Get Inspired by Cargo Trailer Camper Ideas and Designs

If you're looking to create a unique and functional cargo trailer camper, you're in the right place. Many people have successfully converted cargo trailers into cozy living spaces, and with a little creativity, you can too.

The key to a great cargo trailer camper is to start with a solid foundation, which means choosing the right trailer size and layout. For instance, a 7x14 foot trailer can be a great starting point, offering ample space for a comfortable bed, kitchenette, and bathroom.

To make the most of your trailer's interior, consider using vertical storage solutions, such as shelves and cabinets, to keep your belongings organized and out of the way. This will also help to create a sense of openness and make the space feel larger.

By incorporating clever design elements, like a Murphy bed or a pop-up dinette, you can optimize your trailer's space and create a truly functional living area.

You can convert a cargo trailer into a camper, and it's often cheaper than buying an RV. Cargo trailers are typically boxy with no curves or weird angles, making them easier to convert than vans or school buses.

Many campers decide to convert a cargo trailer rather than buy a premade rig because of the cost. You can get a truly custom vehicle at a lower price than you'd ever find on a dealership lot.

A cargo trailer camper conversion can be done for less than $7,000, as shown in a time-lapse from adventurer Jonas Marcinko. He converted a 20 x 8 Wells cargo trailer over the course of just two weeks.

You can find endless cargo trailer camper conversion ideas online, including 9 conversions to inspire you built out of all different sizes of cargo trailers.

Small cargo trailers are a great option for conversion into campers, especially for those on a budget. They're often cheaper than buying an RV.

These trailers are typically boxy with no curves or weird angles, making them easier to convert than vans or school buses. This simplicity can be a blessing in disguise, as it allows for a more straightforward conversion process.

You'll need to prepare for a lot of work, as cargo trailers aren't insulated or ventilated. But with time, resources, and ambition, you can create an amazing camper out of a cargo trailer.

Large Cargo Trailers offer a spacious solution for those who want to live on the road. These trailers can range from 8 to 40 feet in length, providing ample room for storage and living areas.

With a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 34,000 pounds, Large Cargo Trailers can accommodate heavy loads and provide stability on the road. They often come equipped with air brakes, making them a safe choice for long-distance travel.

In terms of layout, Large Cargo Trailers can be customized to fit individual needs, with some models featuring multiple slide-outs to expand living and storage space. This flexibility makes them an attractive option for full-time RVers.

Large Cargo Trailers can be towed by a variety of vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs, thanks to their lower profile and lighter weight compared to traditional RVs. This makes them a great choice for those who want to downsize their towing setup.

Some Large Cargo Trailers even come with built-in appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, making them a self-contained living space. This can be a big plus for those who want to boondock or live off the grid.

When designing a cargo trailer camper, it's essential to consider the layout. A well-planned layout can make a huge difference in the comfort and functionality of your trailer.

The interior width of a cargo trailer camper is typically around 6 to 8 feet, which can be a bit cramped, but with clever design, you can make the most of the space.

A popular layout for cargo trailer campers is the "loft" design, where the sleeping area is elevated above the main living space. This can be achieved with a loft bed or a murphy bed, which can be folded up against the wall when not in use.

Incorporating vertical storage solutions is crucial to maximize space in a cargo trailer camper. Consider using stackable shelves, hooks, and baskets to keep essentials within easy reach.

If you're planning to travel with your furry friends, a cargo trailer camper conversion can be a great option. Jake and Nicoll, from Nomadic Jake and @livingtinywithawolf, respectively, have made a cozy home for themselves and their three dogs in a cargo trailer.

Their build has all the essentials, including heat, AC, hot water, and tons of storage. They've even included a peel and stick subway tile backsplash for a touch of home.

One of the key features of this build is its ability to accommodate a large pack, making it perfect for families with multiple dogs. The cargo trailer camper design allows for ample space and flexibility.

Here are some of the features that make this build stand out:

A spacious cargo trailer conversion is not just about having a lot of room, it's also about incorporating thoughtful details that make the space feel cozy and functional. Consider Brian Rogers' build, a 2007 8x16 Pace cargo trailer converted into a camper and toy hauler with most amenities found in a luxury RV.

Grey wood vinyl plank flooring can add warmth and texture to a spacious cargo trailer conversion. This type of flooring is durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for a mobile home.

A 55 amp power center converter charger can provide reliable power for all your appliances and electronics. This is especially important in a spacious cargo trailer conversion where you may have more devices to power.

Recessed ceiling lights can create a sense of openness and make a spacious cargo trailer conversion feel even larger. They're also a great way to add some extra lighting without taking up too much space.

Brian Rogers' build features a drop down bed, a full shower and bath, and a ton of smart ideas to borrow from.

Here are some thoughtful details to consider for your spacious cargo trailer conversion:

A bathroom in a cargo trailer camper conversion is a game-changer. The 5th cargo trailer conversion we're looking at has a bathroom that's complete with a toilet, full shower, and washer and dryer.

This is a great example of how a trailer can be transformed into a cozy home. The bathroom is a crucial part of any home, and it's amazing to see how it's been incorporated into this cargo trailer conversion.

The bathroom in this trailer is a perfect example of how to maximize space. The builders made use of every inch to fit in all the essentials.

This trailer's bathroom is so well-designed that it's easy to forget you're in a cargo trailer. The attention to detail is impressive, and it's clear that the builder put a lot of thought into creating a comfortable space.

For off-road adventures, a camper trailer that's designed to handle rough terrain is a must-have.

Single axle trailers like the one mentioned in Example 1 are great for off-road use because they're lightweight and easy to maneuver.

The 7' height of this trailer is also a plus, allowing it to navigate through tight spaces and over obstacles.

A key feature of off-road trailers is their ability to break down and fit in smaller spaces. This trailer can be fully disassembled to fit in the back of an off-road vehicle, making it perfect for tight adventures.

Here are some features to look for in an off-road camper trailer:

Modern farmhouse design is all about blending rustic charm with modern convenience. This style often features a neutral color palette, natural materials, and vintage or antique accents.

A great example of modern farmhouse design can be seen in a cargo trailer camper conversion. The interior design of this 7x16 cargo trailer (112 sq. ft. in total) is surprisingly luxurious, complete with a shower, toilet, and a king size bed.

The use of sconce lights and ceiling lights can add a warm and cozy ambiance to a space, perfect for a modern farmhouse design. These types of lighting fixtures can be used to create a sense of depth and visual interest.

A well-placed wall mirror can also help to create the illusion of a larger space, making it a great addition to a modern farmhouse design. In the cargo trailer camper example, a wall mirror is used to reflect natural light and add a touch of elegance to the space.

If you're looking to incorporate modern farmhouse design elements into your space, consider using cabinet pulls and bathroom cabinet storage to add a touch of rustic charm. These types of storage solutions can help to keep your space organized and clutter-free.

Here are some key design elements to consider when incorporating modern farmhouse design into your space:

There are endless cargo trailer camper conversion ideas out there, so it's great to have some inspiration to get you started.

You can find cargo trailer camper conversion ideas in various sizes of cargo trailers, including 9 different conversions to inspire you.

My favorite part about cargo trailer camper conversions is that you can customize them to fit your needs and preferences, just like #7, which includes a washer, dryer, crypt bed, shower, living room, and more!

If you're in the market for a travel trailer, you might be surprised to find that traditional, prefabricated options can be quite pricey.

Steve and Kelly, a couple who blog about their travels, initially considered a prefabricated trailer but had a long list of must-haves that made it difficult to find a suitable option.

A GVWR of 4,000 pounds or less and good ground clearance are just a couple of the requirements they had.

They also wanted a maximum length of 17 feet, a queen bed, and a self-contained onboard shower and toilet.

It's not easy to find all those components in one trailer, so they decided to convert a cargo trailer into their own custom home away from home.

Their finished product is rustic but charming, and it includes a clever bench that doubles as hidden storage.

Here are some inspiring cargo trailer camper conversion ideas to get you started. You can find endless options online, but hopefully, you'll find one that's perfect for you.

Some people prefer to start with a specific size of cargo trailer, like a 16-foot Wells cargo trailer.

You can add a queen bed to your cargo trailer conversion, like Steve and Kelly did in their rustic rig. They also included a self-contained onboard shower and toilet.

Consider adding a clever bench that doubles as hidden storage, like in Steve and Kelly's rustic rig. This can be a great space-saving solution.

You can also add cute lemon and lime fixtures to invite visitors to sit and stay awhile, like the couple at Camping RV BC did in their utility trailer.

A narrow cabinet along the side of the rig can increase storage space, as the couple at Camping RV BC discovered.

Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, functionality, and efficiency. It's a philosophy that's perfect for tiny homes and camper conversions.

Take the cargo trailer camper conversion we featured earlier, which started as an empty 7x14 Anvil cargo trailer. The builder's goal was to create a toy hauler with a shower and enough room to be comfortable on vacation.

This build is a great example of Scandinavian design in action. The total build-out weight of the trailer is an impressive 2920 lbs, which is light enough to tow with a 2018 Toyota Tacoma V6.

Here are some of the features that make this build so efficient:

These features may seem like a lot, but they're all designed to work together seamlessly to create a comfortable and functional living space.

Converting a cargo trailer into a camper is a feasible DIY project, and many people have successfully done it over a weekend.

You can create a custom-covered trailer camper conversion in as little as two and a half weekends, as seen in the example of the couple who vlogs at Stumbles and Fumbles.

Cargo trailers are easier to convert than vans or school buses due to their boxy shape with no curves or weird angles.

This makes them a more accessible option for DIYers who want to create their own camper.

Before converting a cargo trailer into a camper, you'll need to prepare it by insulating and ventilating it, as it's not designed for living quarters.

This process requires time, resources, and ambition, but the end result can be an amazing camper.

When designing a cargo trailer camper, consider the interior layout to maximize space efficiency. A well-planned layout can make all the difference in a compact space.

A typical cargo trailer camper is around 8-10 feet wide and 20-24 feet long, with a floor area of about 160-240 square feet. This size allows for a comfortable living space without sacrificing too much cargo capacity.

To make the most of this space, consider a loft bed or bunk beds to free up floor space for a kitchenette or bathroom. This is especially useful in smaller trailers where every inch counts.

This 6x12 cargo camper has a ton of retro style, with an amazing retro-inspired exterior that's just the start.

A mounted scissor jack is a great addition to any camper, making it easy to level and secure the trailer. You can find similar scissor jacks on Amazon.

A tongue toolbox is also a useful feature, providing a convenient place to store tools and other essentials. Similar tongue toolboxes can be found on Amazon.

Outside electrical outlets are a must-have for any camper, allowing you to keep your devices charged and powered up.

Consider reading: Power Tongue Jack for Travel Trailer

A Cozy Cabin for Off-Grid Camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. You can create a cozy cabin in a cargo trailer conversion, perfect for solo getaways or two-person trips.

The key to a successful off-grid camping experience is to be self-sufficient. This means carrying your drinking water with you, investing in a composting toilet or portable toilet, and not relying on developed campgrounds.

A great example of a cozy cabin for off-grid camping is the 7 x 12 insulated cargo trailer featured on TinyHouseTalk. This trailer has a propane-run Coleman stove, simple gravity plumbing with a hand pump, and a chemical port-a-potty.

To make your off-grid camping experience even more comfortable, consider adding some essential items to your cargo trailer conversion. Here are some must-haves:

Don't forget to think about storage space when designing your cozy cabin. A convertible couch bed, removable table, and loads of storage can make a big difference in your comfort level.

The 7×12 cargo trailer conversion is a great example of a unique design. This size is spacious and open, perfect for a weekend getaway or a full-time living space.

With features like cabinetry and an elevated couch-bed, you can enjoy a comfortable living area. The large countertop with a sink and dinette that converts into a second bed make mealtime and bedtime a breeze.

Wood-clad walls and ceilings give this cargo camper a cozy log cabin feel, perfect for snuggling up on chilly nights. A Thetford toilet and diesel heater ensure you can stay warm and clean, even in the winter months.

A toy hauler is a fantastic way to transport your toys and gear while also having a comfortable place to rest and cook. The 6×12 cargo trailer is a great size for a toy hauler conversion.

This size trailer can be converted into a fully functional camper with a kitchen, two fold-up twin beds, a refrigerator, stove, and toilet. Ikea is a great resource for finding affordable and functional accessories and furniture for your toy hauler.

The video of this toy hauler build is a bit shaky, but the design and implementation are truly impressive. It's amazing what you can do with a little creativity and some DIY skills.

Old trailers often have a more rugged and durable design, which can be beneficial for long-term use. Many older trailers are built with heavier-duty materials, such as steel, that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

One of the main advantages of new trailers is their sleek and modern design, which can provide a more comfortable living space. New trailers often come with advanced features like insulation and ventilation systems.

Older trailers, however, can be more affordable and offer a unique charm that many people find appealing. Some old trailers can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

New trailers, on the other hand, come with the latest safety features and technologies, such as braking systems and electrical systems that are designed for easy use. These features can provide peace of mind for those who value convenience and safety.

Old trailers can be a great option for those who want to DIY and customize their trailer to fit their needs. Many old trailers have a more open design, allowing for easier modification and repair.

New trailers, however, are often designed with specific layouts and features in mind, which can make it harder to customize them. But, some new trailers do offer more flexibility in terms of layout and design.

Check this out: One Way Trailer Transport