Tour of Nomad Living in a DIY Cargo Trailer

Today we meet David who lives in a wonderful 7X14 single axel converted cargo trailer which he pulls with a Nissan Pathfinder. He Got the trailer for $3200. With the drop down door he gets a lot more space. When he unhotches he can explore in his SUV!
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivingstore.creator-sp...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/cheaprvli...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@cheesecake4648]

Bob has the BEST channel in this world about life on the road!

[@bill-gray]

I agree. A wonderful channel

[@pmireur04]

I’d venture to say “the best channel”

[@jacklandismcgowan1413]

Great build. That large side window is fantastic 👍👍👍.

[@hermansmith8254]

Thanks for the tour One more month I'm on the road

[@janetkoball44]

I just watched this video again and now I'll look for that man's book. Thanks Bob.

[@joansidor3409]

I love his simplicity...... J. He's having a great time too.

[@herrp8765]

I tend to get overwhelmed and intimidated by seeing all the magnificent cargo builds that people put together. I'm a not-so-handyman, which means Keep it Simple is the way to go. I really like what David did with his rig. What a humble and sharing guy! Like the kind of neighbor you want to see on the road.

[@amadahyrose]

What a nice fella. I like the openness and simplicity of his build and would want much the same, including canine companions.

[@jsso2845]

Brilliant, effective, simple. You'll have many happy years in that trailer. Congratulations! Good job!

[@purpletam5900]

Amen to what that guy said in his last sentence!

[@nmr6988]

After at least 6 years of watching @CheapRVLIving, I settled several months ago on a cargo trailer if I'm ever able to have this lifestyle. The simpler the better. I don't need for it to look like the inside of a palace. I want clean and simple and uncluttered with room to stand up and walk from end to end without bumping into things. Solar and a shower are the only Gotta Have's. For number one and two it's called a pee jar and a TexSport folding toilet. Nothing could be easier or cleaner.

[@qnslanman]

Drop down or barn doors? Double axle or single? What size? Who makes it? Vnose or flat nose?. Thanks

[@nmr6988]

@@qnslanman sorry for this late reply. Mostly I don't know the answers to your questions except for V-nose and barn doors. And for me personally, 7x12 or 7x14. I neglected to say that I also want the largest refrigerator that my power supply can handle, at least 4.5 cubic feet.

[@allonesame6467]

Wow! Just look at the size of the solar input cable on his battery set-up. I've never understood why some manufacturers insist on wimpy, thread-sized cables. Thanks for sharing! Awesome no-frills, get out and go!

[@davezwick5539]

Thanks! I wouldn't recommend the power station though - Lead-acid battery that cost $250 to replace. Then the whole unit died. Replaced it with a Bluetti. :)

[@noahriding5780]

@@davezwick5539 How well can you keep the trailer warm when its cold out? I should have asked this earlier.

[@davezwick5539]

@@noahriding5780 That depends on what you mean by "cold". I see maybe a half dozen or so nights per year when it dips below freezing. You'd want to do a bit more if you wanted to do real winter camping - Things like plug the hole for the exhaust fan and make some sort of cover for the big window. The window is single pane. Double pane costs and adds weight.

[@paulsuprono7225]

How motivating ! 🤠 🇺🇲 👍

[@sheriphillips5404]

I agree with the recliner. How can anyone live without one. Good job.

[@nmr6988]

Yes! Much more comfortable than a bed and incredibly space-saving.

[@bvcmargie5887]

"im home". Joyfulled words from David's heart! So satisfying when people say things like that after the experience living me on the road. "Boondocking America Finding Bliss On a Shoestring" what a fantastic title for a book Congratulations David!

[@candyalexander2196]

Thanks for helping soooo many people Bob..God's beauty on display all around.

[@yourfishwish2991]

Another great video! Watching from Utah. I am not in a position to be full-time on the road but love my camping adventures and hope some day to be on the road more often. Thanks for keeping the dream alive for me!

[@laurirohr5364]

I love the cargo trailer tours & interviews. This one looks solid & comfy. Great job David👍and thank you Bob.

[@arlienelson1609]

I watched many of your videos in the last 2.5 years. Now I finally am on my Arizona road trip from Canada. Camping with my cat possibly very close to where you filmed this, and I'm watching this video as I eat my lunch. Lol..living the dream

[@einzgeisha]

I truly admire the simplicity and he knew exactly what he needed and wanted!

[@rockytherock8705]

Nice guy I bet he's fun to hang out with... thanks for showing us you little home.

[@hg2.]

Another home run! Thank you Bob and David.

[@daylight5500]

Indeed , Bob is deserving of the love he gets. Well said David.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

I think a nicely insulated cargo trailer would be the way I would go. They are adequately weatherproof. They can be reasonably roomy. You can stand up. The cost is not so bad. They are usually sturdy enough and should last a really long time. They are not very heavy to tow (if fitted out with this in mind). And you aren't necessarily forced to take your home along on every little foray into town. A vagabond could even have a small, economical motorcycle inside on which to do most of their running around. I have a trailer almost exactly like this one, and it is even the same color and size. It is set up to haul up to 3 motorcycles to rallies etc, and I have camped in it several times. Don't think I haven't thought of tossing in a recliner and cot and taking off for a boundless life on the road. And here is a really good tip - The very first thing I would buy for any trailer would be a Proven Industries tongue lock. You either have a Proven Industries tongue lock on your trailer or you need one. Trailers are very easy to steal. And unlike automobiles, they are very easy to sell and be put back into service after being stolen, and they are therefore especially vulnerable. Trailers have been stolen all around mine that didn't have a Proven Industries lock on them - they did have locks, just not ones made by Proven Industries. Thieves obviously take one quick glance at my trailer and move on to easier picking. By the way... I have no affiliation whatsoever to Proven Industries, except as a very satisfied customer. I hope all this helps somebody.

[@banditblacken7392]

nice fellow.

[@DocDave77]

Smart, enjoyable fella I could tribe around with. Thanks Bob!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

A very nice trailer.

[@shaneabrahamson8732]

Thanks Bob

[@micki777]

great ideas! love the window

[@brianjones7521]

Good build. Beautiful scenery.

[@conniewaite1996]

What does he want from travel life?any particular destinations or just bum around.definately a simple life ,so joyful

[@davezwick5539]

I wanted and found the freedom to be able to go where I want when I want. Did a swing down the east coast this past fall visiting friends and family from NYS to GA. Then back to the beautiful desert for my third winter! :)

[@conniewaite1996]

@@davezwick5539 so happy for you,been married 41years to a man who says he likes to travel.1trip in all that time.now we retired,guess I will go by myself.

[@homelessnomad101]

That's exactly the style trailer I'll be looking for, I love his simple design.....what more could one need, a roof over your head, heat for your soul and food in your tummy.....lovin' it!!!! Atta way to go David!!!

[@laven111]

Great video Bob . I go from flea market in my 6x 12 to flea market

[@markbunker5934]

Simple. Uncomplicated. I love it.

[@cinderella5006]

Loved seeing the build, 🤗

[@alanb9673]

Love this low build, cargo camper. I've been getting ideas for the past 18 to 24 months. Due to budget I'm going with the 5X8 trailer I currently own, small kitchen set-up from my motorcycle camping days, and a cot from tent camping. My future plans are eventually a larger trailer. The build in this video makes perfect sense and much can be found at thrift stores and garage sales. Thank you for all the information you have provided for so many, I'm a dedicated fan. Good journeys.

[@herrp8765]

How's the 5x8 holding up as a smaller unit? That's the size -- or maybe 5x10 -- I'm looking for. Just me and the dog. Like many of us, I've also got lots of camping gear. So no need to buy an RV that duplicates what we own and already know it works. Thanks.

[@bethelteshuwah9824]

That's cool that he's your Dad!!

[@sylviajones4907]

Aw, what a great guy! Great video!

[@felixcat9318]

Its lovely to see a person content with what they've made and how they're choosing to live!

[@vitamindmusic607]

Almost fell out of my chair when he said Binghamton NY...I live here in the snow and misery.. I am so close to pulling the plug and hitting the road..

[@davezwick5539]

Binghamton wasn't for my sons either. They're moving to Ogden, UT. I visited in September. Pretty area, but didn't seem like a very well-run city.

[@livingitup9647]

I love this guy's story! And love seeing his trailer build, and hearing his approach, the simplicity employed, his total costs, etc. That window is FANTASTIC -- what a great choice! I got some good ideas from this. I hope to check out his book, too. Thanks to you both for doing this segment. 👍🌟☮

[@davezwick5539]

Thanks and glad you liked! :)

[@katrinarefugee]

That is an awesome set up. Literally a regular living room set up with a real lazy boy & futon in a 6x12 trailer. I think that's an awesome standard setup that could be a great option for someone who wants to get a cozy rig but is really on a tight budget. I'm gonna share this video!

[@sky.the.infinite]

Right?! Simple. It works!

[@SheTheSeeker]

Thank you for finding this guy and posting this!! My husband and also have a “no-build” build cargo trailer and I havent seen another! We’ve sure gotten some hairy eyeballs at the simplicity and bareness of the build, but that’s part of what we like. Love seeing we aren’t alone and how this is set up!

[@lonestarlaurel8620]

Thanks, Bob and crew, bringing a smile to my heart, tears to my eyes. Happy trails 🐾🐾🎶

[@randomspirit]

Love the simplicity of his "no build, build!" And the recliner...that's more my speed, too. LOL! (back problems...) I think I need an indoor bathroom though...

[@WisconsinWanderer]

Welcome fellow wanderer. I have thought about a cargo trailer. But I like the stealth I have for now! Thanks guys

[@morphergaming0531]

This setup is exactly what I want. I would give up sleek finishes and all the appliances to be able to stand in my home.

[@frankp215]

First time I have ever heard Binghamton NY on one of these videos!

[@DUDENOHELP]

im so glad he took the leap to get on the road!

[@RickRose]

David got a good deal. Here in Virginia those 7x12s are going for $5.2K+. I like what he did with his, and it obviously suits him. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobmirror7164]

Reclining office chairs and a foot stool work well too.

[@pontsolelosa3237]

I'm soo inspired, thanks Bob

[@wolin289]

I like the black and white tile. Nice job!!

[@openyoureyes3969]

My family has a 6x12 cargo trailer. We put a queen size bed in it and the kids are sleeping on mats on the floor for now, screens on the back and side door. We would like to insulate and put some bells and whistles in it eventually. After we sell our house this summer, we are going to travel West. It really was a great purchase and very versatile, we may even sell it and get an ambulance or box truck, but the option is there and I am sure we won't have a problem. SIMPLICITY is best, to just get out there!

[@bernadettegraffeo9995]

Simple, but so functional....best of LUCK & happiness in your travels

[@christigoodeating]

Very nice!

[@didlidoodles343]

What an interesting man. Again, a great interview Bob. You always have wonderful people to present us. Thank you!

[@missypooh1109]

I agree with him. I was surprised at how windy it gets in the desert. I was in Quartzsite and thought I would get blown away!

[@saltineamerican9239]

Plain and Simple. And you still have room. Even with the big arm chair.

[@kathleencrane-grylls5416]

I’m looking forward to this!!! First I wanted a van but now I’m leaning towards a box truck not sure what I’ll finally get but excited and can’t wait!!! Love traveling live camping and once I retire this is my dream!!!

[@mrj-charles6383]

That trailer in 2022 prices is almost $6000 USD. Wish I bought a cargo trailer before they doubled in price. I have seen that they can flip the springs over to raise the clearance. Make it like an overlander trailer. Anyway that is what I like simple and can easily go back to cargo use if needed.

[@noahriding5780]

You could modify and build somethin on top of a flat bed trailer. And I don't think it would have to be too expensive.

[@flowrob6861]

@@noahriding5780 unfortunately Prices for all supplies are up. Only savings are labor costs .

[@noahriding5780]

@@flowrob6861 You are right. This is the difficulty now that we face. The more people are afraid also, the more the costs will keep going too. Thanks for the reply.

[@abelflores1929]

My favorite video , simple slap and let’s go.

[@shannmartin9361]

Can totally relate to wanting to get away from those damn cold Wisconsin winters, could care less if I ever see snow/ice again. Great build you have there.

[@davezwick5539]

Thanks, Shann! My last full Wisconsin winter was '18. We saw -37 near the Dells. Now in my 3rd winter in the SW it's amazing how fast your blood thins! ---It's going to get below 40 tonight? Brrr! -It's great ! 😁

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

Love his place! Gorgeous window!! I wish I could do a cargo trailer like this.

[@thizizliz]

That is window is awesome!

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

That is a nice interior setup 🤠🐂😺.

[@LDhusky]

Excellent

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Great video Bob!!!

[@paula.jackson5463]

Nice setup, so wish we could access the desert, but we live north of Wisconsin in The Great White North! Good Go David!

[@Richard-lj2lx]

Great interview and awesome trailer conversion. I liked David so much that I bought his book. Thanks, as always, Bob for disseminating useful information.

[@johnw65]

Thanks for sharing your lifestyle David. I also enjoy a ramp door and free-standing solar panels. I can't stand in my 4x6x5 v-nose toy hauler/camper/theater but chairs work fine. I'm thinking about pinning a room w/folding walls onto my ramp that I can tie onto the roof rack between camp-sites. My 6x8 awning adds more living space as well. EBF ! ! ! Enjoy Being Free ! ! !

[@alikawhite6903]

Nice trailer, looks sharp w/ that window & tinted!? Cool, he seems to have every essential, great!

[@janebray9392]

Very nice! Such a uncluttered simple set up. He was a good interviewee too!👍

[@seller559]

Great one 👍

[@jamesharvey4817]

That was a great title.

[@janchapman3746]

Love that bob. Bob you are amazing and fantastic and inspiring and wonderful and a true friend indeed. Prayers is with you and cody always. Love these videos. The cargo trailer looks super great. Nice and cozy. Very comfortable to. I still think a lot about my favorite tiny house on wheels. I have 2 choices. 1st is a cargo van. A big one. A chevy. The 2nd choice is a big step van. Its built strong. I need room for 2 people and storage. I need a vehicle for towing a cargo trailer. For 2 people storage. But in time the tramission has a lot of weight to tow. So i changed my mind to a step van. Vehicle and house together. Also this is great for rainy weather and safety to. Dont like the area. Then go to the cab and turn the key and go. Plus a knock on the door to. I wonder who sells step vans. I think also price wise might be the same between a cargo van and a vehicle and a step van. So my husband is a painter. He has a tool chest is 5ft.11in. Tall. And 4ft. Wide. Plenty of tools. No mechanic tho. Kinda like a fix it or repair work thing. Rent keeps going up. Out of work a year before the pandemic hit. Nobody is hiring. We are both 70 yrs. Of age. Still able to work. I cant work. No computer experience. No computer. To expensive. No family. Out lived the family. Its just us two together. He refuses nomadic life. Im a nomad wannabe. I told him. Rent is going up and my soc.sec. check is shrinking. Oh. No children either. He makes all the decissions. He likes control. So i said. Well. When we cant buy food and what will we do then. It will be between food or rent. Which one will win. We can live around town. Dont have to travel. Get a planet fitness membership or a nationwide. For bathing and exercise. Stay on a budget. Spend half of the rent and save the other half. Pay bills. Have freedom and happiness. Eat better food. Processed food is dangerous to the body as we all know. He still says no way. He likes apt. Convenience. Warm and cool. Etc. A.c. i said any rental property is not worth what they charge. They charge the rent by what the houses is selling for by zip code areas. This is a huge problem. The sq. Ft. Doesnt change any. This apt. Is 565 sq. Ft. The rent is 725.00 plus a light bill. Cheap rent. But the owner doesnt want to keep the a.c. running right and its a combination of a.c. and heat. Wall heater. Half the apt. Is warm and the other half is cold. Cant stay warm. Have to wear extra clothes winter time. What a mess in these apts. Thank you bob for everything.

[@beajbrow4230]

Love theses videos 📹❤😍. Great lifestyle

[@campgoerOne]

True Wisconite!!! 👍 Go Pack Go!!! Lots of insulation!! Great and simple!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

You require a good safe secure place to sleep, a small place to cook and a little stretch room. Everything else is just carry on luggage as needed.

[@vanessaboman8143]

Lovely guy with a neat trailer. Thank you for sharing!

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Nice rig.

[@bethannea4842]

Well thought out build. Fantastic!

[@Shakerman270]

I like his setup!🇨🇦

[@traveltimewithtim3512]

I like that Window!😍 The recliner looks comfy too.

[@jaketanner20001]

Great simple build! Thanks for sharing.

[@teresagibby105]

I love the way Bob thinks and your rig is beautiful happy travels and god bless

[@MapleMarmite]

Looks like the perfect rig for his needs. Nice and simple but with everything he wants right there. I do wonder about the contents shifting around in there when he’s towing it over anything other than smooth highway, though. Nothing seems to be anchored down as far as I could tell. I guess it’s not a problem or he would have done it differently. 👍🏻

[@davezwick5539]

Things stay in place surprisingly well, and I do a fair amount of bumpy dirt roads. I do need to bungee all but the bottom drawers to keep them from opening.

[@ZombicidalMadMom81]

I adore Bob Wells, the fact that he started living the nomadic lifestyle in my home state, Alaska, really inspires me. When you live in Alaska, you get used to some things being literally not an option. Home Depot, Lowes, same day delivery, what are those? There are also still businesses & items that don't ship to Alaska like Hello Fresh and all those other home meal plan things for example. As a kid in the 80s, I'd see commercials for Chuck E Cheese & ask my mom if we could go there someday; she'd smile in her patient motherly way & say we don't have those here. Since AK isn't connected to the rest of the country simply driving to a place that has those things also isn't an option; especially for me since I live on an island at the bottom of AK. I'll probably have to ferry my RV to Canada and drive South from there; once we get on the mainland we'll stay on it for a while before coming home to The Rock (our town nickname) since getting off the island just once is hard enough, if we come back we may never be able to get off again lol Its kind of a joke in our town that if a person makes it to The Rock they usually end up staying since it's so expensive to leave.

[@rhondacooper3565]

Great build! Keeping the dream alive

[@AhJodie]

What a wonderful man! I like his style!

[@joanfraser6500]

Good luck Mark. Great job on the trailer and I hope you pick up some work and it's wonderful that you are loving your new life.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I've been looking at enclosed trailers recently. Looking at the 7x14 cargo. I've been debating whether on to get single or tandem axle. I like the stability and added weight capacity. I like his simple build.

[@roaminb3488]

Great job, enjoy.

[@MooniiplaitsCrochet]

Such an interesting set up. 👌

[@iheartfreedom2]

Nice job David!

[@SindyJ37]

Thank you Bob for another amazing video and David is definitely an inspiration ❤

[@donnamount151]

I have a wave 6( thank u Bob) and LOVE it!!!

[@Endeavor545]

Well done!

[@brianleonard6885]

Very awesome

[@markmannm2]

Cargo trailer is now my first choice for a build! 7×16 maybe 7.5x20 MarkMannM2.

[@davezwick5539]

I goofed in the video and said it's 7X14. It's 6x14. I think I remember seeing a video where Bob recommends 6' width because it's better for narrow roads and tight spaces. There are choices and tradeoffs to be made depending on what's important to you. Wider than 6' will mean less access in some areas. I love being able to get way up into more remote places, which I wouldn't be able to do as well with anything bigger. The Pathfinder is 4WD, but my challenge is clearance. I could raise the clearance on the trailer, but that would mean catching more wind while driving. It's so lightweight that crosswinds are a challenge when towing. I try not to travel if over 25 mph gusts are in the forecast, which happens frequently in the desert.

[@sparklingjourney9101]

Yep totally agree 👍

[@DebZaragoza]

I like this because I'm not handy either! Love that he has what he needs. 😃 I'm reading his book now...I have a Kindle Unlimited membership...