Cargo Trailer Camper Conversion

Why Choose a Cargo Trailer?

A lot of people think they need a van to live on the road. They don't. A cargo trailer conversion gives you more usable floor space than a Sprinter, costs less up front, and keeps your daily vehicle independent. You tow it when you want to adventure, detach it at camp, and still have your truck or SUV to drive around town.

Cargo trailers are especially practical if you're already looking at a truck for other reasons, or if you want flexibility between living-on-the-road and everyday vehicle use. They're also a solid option for building on a tighter budget.

Common Cargo Trailer Sizes

Trailers come in a bunch of sizes. The three we work with most often are 6x12, 7x14, and 7x16. Each has its own sweet spot.

What Systems Does a Cargo Trailer Need?

Just like a van, a converted cargo trailer needs electrical, plumbing, climate control, and interior finishes. The systems are similar, but the layout and constraints are different.

Electrical System

A typical trailer conversion runs 100-200 amp lithium battery bank paired with a 3000-4000W inverter, depending on how much power you're drawing. Most people add 400-800W of solar for charging during extended trips. We run everything through a standard RV distribution panel, so your switches and outlets feel familiar.

Plumbing

Fresh water tank (usually 40-80 gallons, depending on trailer size), gray water tank for sinks and showers, and black water tank for the toilet. We use flexible PEX tubing throughout — it doesn't corrode and handles freezing better than copper. Hot water is handled by either a tankless water heater or a small tank heater, depending on your usage.

Climate Control

Insulation is done with Thinsulate in the walls and XPS foam on the floor. We don't use vapor barriers — they trap moisture in a moving vehicle. Ventilation comes from roof vents and windows. Heat is handled by a propane heater or a small diesel heater if you're serious about winter camping. AC can be added, though it's less common in trailers (AC runs heavy power and space is limited).

Interior & Exterior

Walls are typically laminate, marine plywood, or aluminum paneling. Flooring is vinyl, bamboo, or finished plywood. The ceiling can stay basic or get covered depending on your budget. Exterior upgrades include galvanized or aluminum siding, weatherproofing seams, and adding windows or roof vents.

Cargo Trailer Conversion Costs

The same pricing tiers we use for vans apply to trailers, because the work is roughly equivalent:

The trailer itself costs $5K-$15K depending on size and condition. Add that to your build budget to get your true total. We've learned what works in trailers through building dozens of them, and we don't add unnecessary costs or upsell you on things you don't need.

Our Approach to Trailer Conversions

We've built enough cargo trailers to know what works and what doesn't. We work with the trailer's footprint instead of fighting it. A 6x12 doesn't need a full bathroom — a composting toilet and an outdoor shower work better and save money. A 7x16 can handle a real kitchen and shower setup. We'll figure out what makes sense for your life, not what's technically possible.

We test every system before you take the trailer home. That means you're not learning your plumbing layout or electrical system mid-trip — it all works, and you know how to operate it.

See It in Action

Check out our Wanderwell 14x7 cargo trailer conversion project for a real example of what's possible in a mid-size trailer. It's a full-time living rig built for someone who wanted maximum flexibility.

Next Steps

Not sure if a cargo trailer makes sense for you? That's why we do free consultations. Tell us how you plan to use it, what vehicle you're towing with, and what your budget looks like. We'll walk you through the options and help you figure out if a trailer or a van is the right move.