Pixeltim's Cargo to Camper build

At the prodding of some friends in the Wisconsin Tacomas group, I'm making this thread about my cargo trailer conversion build.
It may take time to get to the final iteration, but my initial goal is to build a new back door with a camper door inserted into it and to add a couple windows for ventilation. Once that is done, there will be new plywood installed for the floor, then subfloor and engineered wood flooring on top of that. Eventually new paneling for the walls and a nice ceiling with puck lighting. If all goes well, I'll put in a window A/C unit with a generator mounted in the tongue as well as shore power.
Being a printer and sign maker, I'm also considering doing a vehicle wrap on it so it looks a bit less ghetto, but then again, the current look of the exterior makes it less of a theft target.

Here is what I'm starting from:

 

The back door was damaged when a semi backed into it, so making a new one is job one.

I found a deal on a used camper door, and since I'm making a new rear door, it seemed easiest and best to just put in into the rear door, that way I have the option of opening the large door to move in larger items, or just used the camper door for normal use, that will reduce the amount of mosquitos getting in.



I needed to shorten the camper door to fit:


And yeah, I did do a bit of planning....

 

Sub'd

 

You bet your ass I subbed

 

Cheers to that!

Between you and Thatassguy, this will soon be the "Let's bankrupt Pixeltim" thread!

 

Can I help you spend?

 

Get in line!

 

sub

 

Nowhere secure to park it I guess? Judging from the poll question.

 

Kinda, and I do have a hitch lock, so that helps

 

I like the idea of keeping it low-key. But, it would be hard for me to sleep in something that doesn't have Windows. I wonder if you couldn't figure out a way to put Windows in it and make some sort of a cover that would stay on while traveling and when stored that would make it less appealing.

 

Oh, I already have the windows! I just need to install them. I have a 14”x22” for each side. Being tinted with black frames helps keep it low key.

 

Getting ready to trim out the outer skin for the new back door.


The inner skin of the new back door has the first coat of varnish, dominos cut and is ready to glue up.

 

I think it’ll look good with those windows. I agree with @Thatbassguy too on keeping it low-key, that would be my preference at least. I wouldn’t wrap it or anything flashy like that but it doesn’t have to look like trash either

Throw a decal on there like it’s an old construction company or plumber’s trailer. Nobody wants to steal a trailer full of crap.

 

As long as it doesn’t look like it’s full of Milwaukee tools it should be safe from theft, lol

 

Yeah I was thinking about that this morning, maybe not the best examples for that idea.

I was trying to think of some kind of business that’s outdated but also not really worth anythingthat would have used a trailer.

 

We did use it for carpet cleaning supplies for a few years. Maybe I should keep that logo stuff on it. Nobody likes to clean stuff!

Or even better yet, I could put on Roto Rooter logos!

 

Sub’d

I’ve been waiting for the trailer thread!

I’m always here to help others spend their money. My wife made it clear years ago I can’t spend ours!

 

I know you've already started building so it might be too late but I've always though it is the coolest on cargo trailer and box truck builds when the cargo door hinges from the bottom to look stealth when closed but folds down into a deck to reveal the rear camper wall and door when open.

 

That would be cool, but I got this trailer as is for next to nothing. Beggars can’t be choosers