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Get Inspired By These 7 Smart Cargo Trailer Camper Conversions
These 7 cargo trailer camper conversions feature smart designs and beautiful aesthetics. Start here for inspiration.
Thinking about building a cargo trailer camper conversion?
With DIY cargo campers gaining popularity, there is no shortage of inspiration out there.
Start with these seven smart cargo trailer campers. Each video shows how they are designed for durability, comfort and aesthetics.
We’ve also included a shopping guide for the most interesting items in each build.
Here’s to hitting the road in comfort and style!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a small commission may be earned at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this content. For our full disclaimer, click here.
Cargo Trailer to Tiny Home for $7,000
This crafty couple took a 20x8 Wells Ccargo trailer and turned it into a tiny home in just two weeks! They did this DIY cargo camper conversion for a small low budget - just under $7000. They had the cargo trailer spray foamed for insulation and then used a reflective insulation on top of that. They also installed in-floor heating. Skip to 3:00 to start the tour and stay for the time lapse at the end for a start to finish build recap.
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2. Skier’s Stealthy Off-Grid Cargo Camper
Cedric Yves Denis is a freeskier who converted a cargo trailer into a super stealthy off-grid camper that he can park and live in almost anywhere. The interior is simple and functional with a converting couch bed, a wood stove, a spacious kitchen, removable table, and loads of storage. He even has a garage built into the back to house his ski gear and solar power system, and even more storage space in the bed of his pickup truck. The trailer is a Lightning single axle, all-aluminum12'x6' cargo trailer and the DIY conversion project cost approx. $16,000 CAD all in.
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3. Modern Farmhouse Design in this Cargo Trailer Camper
You won't believe the before and after of this cargo trailer conversion! Kristi is the voice behind Chatfield Court which is a DIY design blog. Her skills really shine in this cargo trailer camper project. She took a 7x16 cargo trailer (112 sq. ft. in total) and converted it into a comfortable and cozy RV camper, complete with a shower, toilet and a king size bed. The interior design of this cargo trailer rivals any luxury modern RV or camper van - an even most hotels! This one is really a must-watch.
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4. Scandinavian Design in this Cargo Trailer Camper Conversion
This fantastic cargo camper conversion started as an empty 7x14 Anvil cargo trailer with 7ft interior height. The builder’s goal was to make a toy hauler with a shower and enough room to be comfortable on vacation. It’s packed with features but till light weight enough to tow with 2018 Toyota Tacoma V6 - the starting weight was 2160 lbs empty and with the full build he only added 760 pounds for a total build-out weight of 2920 lbs total. He paid $4,000 for the trailer and spent $3,200 on materials for a total cost of $7200. We are so impressed with the efficient design and functionality of this build.
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5. The Most Unique Sleeping Setup in a Cargo Trailer Camper, Ever
Michael takes cargo trailer camper functionality to another level in this build. We love all of the smart, hidden storage and the bed “fort” underneath the living area is really interesting. The comments on this video say it all - “I love nearly everything about that conversion. The shower is pure genius, and the crypt would be amazing as long as I could have a fan in there. Truly awesome build. I think it's one of my favorites I've seen.” Watch, and be inspried.
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6. Spacious Cargo Trailer Conversion With Thoughtful Details
Brian Rogers shows an incredible level of skill and design with this cargo trailer camper build. He starts with a 2007 8x16 Pace cargo trailer and converts it to a camper and toy hauler with most amenities found in a luxury RV. Featuring a drop down bed and full shower and bath, there are a ton of smart ideas to borrow from this build.
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7. Cargo Trailer Camper Design for Travel with Dogs
Now matter how big your pack, this build proves that cargo trailer camper conversions can be for you! Jake is from Nomadic Jake on YouTube and Nicoll who runs @livingtinywithawolf on Instagram are two really inspiring builders. They have made this cargo trailer into a cozy home for themselves and their three dogs. It has all the bells and whistles including heat, AC, hot water and tons of storage.
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Thanks for checking out these inspiring builds! Let us know which one was your favorite in the comments below.
Steal This Smart 5x8 Cargo Trailer Camper Setup (Video)
This video features a super smart 5x8 cargo trailer camper conversion design. Steal these ideas for features, functionality and layout.
Looking for a small design that does it all? Steal this 5x8 cargo trailer camper layout!
Today we’re joining Vince (the builder) and Patrick from New Jersey Outdoor Adventures for the great video below.
The comments section is still active with glowing reviews. Here’s one:
“WOW! Vince made a real gem in such a small trailer. Outstanding DIY build! Each aspect/feature is well designed, with elegant solutions. I particularly like the "pass through" galley, the V-nose utilization, the thoughtful easy access to the wiring (chases, and panels), the clever legs on the pull-out bed platform (notice how they swing under by themselves when he closes it), the nice use of light woods and finishes, the awnings and so much more. Outstanding. And in such a SMALL trailer too! What a gem! Vince is a craftsman. Also notice his organized truck with extra gear.”
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a small commission may be earned at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this content. For our full disclaimer, click here.
Without further ado, let’s get to the video:
Cargo Camper Conversion Specs:
5 foot by 8 foot with v-nose
6’ interior height
Weighs about 1450 lbs
Additional details
The bed/couch is a full-size 4" memory foam mattress and also has a twin-size mattress that goes with it
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
Awnings over the side and rear
Pressure water from a 16-gallon freshwater tank also has a 13-gallon gray water tank
24-inch smart tv with DVD player for off-grid media
About the YouTubers
New Jersey Outdoor Adventures YouTube channel is about van life , camper vans, Van builders, DIY conversions, and RV walk-through tours in and around New Jersey.
Is this the ultimate 7x12 cargo camper conversion? (video)
Smart design meets expert craftsmanship in this 7x12 cargo trailer build. See for yourself if it’s truly the “ultimate.”
We’ve seen some great cargo trailer conversion videos in our day. This one is pretty awesome. But is it… the ultimate?
Every person has their own wants and needs from a cargo trailer conversion. That’s the beauty of the build - it can be uniquely customized to your exact specifications.
This particular camper features a slide-out couch-to-bed design, dinette, tons of countertop space and ample storage.
Check out the video below:
Cargo camper conversion specs
7 foot by 12 foot with v-nose
6 foot interior height
Weight unknown
Additional details
This design features only one upper cabinet. The rest of it is fully open.
The elevated couch turns into a bed. This is a unique design that you don’t see often in cargo campers.
Dinette with nesting storage stool that turns into a single bed.
Cassette toilet
400 watts of solar
Garage in the back with tons of storage and space for bikes
Barn doors
All aluminum skin
About the YouTubers
The TrailerLife channel is dedicated to sharing what the builder has learned about building and traveling in an enclosed cargo trailer converted into a custom camper trailer.