Cargo trailer converted into hunting camper

Has anyone done this? I picked up a craigslist cargo trailer two years ago, didn't want an RV problems like pipes that can freeze and roofs leaking at the slightest bit of neglect. Just threw the two standard cots, insulation with portable AC unit, and run it off a Generator.
Anywho, its been the best to pull around the property and camp with it, but now its time for a rebuild. Wanna make it a bit nicer and some protection to the floor from wet boots... So, anyone have suggestions on layout for a 6x12 trailer, or things that are a must add to a camping rig?

They have a section on cargo trailer conversions on this forum. It along with other info is well worth the read.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42

Be sure you don't use a propane heater without sufficient ventilation, including making sure someone cannot unknowingly close a window that must remain open for that reason as others are sleeping.

One of the guys I hunt with converted his cargo trailer but didn't take away from it's use. He put hinged plywood on the wall that can fold down when in use as beds or shelves and put up when hauling items.

Must have CARBON MONOXIDE & SMOKE detector. Look forward to conversion pics

Been thinking about doing this myself.

I'm a contractor that does mostly remodels for clients, and I've been asked by several about building tiny homes and converting shipping containers into cabins. Never a cargo trailer. In every case, when I run the numbers, the materials alone cost more then buying a fairly new, but used RV Trailer.

Oil heaters are very safe.

Several friends who are big into dirt biking have done these. One guy used galvanized pipe, fittings, and floor flanges to make 4 permanent bunks on one side in his, for him and his 3 boys. Once all the bikes are out it is actually pretty roomy. The other guy uses his for his construction business, so he put folding plywood beds on each side wall suspended by chains. Then he can use the entire trailer for equipment when he works, and unload it when they go play.

We have an incredible 20 ft shipping container cabin. Pm me and I will send pics. It is unbelievable what you can do with one. We have 2 full beds, 2 twin beds, shower, toilet, washer/dryer hook up, storage, microwave, water heater, etc. 2 electric heaters and AC. 1000s cheaper than a new camper and bullet proof to mice.

Thanks for the advice. When I added up dollar signs, for the basics you just cant beat doing a simple setup in a cargo trailer. I've owned a 30ft Travel Trailer in the past, and now a 34ft newer motorhome. The quality of build on both wouldn't last a year parked out at my property in east Texas without having major issues.

Anyone thinking about doing this I would highly encourage. Getting into some AC and away from the bugs in the summer is a great feeling, as is being able to sleep and wake up in a warm space while out deer hunting. My plan is to outfit mine and pull it with me to Wyoming and Nebraska this year for hunting. Be able to skip the hotel/motel fee's and save the drive waking right were we plan to hunt.

Having travel trailers on the deer lease wore me out. Flat tires, leaky roof, rats, titles, tags, tail lights.....I don't need anything other than a warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry place to sleep and change clothes. I do all my cooking outside and any other business. Since I have all the tools to build anything I've built a few very small buildings that will slide on a utility trailer. Run a heavy extension cord through the wall into a 4 way box, small AC and a nice mattress. A little over 6' wide by 12' works great for me. I've never insulated, and stay very warm. Sleeping cool isn't a problem with the AC at the foot of the bed, actually get cold at night. On a budget, $6-700.00 is not a problem. If I have to, I can take it with me, or sell cheap after a few years of use. Hit me up if you want some details, I'd be glad to share what I've learned from building a few.

We converted one a few years ago. It’s great. R-13 insulation in the walls and roof. Electrical ran through the walls and roof with switches for lights. The generator powers everything including the 1300 watt heater. We did the first year with propane, didn’t care for it so it’s now used for back up. We bought a 8x16 with the 2 foot V nose, which is where we built the shelves for storage. A large cot goes across he back, folding table along the left wall for cooking on, and then a queen air mattress up front. Plenty of room for 3 adults, and when needed the table folds up and 2 more adults can sleep.

Best part is, ITS MOUSE AND WASP FREE after 3 years of West Texas abuse.

Would you mind sending pics to 9404654483 thanks Bill

Tons of DIY videos available. Simply search "cargo trailer conversion"

Here's but one example: https://imgur.com/a/WDk86

It seems to me that when you buy a shipping container or a cargo trailer that you are only buying the outer shell of what will still need framing for insulation, electrical and plumbing.
Has anyone run the numbers on the cost of a shipping container framed inside compared to just building a cabin shell of equal sq ft/size and shape.
Considering that you are not paying any labor for either build out.

It's probably pretty close in numbers since you need a lot of lumber for a 20 foot cabin and roof needs to be good. A new one tripper container shell cost us abt $3,000. You can probably get a little cheaper and if you want a used one a lot cheaper. The container is much easier to move. Just pay for the flatbed to move it and it stays in one piece. Our container looks brand new outside and in after 4 years. We also built a small cabin for about $1,000 but much rougher and no plumbing. A container cabin will last a lifetime and no critters get inside so zero maintenance except clean the toilet and sweep the floor.

Another advantage of a enclosed trailer is it becomes a toy hauler also.

How do you like the portable A/C and how well does it work?
Did you vent out the floor?

The only trailer conversion I have been inside of had a roof mount RV AC unit. With all of the insulation, he could almost use the trailer as a cold storage unit.

vent it well and get a CO2 detector and use/test it religiously

There is a company that makes controllers to override certain wall mount AC units and turn them into portable refrigerators. They won't freeze things but supposedly will get them down to the high 30's.

You only need that if using gas/propane for sure. But even in our container with only electric, I crack our sliding glass door a 1/2 inch when sleeping in it. Doubt need too but might as well be safe. I would put a window in it.

6x12.
If you want to save on time/insulation
Just use it as is, it s small enuf that it doesn’t take long
To heat up or cool down
Have a small fan to circulate air

8x20 Is better in terms of storage space / comfort

I didn’t insulate any of mine ,,, mainly due to time
I estimated about $500 to do

I've got a 12 foot cargo trailer/camper. Really handy for trips "out west" if you have a decent road into your camp site. Pile all your stuff inside and it's water proof and secured for the trip. When you get there, unload your stuff and you've got a perfectly good bedroom ready to go. Mine stays at the deer lease during the off season. It has 2 bunk beds, a small cabinet for storage, hooks to hang clothes and other stuff on, air conditioning, heat is just a small electric space heater. It's wired for both AC power through a regular 30 amp RV plug, or DC power (lights only) through the trailer hookup on your truck. Only one door, but there's a window on each side that opens and serves as an emergency exit. Even though it has bunk beds, there's really only enough room for one person and all of their stuff. I pile my stuff on the top bunk and sleep on the bottom one.