Top 10 reasons to convert a cargo trailer into a camper (vs buying an RV)
Why convert a cargo trailer? Why not go with a traditional travel trailer that is all ready to hit the road?
It's a question that gets asked constantly when people find out that you are converting a cargo trailer into a camper. But more importantly, it's a question you may find yourself asking. As we went back and forth on which route to go, we compiled a list of why a cargo camper would be a better fit.
Check out our Top 10 reasons to choose the cargo camper route:
1) Size
Size is a big concern when deciding on Cargo Camper vs Traditional RV. You might be limited on space at your home, which could immediately rule out the majority of traditional RVs. We personally wanted something on the shorter side (in the 16’ or less range) so we could store it behind a security fence (trailers get stolen often if not properly stored across the US). Next, when looking for places to camp, private campgrounds, RV parks, National and State parks often have length limits. You may want to make sure your decision would allow you to be welcome anywhere with a length restriction (places that are on the fence of allowing DIY campers is a whole other story itself).
2) Cost
Along with size, the cost is usually a big factor as well. For us, all the traditional RVs we looked at in our size range were going for $20k minimum. With air travel going the way of the dodo in 2020, travelers began exploring alternative methods. Adventurers from all walks of life descended upon RV life and quickly, inventory dwindled, while prices rose especially among the smaller RV’s. This left us looking for other options, which led us to cargo trailer camper conversions. Cargo trailers can be purchased for under $10k, depending on the size and manufacturer. Add in another $3k-$4k to build it out and you could still be well under the $20k that a traditional RV would run.
3) Weight
Yes, size and cost are huge factors, if not the biggest, but, when it comes to pulling anything, you MUST make sure your vehicle can pull the trailer and pull it safely. Just because you “think” your vehicle “looks” like it can pull your trailer doesn't mean that it can. Just picture a vehicle going down the highway pulling any trailer and that vehicle's front end is clearly higher than it should be, while the back is dragging.
Once you decide which vehicle you plan to use, do your research to make sure you know what your towing capacity is to pull the trailer safely. For example, our 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (V8, towing package) has a max weight of 5,000 lbs. A 2022 Jayco has a gross weight of 4,995 lbs (4,035 lbs dry). Can the Jeep safely pull it? Based on the weight of the trailer and the capacity of my Jeep, it lines up, BUT, I would not. Just because the Jeep says 5,000 lbs, you want to give yourself some buffer on that. Manufactures say that you should never come within 10% of that capacity, meaning 4,500 lbs would be the heaviest for the Jeep. Depending on the size of the cargo trailer and the number of axels, a cargo trailer will come in under 3,000 lbs empty, giving you ample weight to play with while building yours out.
4) Features/Functions
Now, you may be thinking, “I want all of the features!” That is cool, but let's break it down. Are you really going to use all the features that come on a brand new RV? Honestly, you might not. More features just mean more things that can possibly go wrong. Now, some people do want and use all of the features that their RV came with. For us, we wanted to keep it simple.
For us, our #1 consideration was that we don’t want propane. We don’t want to run the risk of having a tank combust on us while inside the trailer, nor did we want to be driving down the road and have an accident where there would be a chance of exploding there. (We know it’s unlikely, but if we don't need propane, let's not risk it).
We also want to be as simple as possible. Traditional RVs come with so many features and add ons that we personally wouldn’t use, so why would we pay for them? When on the road, you may not have an RV shop to fix anything that goes wrong (i.e. the motor on your awning goes out and your awning is stuck out). By going the cargo trailer camper conversion route, you have complete control. You can add the features you want while using things that can easily be found at any DIY store like Lowes or Home Depot.
What it really comes down to is, “what do you want out of your trailer?”
5) Upgrades
The great thing about building out your own trailer is the flexibility. With technology improving every year, you might discover something along your journey that you wish you had. Well, now you can!
By knowing the ins and outs of your trailer that we built out yourself, you can easily swap things out as you need them or they are released. Didn’t think you wanted a mini-fridge but now you want one? Perfect! You can add it in (if you have the space). You’ll know the ins and outs of your trailer and are not constrained to what a traditional RV has.
6) Repairs
Repairs can go hand in hand with upgrades. If something goes wrong in your cargo conversion, you’ll most likely know where it went wrong. For us, everything will go outside the interior walls, including electricity. We will do this for easy repairs.
You don’t want to be on the road and have something go wrong that requires you to dig behind the wall and insulation to find out where it is. It may not be the cleanest look, but the easy access will be well worth it. Everything that goes into the cargo conversion should be easily available at any DIY store or Amazon (Prime would be great for next-day delivery where ever you are).
7) Aesthetics
Everyone should love what their camper looks like whether it is a cargo trailer conversion or a traditional RV. From color to wicked puma designs, you want something that you’re going to enjoy because you have to look at it! But looks can also shout, “there are some valuable things in here!” Yes, both camper styles are susceptible to break-ins, but for most, seeing a cargo trailer might not be as obvious that someone is living in there. (Yes, we know there are a lot of folks that target cargo trailers because of the valuable tools, but ya can’t win them all!). If you want to be as stealthy as possible, then the look of an actual camper might be something you don’t want. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself, so the simpler the better (so no puma on the front of the cargo camper).
8) Minimalism
When we first decided on going out on the road, we wanted to keep things simple. The more minimal the better for us (which won’t necessarily be the case for everyone, but for us is key).
By converting the cargo trailer camper out yourself, it might really make you realize how many things you don’t need for life on the road. When building your cargo trailer camper, you also have to consider added weight. Remember, your vehicle can only tow so much (see #3) and your trailer can only carry so much.
In some cases, less is more when building your conversion.
9) Resale
Let’s be honest, is life on the road for everyone? No, and that’s ok – But what are you going to do with your trailer if you don’t want to continue? When it comes to traditional RVs, they are just like cars. They depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. Yes, cargo trailers do the same, but they will hold their value a lot longer than a traditional RV will. Most cargo trailers you see driving down the road are used for landscaping, plumbing, and construction crews to haul their equipment around. If you’ve made it this far, you are probably pretty set on converting a cargo trailer into a camper and have begun researching prices and styles. As you have probably seen, used cargo trailers are going for almost the same price as new, if not the same. Not the greatest news if you’re buying, but if you’re looking to sell, then you’re liking that. Prices are only going up on cargo trailers, so even if you decided life on the road isn’t for you, you can resell. You can take everything out that you put in because YOU are the one who knows how everything was put in!
10) Fun
Finally, we personally wanted to have some fun. Yes, a traditional RV is ready to go when you roll it off the lot. But where is the fun in that?
I know, yes, you can go travel right away, but it’s about the journey, not the destination. If you want to do something different and really make it your own, converting a cargo trailer to a camper is a great way to go.
Will it be difficult? Yes, but because of others who have come before us, we have great guidance and feel more comfortable doing it. Will we watch countless hours of YouTube videos on toilets? You bet your bottom dollar we will. We will be able to tell you more about compostable toilets than we would like to admit.
Overall, we feel it will be totally worth going the cargo trailer camper conversion route.
Hopefully, this list helps you out in deciding whether you should convert a cargo trailer or go the more traditional RV route.
So, what are your top reasons for converting a cargo trailer into a camper vs buying a traditional RV? Let us know in the comments below.
