Can a cargo trailer make a great RV? Depending on your vision, the answer is yes. But there are also challenges that can make the process more difficult.

In episode 140 of the StressLess Camping podcast we shared that we totaled our travel trailer and are faced with a decision of what’s next. We do have several models in mind from mainstream manufacturers but another option we’re seriously considering is building a custom trailer from a cargo trailer.

The reasons for this are numerous. We want a design that’s tailored to our desires. There are building blocks we want to use that are extremely durable and high quality.

Plus we also want to build a showcase for the best components in the RV industry on all fronts and be able to pick and choose those components. Part of the idea is, in fact, to create a rolling showcase of RV components that show what this industry is capable of.

Here are the challenges and successes of the idea of building your own custom trailer starting with a cargo trailer as we see them.

The potential floor plan for our custom trailer build.

Successes

There are a lot of reasons to build a custom trailer starting with a cargo trailer. For one, the frames on many cargo trailers are designed to accommodate a lot of weight. Structurally, many cargo trailers are really strong.

Further, you can find company like Look Trailers, who we would use if we did this, who will build a cargo trailer to your specifications in terms of doors, windows, and all of that. You can also order a cargo trailer in a number of exterior colors plus you can specify things like torsion axles or other high-quality components.

Interior design

The primary reason we are considering this route is simply to get the floor plan we want. We want to have convertible space for work/dining/lounging and also be able to put our eBikes in the trailer.

We also want a separation between sleeping quarters and working/daytime quarters while still having a small trailer. This is why we came up with the floorpan you see here. The bathroom would act as a sound barrier between bedroom and work/daytime areas.

The idea we have for the exterior of our cargo trailer includes company logos for the product partners whose technology and components we have incorporated.

Build quality

There are no doubts that you can buy a cheap cargo trailer and have something worse than your typical travel trailer.

But you can also buy a premium unit that’s built to more tank-like specifications. Further, you can use materials like wood in the build of your trailer if you choose but we are looking to use something like extruded aluminum components.

Again, not cheaper. Better.

There are companies like 8020 that build virtual Erector sets that let you build almost anything your mind can come up with and that’s what we would consider using. These components are relatively light but very strong and able to withstand all the lousy dealings the roads in the US can dish up. Further, the modular nature of these parts also means that, should we realize we goofed in part of the design, we can go back and change things later.

Interior design

While the 8020 components might have a colder feel, you can always doll things up with wallpaper and softer surfaces and inserts such that the trailer overall has a warm feel. Further, the modularity of this design also means that you might be able to go back and make changes later should you change your mind.

Challenges

Financing

There are actually quite a few challenges to the RVer if you’re in a cargo trailer conversion.

The first of those is that you can’t necessarily finance the conversion. While some see the idea of converting a cargo trailer as a way to do things more inexpensively, others choose this route because you have greater control over the quality of the components you install.

It’s no secret that, nowadays, the combination of sheer demand of RV components coupled with the decreasing competition in the realm of RV suppliers has resulted in components that are ever less serviceable and more expensive. This isn’t untrue in appliances in general - while we Americans used to have tons of choices of manufacturers, now there are a few and appliances just don’t last for generations like they used to.

So there are certainly some builders whose idea is to create something of higher quality than what’s generally available. But building better also increases costs and there are not companies who are likely to finance a cargo trailer conversion the way they do a traditional RV that has a commonly-accepted value.

Insurance

Like financing, insuring a custom trailer may also be difficult. You might think the combination of parts that you’ve put in and receipts for those parts might be sufficient to declare a value for the rig, but the insurance company may have a very different idea altogether.

Anything out there is only worth what someone will pay for it and an insurance company’s eyes are different than yours. Further, because there’s really no way to gauge how good a builder’s skill is at plumbing, electrical and all the other trades, insurance companies are going to be wary of covering a custom trailer that has gas, water and electrical subsystems.

It may be possible to find insurance through a company that provides insurance for food trucks and concession trailers, but it may also be expensive and have limited coverage.

RVIA Seal

While most people who know what this is realize that the RVIA seal is nothing more than a marketing gimmick, truthfully there are RV parks who demand that your RV have one of these or they simply don’t let you in.

Back to the insurance section, this may be dictated by the company’s insurance provider. Part of having the RVIA seal does include certain standards and practices so it’s not completely worthless, but it might as well be. But that doesn’t change that some parks do demand that your RV have one.

Of course those who are good with printing and photo manipulation can make something most people would be fooled by.

Quality of construction

While the idea of building something custom out of the best parts available is certainly appealing, neither of us are the best builders of stuff on the market. There are so many trades involved in building an RV and one very bad move could result in a lot of frustration down the road.

Plus, it takes time to put all these pieces together.

Find your tribe

Whether you’re into classic vehicles, classic RVs, old Victrolas or certain types of travel there is likely at least one organization you can become part of.

This was the start of the FMCA - a group of folks who had converted buses got together and formed a club for the betterment of all the members. If you have a vintage Chevy Corvair, for example, there are more than a few clubs out there and being part of one can mean easier access to parts and resources.

The same is true of cargo trailer conversions. For example, here are a few groups on Facebook that are dedicated to just this type of activity.

Facebook Cargo Trailer Group
Facebook Cargo Trailer Build Group

Any time you have a passion, vision or special interest probably one of the first places to go for more information, resources and tips would be to a group of others who have done what you’ve done.

In summary

So. Are we going to build a custom trailer? We don’t know just yet. As with lots of other things, it’s in the planning stages and we’ve talked to more than one supplier about doing so. In fact, a number of key component makers have expressed interest in participating so the idea isn’t as half baked as it might seem.