Cargo Trailer Build - Initial Design Questions

[BBQJeep]

Hey everyone - I am a newbie to enclosed cargo trailer builds and wanted to get some quick feedback on these items from the pros before I pull the trigger on a used trailer:
I would pull this on Appalachian National Forest fire roads which are rocky and steep. So I want to prioritize the trailer being light and nimble but still very functional.

1. Size - I am thinking 6x10 or 5x10 or 5x8 - for 2 people. Thoughts? Typical one shown in picture from FB Marketplace.
2. Height - between 5 and 6 ft inside - I don't care about having to stoop to go inside. I want it to be able to clear tree branches etc and be around the same height as my 4Runner (74")
3. Shower - Has anyone seen a small shower being installed in a trailer this size?
4. Heat - electric v/s diesel heater

Thank you!

 

[Colotl]

Hi BBQJeep,

I dont have a build page as I found these forums after the fact. My ideas came from Youtube.

1. Size -I went with a 5x10 Vnose for nimble. Vnose for a little extra length to use for cabinetry up front and have leg room when tri fold bed is extended. I was originally planning on 4x8 but IM glad I didnt. For two people it works for a trip here and there but not comfortable. We use it more than we planned to and glad we went bigger.
2. Height - I chose 6 ft to keep height down. I took inconsideration the height of the max air fan and solar panels would raise it almost an extra foot. Also my 270 Awning would be harder to deploy if I would go higher.
3. Shower - I have no shower and haven't needed one. I use wipes. I have been considering it for convenience and looking at a shower awning with an addition of a propane water heater in a pelican case. To be determined....
4. Heat - I went with a bathroom wall heater. Trailer is small that it gets hot very quickly and with the insulation it maintains it. I dont get cold weather in northern/mid California but it can get to low 30's and heater will kick in every ~30-40min for about 5min and maintain it at 65 . I have over 5 kW of power on board and 400W of solar. So far I have not ran out of power during 3-5 day trips. If running out of power was an issue than a diesel heater would be my preferred option.

 

[BBQJeep]

Hi BBQJeep,

I dont have a build page as I found these forums after the fact. My ideas came from Youtube.

1. Size -I went with a 5x10 Vnose for nimble. Vnose for a little extra length to use for cabinetry up front and have leg room when tri fold bed is extended. I was originally planning on 4x8 but IM glad I didnt. For two people it works for a trip here and there but not comfortable. We use it more than we planned to and glad we went bigger.
2. Height - I chose 6 ft to keep height down. I took inconsideration the height of the max air fan and solar panels would raise it almost an extra foot. Also my 270 Awning would be harder to deploy if I would go higher.
3. Shower - I have no shower and haven't needed one. I use wipes. I have been considering it for convenience and looking at a shower awning with an addition of a propane water heater in a pelican case. To be determined....
4. Heat - I went with a bathroom wall heater. Trailer is small that it gets hot very quickly and with the insulation it maintains it. I dont get cold weather in northern/mid California but it can get to low 30's and heater will kick in every ~30-40min for about 5min and maintain it at 65 . I have over 5 kW of power on board and 400W of solar. So far I have not ran out of power during 3-5 day trips. If running out of power was an issue than a diesel heater would be my preferred option.

Thank you for your insights. Your rig looks really nice

A month has gone by since my initial post and now I am leaning towards:
1. 5x10 standard. I can't find a v-nose at a reasonable price point for me, and I will use the extra tongue space for some storage.
2. I am going with 6 ft inside height so be able to stand up in.
3. I found plans to put a shower inside - but I might change my mind.
4. Heat - still undecided.

 

[hooptycrawler]

I went with a diesel heater for the low power consumption, quiet operation and ease of fuel sourcing. I can find diesel anywhere and I get somewhat annoyed trying to find places to propane. Mine heats my 7x16 no problem in sub 30 temps and can run pretty much all night without much battery draw. Really the biggest downside is the pre warm up and post cool down cycles as they both take a few minutes and don't cycle on and off like a furnace or electric heater. If you have ample power or are on shore power electric wouldn't be bad. Otherwise for being off grid the diesel heater is great.