Help me plan my 1st trailer.

[NateK]

I've been wanting a multi-purpose trailer for a while now and it looks like it will happen somewhat soon (I sure hope so at least!).

Just to start off NONE of what I have planned so far is completely set in stone, so if you think you have a better idea than I do that fits my requirements; please, let me know! If you have improvements on my ideas or any advise, etc. please speak up as well. The way I see it, the more help/advise/ideas I have before I start, the longer I'll keep the trailer.

The Purpose (This is something that is set in stone):
The plan is to have a small semi-offroadable trailer that I can essentially live out of comfortably for at least a week while bringing a quad or dirtbikes, or whatever. When I say comfortable I mean Comfortable, comfortable enough that a lady-friend would want to come with. And something that I can haul to an OHV park/similar just for a weekend of riding and camping. I want it to be fully enclosed and insulated for comfort and convenience.

Things that I want:
Fridge, Stove, propane/electric heater, Sink, a lot of storage, H2O tanks, Propane tanks, 2 spare tyres, dual battery setup/solar, trailer brakes, platform on top to support 2 people, maybe a small safe? I'd like all of the appliances to be 3-way if possible so this thing can be left plugged into 110 at home and ready to go at a moments notice, and 12v/propane for in the field. I'd like the stove and sink to be recessed into the counter top so they do not prove a burden when not being used. I am thinking something along the lines of this for a fridge: Dometic RM 2554

The Plan (What I have so far anyway):
All of this will be built from 1.75x.120 wall round tube with a tube bender.
Box size of 10'4"L x 6'6"H x 5'10"W (Outside)
35x12.5xR18 tyres to match what the tow rig will have (33's now).
Kitchen in front w/ 3-way fridge, sink, stovetop, counters, cupboard above (this will take up about 2' of length).
Bed that folds to side wall or stores on ceiling/other?
Man door on passenger side just behind kitchen (about 2' back from front wall).
Rear door(s) in a hatch/ramp/double door configuration (not sure yet, leaning toward hatch).
Frame height will be about 22" making the trailer about 8'6" tall! :Wow1:
about 70" (5'10") track width.

I'm sure there is more that I'm not thinking of right at the moment, but hopefully this will get you started.
I'm sure you guys will let me know if I forgot to put anything in here...

 

[Darwin]

Looking at a 10x6 cargo enclosed trailer as an example I think you are going to be pretty cramped if you want to do all the things you list. You could probably fit all those things in side a space that big but you won't have much room to move around. Which in my equals cramped, something a lady friend might not be into? I am no interior designer but "space" might be something to keep in mind, especially if you are going to be hanging out inside the trailer during inclement weather or other "things".

I have been thinking about a build something like what you are planning I was thinking about converting an enclosed 6x12 or 14 cargo trailer.

 

[NateK]

Looking at a 10x6 cargo enclosed trailer as an example I think you are going to be pretty cramped if you want to do all the things you list. You could probably fit all those things in side a space that big but you won't have much room to move around. Which in my equals cramped, something a lady friend might not be into? I am no interior designer but "space" might be something to keep in mind, especially if you are going to be hanging out inside the trailer during inclement weather or other "things".

I have been thinking about a build something like what you are planning I was thinking about converting an enclosed 6x12 or 14 cargo trailer.

I'm planning on removing the cargo (Quad/motorcycles) when camp is set up, leaving a roughly 8' x 5'6" open space inside. That should be enough?..
Not much time will be spent hanging out in the trailer. When I'm camping/on a road trip, I'm almost always moving/doing something or sleeping. Typically when I encounter inclement weather, I move on. haha.
Remember I want to keep it a reasonable size so it doesn't get too beat up offroad... with a 10' box the trailer will be somewhere around 14' total length. :Wow1:

 

[JPK]

First, I don't think you don't need three way appliances if you are planning on using 12v when the trailer is in use, only a 120v plug and a battery charger. Why bother with a propane power option on the firdge?

If you go to A/C you will need 120v either through "shore power" or on board/portable generator. If you go electric heat you will also need 120v. Some A/C untis are heat pumps and can provide good heating capacity down to about 20*F, below that a propane or diesel furnace...

Second, I went to an RV show in the DC area about a month ago and something along the lines of what you describe was offerred. The toy hauler are converted into a selection of alternative uses when the toys were unloaded, from a game/reading/TV room with sofa and/or comfy chairs to multi bunk room, with choices in between.

The trailers at the show were all wider than what you describe, but I sure would look at some of the market offerrings as alternatives to building your own or at least for ideas.

 

[orangeTJ]

I did a "basic" version of what you are thinking. I added some stuff (and things) to my Wells Cargo trailer.

Here's a little bit of what I did to it. It's not really suited for off high travel due to low ground clearance, etc.

http://www.dualsport.info/rigs/wc/index.htm

I used that trailer for 17 years and sold it April of 2010.

 

[Darwin]

first, I don't think you don't need three way appliances if you are planning on using 12v when the trailer is in use, only a 120v plug and a battery charger. Why bother with a propane power option on the firdge?

I think the reason for the 3 way fridge would be for longer duration stays in one fixed remote spot.

 

[NateK]

I think the reason for the 3 way fridge would be for longer duration stays in one fixed remote spot.

This and I'll still have a fridge if either the batteries die, or I run out of propane.
I'm big on having a lot of backup systems and such.