In assessing my needs to move water craft and go camping at the same time, I am thinking of purchasing a 16 foot cargo trailer with the idea of adding a small "bathroom" and sleeping area to it that I can use to go to the numerous watercraft festivals I attend.
I say 16 foot as it has to handle a 14x5 foot sailboat on a launching dolly. This would also free up garage space for garage things instead of being a home for my antique sailboat.
So I am thinking V-nose for both aerodynamics and the extra room for the "head". With a spot for a small counter with fridge. The bed would either be Murphy style or a drop down type to give enough clearance for the boat. Of course it would have solar and batteries to run the lights, fridge, and any accessories.
Insulation and an AC would be high on my list. But then that probably leads to generator and/or shore power provisions.
It probably doesn't matter at festivals, but I have noticed with the uptick in #vanlife I have noticed campgrounds claiming to require RVIA Certification to camp.
Just something to consider with a roll your own camper.
wake74
Reader
8/6/23 5:27 p.m.
There is FB group called "Cargo trailer toy hauler conversions". Everything you ever wanted to know about this topic. Like all internet things, some hacked up conversions, and some real quality craftsmanship.
RVIA is kind of a joke - as long as you are not driving around in some wood burning schoolbus painted 10 different colors, most campgrounds don't care. They put the "RVIA" and "10 Year Rule" to keep out the riffraff. If you show up with a fully restored 1960s Airstream behind a real nice vintage tow rig, you will not run into issues at any campground.
Any halfway-decent sign shop can make you an RVIA sticker for 10-15 bucks, just get a high-res photo of one and have it made. No one is going to look close.
Tnttt.com is an excellent site for all kinds of ideas. They have a specific cargo trailer conversion section.
-Rob
