The Ultimate Converted Cargo Trailer Wishlist for Nomads
What’s on my converted cargo trailer wishlist? Wondering what I want inside my converted, enclosed cargo trailer? Well, read on because I’m about to tell you!
Preparing my converted cargo trailer wishlist
Before I created this list, I thought about everything I did on a daily basis. I created a notebook for my cargo trailer journey and this is where I wrote many of my notes from doing research and where I will continue to write them.
Once I created a list of my daily activities, it became clear what items I needed to include on this converted cargo trailer wishlist. Yours may be different and it may be the same! Read on to find out!
This is my Converted Cargo Trailer Wishlist:
I’ve broken my list down into a few sections. First, we will start with general trailer wants. Please use the links below to jump to a certain section of this blog post:
General
- V-nose: having a v-nose will result in better aerodynamics and less drag on the trailer while towing.
- All aluminum frame: trailer frames come in two varieties, steel or aluminum. I want to have an enclosed cargo trailer with an aluminum frame for a couple of reasons:
- Aluminum doesn’t rust
- Aluminum is lightweight which is key when towing with a van or SUV
- 6′ x 12′ minimum
- 7′ x 14′ preferred
- .30 or .40 mm aluminum siding
- One piece metal roof: one piece to hopefully eliminate any possibility for leaks in the future. Although, now that I am thinking about it, if I will be installing a Max Air fan and a skylight, I will need to seal around those items very well.
- Extended hitch: I heard this makes it easier to maneuver the trailer.
- Sway bars: I’m not 100% sure that I will need these yet.
- Trailer brakes: the trailer I purchase/order should come with brakes.
- Insulation: I will install the insulation myself using a type of extruded polystyrene (XPS) and then spray foam to fill in any gaps. I will also need some type of seam tape.
- The back door is a ramp: I plan on installing a flip-down jack on each corner so that when I open the ramp, I can make it level and utilize that space for an outdoor/deck-type area.
- RV side door upgrade
- Spare tire: I’d like the spare tire mounted in its own cabinet that was under the side door. Can only be accessed from inside.
Kitchen
- Sink with drain
- Faucet with sprayer
- Fresh water storage container
- Grey water storage container
- Small counter space (to prepare food or perhaps a kitchen in the rear that would block off half the opening in the back and allow a screen door there)
- Mini Refrigerator
- Food storage space
- Cookware storage space
Bathroom
- Toilet (I’m considering a compost toilet, but will likely start with a 5-gallon bucket. What are your thoughts?)
- Bathroom medicine cabinet with mirror & lights
- Full-length mirror somewhere if not in the bathroom
- Bathroom cabinet for storage of toiletries
- Shower (I may go with this Geyser portable shower that conserves water using only 1 gallon and heats it too:)
Solar Power System
- The solar panels. Renogy possibly. I need to do more research and see what I need to be powered. I know I would like to be able to charge:
- my laptop
- tablet
- cell phone
- camera batteries
- 12v & 18v tool batteries
- portable Bluetooth speaker
- various other small rechargeable devices
- Another thought is that I’d like low-profile solar panels because I’m not trying to advertise how cool this trailer is!
- Mounts for the solar panels
- Inverter
- Solar charge controller
- Wiring
- Switches
- Outlets
- USB outlets
- Lithium batteries
- Silicone
- Also will need to get more clarity on the other systems like:
- HVAC
- if I have a shower, will there be an on-demand hot water heater
- if so how much power will that need?
HVAC
- Windows: I think 2 windows across from each other is the way to go so I can have some cross-ventilation.
- Max air fan (I’ve heard this is the way to go! Is this only to circulate air though?)
- Some kind of AC (a portable, 12v option maybe. Let me know your suggestions!)
- Wood burning stove for heat like a mini cubic mini wood stove (trying to avoid propane altogether)
Additional Accessories
- Rear awning: With the rear deck in the down position and the awning pulled out overhead, this back area will be a nice little chill zone.
- Bug screen for the rear door: Keep them bugs out!
- Dedicated, safe, lockable storage area for my camera gear
- Ceiling mount paper background system for photography near the rear door: This is the ultimate dream! To be able to offer portrait photography on premium paper backgrounds while traveling would help fund my adventure.
- Storage
- Side awning: This would likely need to be an add-on for down the road. Although, I did see a trailer manufacturer who offers window covers that are made from aluminum and that open from the bottom and swing up creating a mini-awning for the window.. I like the idea of having an aluminum window cover also to protect the windows and to keep those curious onlookers out.
- Side-door bug screen
- Possibly a step to get into the side door
- Additional storage
- Fold-down couch or another comfortable seating area that could transform into a bed for a guest
- Eye bolts for hammock install
- Cabinets for storage of my camping gear
- More storage
- Drawers for clothes storage
- Tool box storage (I have 4 of the Stackable Dewalt Tough System Toolboxes and I want to have a dedicated spot for these)
- Fan
- Skylight: I’ve not seen any YouTube videos yet of a converted cargo trailer with a skylight, however, I think it’s something that can help boost my overall mood by having access to the sunshine or the stars at night. Does anyone have a great recommendation for a good skylight I can look into? I want something large like a 36-inch x 36-inch if not bigger.
- Air compressor: This isn’t a huge need, however, it would definitely come in handy to be able to inflate my tires where ever I am.
Check out this converted horse trailer:
In Conclusion
These types of enclosed cargo trailer conversions are great for bug-out living quarters in those disaster/evacuation situations.
Or if you’re like me, you just want to take your tiny home with you as you travel the world.
Either way, these trailers are great because you can always get a new tow vehicle. But unlike building out a high-roof cargo van, if something happens to the engine of my tow vehicle, I still have my home.
What are some other items that would fit well on my converted cargo trailer wishlist?
Let me know in the comments below!👇
Meet others living the cargo trailer life:
