you don't have to do anything when hooked to shore power. The charge controller will continue to charge the batteries along with your battery charger that's connected to shore power until they are fully charged

[@builtbysonick1250]

Also they do make MPPT charge controllers that are more efficient but also more expensive. This one should do fine for what I need it for. If you plan on being off grid for long periods of time then I would recommend getting an MPPT controller

[@timwegman5776]

Man I just noticed how low the ceiling is on this trailer, maybe you should raise the side walls 6-12" or so. It wouldn't be super hard then you could run a stainless sheet across the bottom to transition into the sides. I'm sure your way passed this idea at this point and not sure if it would of been worth the hassle just tossing out ideas. Great video. Oh o didn't realize you were able to stand inside as is. The view from the video threw me off.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Way too much work for what it's worth I think. We don't spend much time in it when we're camping anyways

[@ninjasinghz]

great build!! how much does your trailer weigh dry and why did u choose not to use spray insulation?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm honestly not sure of the dry weight and no particular reason. I've never actually used spray in insulation so I never really thought about it.

[@d.mariedouthit-rainford7374]

Looking good

[@megsmith596]

One thing I can tell you is off grid you are going to use way more electric than you think. When you have the trailer parked in the shade you won't get much from the solar panels and if you park in the open you'll cook.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Might have to invest in a little generator

[@RJ-rn3uv]

Turn your panel up on end and make a cut just like the first one. Done in two cuts. Make sure you set the width for the second cut. Old Cabinet builder and custom furniture maker.

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks for the tip

[@RJ-rn3uv]

@@builtbysonick1250 You are doing a great job.

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@RJ-rn3uv thanks!

[@brianladd4974]

You may want to pull that staple out of holding the wires. With all the bouncing of the trailer and all the vibration eventually will cut through the insulation. Just saying.

[@danielmccaf]

That insulation is expanded, rather than extruded, polystyrene. Despite the tin foil they put on it, vapour barrier would have made sense, because expanded polystyrene is open cell, and acts like a sponge. That insulation will soak in the moisture, which will give you mold, and will undermine the R Value. Perhaps the trailer's aluminum skin on the outside will keep away some moisture, but I don't recommend you cook in there. Those walls will be permeable. The steam will soak into the EPS foam, regardless of how you skin the inside. Without tuck tape on the seams of the insulation, and absent a proper vapour barrier, you are going to have problems. Not if... WHEN. Cheaping out is never cheaper in the long run.

[@brianherron5400]

Nice job 👍

[@builtbysonick1250]

Thanks man!

[@wjmiles]

HOOORAY LOGAN!!! Have a camper couch with electric blow up. Stop over look at it. See if you want it

[@thomasgriffith3747]

Looking good! I'm a new subscriber to your channel. Im definitely following your build on this . I'm looking at doing the same size trailer but as a toy hauler/camper. When you replaced you floor, did you use any insulation? If not, why not?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I did not. I may do some spray in insulation underneath when I'm done

[@thomasgriffith3747]

@@builtbysonick1250 i was thinking about spray insulation for the floor, walls and roof. Have no idea is its a good idea or not. Nor do I have any idea of cost to do it. What are your thoughts on doing that? Or a combination of insulation boards and spray in.

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@thomasgriffith3747 I guess that somewhat depends on your application. If you're going to be doing a lot of camping in the winter or if you plan on doing air conditioning then you can't have enough insulation in that case. In my case I'm not doing A/C and won't be doing a ton of winter camping.

[@archangel729]

Have you ever thought of raising the roof ?

[@oldgeeser]

great video man love it , Do you have a close up pic of your electrical schematic, Id like to have a better. look at that . New subscriber

[@builtbysonick1250]

Send me your email and I'll send it do you. I did make some changes since I wrote the schematic which I can tell you about

[@briansweebe8853]

I'd also like to see that. I'm about to start my own build soon and have only ever done 120v wiring. Never messed with the 12v stuff but definitely want to for my camper. Even another video showing what wires went to what items would be sweet.

[@builtbysonick1250]

@@briansweebe8853 Shoot me an email and I'll send it over. [e-mail]

[@miket9340]

From what it sounds your putting a lot of weight in the front. Keep an eye on that tongue weight.

[@rickw6521]

he should make sure he is not over 75 lbs.

[@geigertron3000]

hoonagan ford foxbody, noice!

[@tomprendy]

had a 87 just like that... need a tour of it lol

[@routereyes6408]

What are you going to do with the two open vents?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm probably just going to insulate them on the inside but leave them there

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm probably just going to insulate them on the inside but leave them there

[@lifebestlived]

Nice build. He hat was your total rebuild cost?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Still working on it man I'll probably do a video at the end with a cost breakdown

[@nightstringers]

The ply for the floor is exposed to the elements? How are you going to address that ?

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm not

[@dannyjones4343]

Where did you buy the wires from?

[@builtbysonick1250]

amzn.to/3pYU379 I must have forgot to put it in the video description. I just updated that as well. I used the 14 gauge because it's a pretty versatile size

[@reeceeooo2671]

What did you use to clean trailer?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Just some house wash and pressure washer. Worked great

[@arifminhas1699]

Hi Soniek. - really useful guidance. Quick question. What R value insulation did u use?? Where did u get it from and price?? Many thanks. Ari

[@robertestes3826]

Where did you get your inviter from

[@builtbysonick1250]

I bought it on Amazon. I put the link in the description of the video

[@jakjaktaylorjr2342]

You know you kind of messed up by wiring into the cabinet before putting a wall behind the cabinet right

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm not putting anything behind the cabinets. Just studs and insulation as you won't be able to see behind them anyways

[@Vuongiam]

What’s the total weight?

[@gatoreye2000]

do you like your tablesaw?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Ya it's not bad. I need to make a table around it so I can cut bigger boards

[@gatoreye2000]

@@builtbysonick1250 Yeah I have same saw I think. Mine has the pull out table on the right side. It's just ok. But got it cheap so cant complain

[@thescottishhammer7570]

Sorry, I know it's been a year since you posted this video, but a router is an excellent substitute for a dado blade

[@pettiebloop692]

I wish i had tools or a partner to help me do something like this

[@builtbysonick1250]

Tools were acquired over a pretty long time. Working with my hands and building things is pretty much my life lol

[@pettiebloop692]

@@builtbysonick1250 thats wonderful

[@Jonathan.Jones.]

If I were to do this I would be absolutely worried about weight distribution.

[@Jonathan.Jones.]

No this isn’t me saying he’s not distributing the weight correctly.

[@donovandelaney3171]

I would have made the counters out of plastic.

[@westonmavis6566]

Why not go with air conditioner?

[@builtbysonick1250]

Just don't really need it and it's not exactly in the budget lol

[@user-ge3fx6yj8v]

Where's the update!

[@builtbysonick1250]

I trying! Lol I'm doing some house work to prepare for a baby next month. I'll be filming tomorrow

[@stihlpro2401]

Where is the shitter going?

[@builtbysonick1250]

In the woods lol

[@stihlpro2401]

@@builtbysonick1250 If you make it without shitting your pants! Good job on the build. Now hurry the hell up and post another video!

[@builtbysonick1250]

I'm trying! I wish I could quit my day job and just film KZbin videos all day. Plus my wife is about to pop so we are getting things ready for a new baby. I'm going to try hard to get a new video up Sunday night. Editing takes forever

[@timwegman5776]

@@builtbysonick1250 she ready to pop?? Holly crap man betta hurry and deflate her asap. I hear fix a flat works well!! 🤣🤤

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

You Talk TOO MUCH. Do Something Dingo.