The best 5x8 Cargo Trailer Camper inspiration for your build
Planning a cargo trailer camper that is small, but mighty? A 5x8 might be the way to go!
Measuring 5’ wide by 8’ long, these little campers pack in a lot of features and functionality. They come in varying heights and an added v nose can get you even more interior space.
Depending on the total weight of your build, many 5x8 cargo trailer camper conversions can be towed with a SUV. The ability to use the tow vehicle you already have is a big bonus (and cost savings) for many people.
If you considering a 5x8 cargo trailer for your DIY camper project, start here for inspiration. We’ve rounded up some of the best builds we’ve seen on the web today.
Empty 5x8 cargo trailer walk- through tour
The options are endless! A 5’x8’ cargo trailer is a great blank slate to build your mini DIY camper. The 5x8 cargo trailer above features a v nose design that gives you some extra space to work with at the front.
Next, let’s see how some smart builders designed their 5x8 cargo trailer campers:
Steal this smart 5x8 cargo trailer camper’s bed design
Wow - this 5x8 cargo trailer camper design truly has it all.
With a bench seat to bed layout, it feels roomy during the day and cozy at night.
It features 6’ headroom with awnings over the side and rear to create a ton of outdoor living space.
The bed/couch is a full size 4" memory foam mattress (linked below) that looks very comfortable and also has a twin size mattress that goes with it.
For water it has a 16 gallon freshwater tank and also has a 13 gallon graywater tank. The electrical system is powered by two 100 watt solar panels mounted on the roof that supply two 100 ah agm sealed batteries . Pure sine wave 1500 watt inverter for 120volt power, smart stow-away Porta potti, and so much more.
The total weight for this build is about 1450 lbs.
Shop this build:
Door hold latch - metal option here or plastic option here on Amazon
MPPT solar charge controller (similar here on Amazon)
Nilight 6 Gang 5 Pin ON/Off Toggle Rocker Switch Panel with 12V-24V LED Digital Voltmeter
Pin it for later
Save this 5x8 cargo trailer camper inspiration for your future build. Follow us on Pinterest at Cargo Trailer Campers.
Camping in a cold climate? This DIY 5x8 cargo trailer conversion is for you.
Over the course of 5 months, Joel converted his 5x8 Enclosed Cargo Trailer into the ultimate Off Road Overlanding Camper.
Watch the full timelapse showing the build from start to finish. You can view each step in more detail on his trailer build playlist.
Joel plans to use this trailer to venture out into the backcountry to camp off-grid, hunt, and fish.
Check out this 5x8 cargo trailer camper timelapse
Months of work in just minutes!
See how this crafty couple DIY’d their own camper starting with an empty 5x8 cargo trailer.
See the smart door placement on this 5x8 cargo trailer camper conversion
The passenger door in the v nose of this 5x8 cargo trailer camper allows tons of interior space. Check out the rear kitchen and smart dinette to bed setup, too.
Can a 5x8 cargo trailer camper be a toy hauler, too?
The comments on this one say it all! This one is a must-watch for a simple yet super functional build.
“I think a 5' x 8' V-Nose Cargo Trailer is a good compromise between internal living and storage space and towing and maneuvering ability with a relatively small footprint. By having everything folding, collapsible and removable there is complete flexibility for whichever mode is chosen at any given time. By building the glazed door and fan window you've got excellent daylight transfer to the interior and increased the practically of your trailer. I think it’s really lovely that you take your elderly Mother camping and on trips, she must really look forward to those adventures. Thank you for sharing your excellent trailer.”
This 5x8 cargo trailer camper packs in a ton of style
Affordable, low cost, under 4K and 3 months to build.
This build starts with a Haulmark Steel Frame Single Axel 5x8 Utility Cargo Trailer and adds a ton of features, and has a high end looking interior:
Thank you to Jon and Claire for sharing the details of your build with us!
We love this 5x8 cargo trailer camper that’s like a log cabin on wheels
Light wood, red accents and chrome lend a beautiful design to this 5x8 cargo trailer camper. Keep in mind that wood does add a lot of extra weight to your build. Consider the tow vehicle you have and how much weight you can safely tow behind you.
The build features an indoor kitchen and dinette seating that becomes the bed. What a smart little layout for mountain, beach or desert adventures.
This cozy 5x8 cargo camper gets a great night’s rest
This 5x8 cargo trailer camper build is all bed, and that’s not a bad thing. Some builders don’t want the hassle of a kitchen setup in their rig. This simple build gives the owner a comfy place to sleep with some smart storage features.
Movie theater on wheels? Check out this unique 5x8 cargo trailer camper
Talk about smart features in a small space. This cargo trailer camper has a pull down projector screen for watching movies at the campsite. Other cool design elements include a dinette bed, peel and stick “tile” accents, and a battery system that packs a big punch.
This beautiful 5x8 cargo trailer camper build was completed in just 3 months
Check out this rave review from a YouTube subscriber that watched this build":
The 5' x 8' V-Nose Cargo Trailer offers the best compromise between internal living space and towing with a compact footprint!
Yours is the simplest and lightest of builds, with the remaining floorspace available for whatever is required at any particular time, be it getting dressed or preparing food.
Beadboards really do transform campers and yours looks really good, especially in white.
You clearly do most of your living outside, using the camper to sleep and this is reflected in your build.
Making the bed and base removable is a great idea, not only can you use the trailer as a trailer, but you could use it as a private office, study or reading room (or for whatever else you decide). Thank you for sharing your lovely compact trailer!
We couldn’t agree more.
Peel and stick tile adds tons of flare to this 5x8 cargo trailer camper
This build cost about $5000 which is much cheaper than most small teardrops.
It took the builder a couple of months working at an extremely leisurely pace.
He notes that a lot of time was spent sewing the cushions because he really knows nothing about sewing.
This 5x8 camper toy hauler is loaded with features
This build starts with a 5x8 cargo trailer with a 5 foot high interior.
It’s total weight is 1,600 pounds with a lot of amenities as you’d find in a teardrop trailer.
The interior features beautiful pine tongue and groove shiplap.
This trailer was built for a lady and her daughter to explore the world of trailer camping before she commits to a toy hauler to carry her motorcycle.
Bonus: How to start your 5x8 cargo trailer camper DIY build
So you bought a 5x8 cargo trailer and are ready to start your conversion.
Now what?
This bonus video walks you through step by step details for your first day with your new camper.
Bonus: Campsite setup for a smart 5x8 cargo trailer camper
See a full camp site setup from start to finish. We love the DIY tire table idea.
What sparked your inspiration in the builds above? Which 5x8 cargo trailer camper do you think has the best design? Let us know in the comments below!
