Concept

Essentially, my concept for the camper was a lightweight toy hauler.  This was pretty close to this list of objectives that I started with:

Design Objectives

• under 3500 lbs, pull w/V6 (still not ideal but at least possible)

  • finished weight is 2380 lbs

• minimize plumbing and electrical and gas infrastructure

• able to get in and use kitchen and bathroom while in-transit

• able to build with readily available materials and ability

• minimal camp setup

• cargo area available for bikes/kayaks/etc.

• some rv features

I went back and forth on the list of features that I wanted to include.  It's easy to go over board (and I probably did) so I frequently had to revisit what made sense in terms of desirability, complexity, affordability and size. This is the list I ended up with:

Camper Features

• toilet

• shower

• sink

• stove

• heater

• water heater (on demand)

• fridge (110/12 volt and propane)

• beds/configuration to sleep 4 (2 adults, 2 children)

• 110/12 volt power center/charger

  • solar panel for charging single battery

  • 12 volt interior lights/outlet

  • 110 volt outlets (inside and out)

• windows

• awnings/ramp enclosure

I spent a lot of time figuring out the best approach for air conditioning but in the end decided against it because I live in Colorado and it is rarely an issue in the mountains (and I'm usually off-grid).  I did install a 110 outlet in the place where I could install a small window unit (with proper framing).  But if anything, I may buy a small portable swamp cooler (good for dry climates) that I can easily remove on trips where there is no chance of needing it.

Edit:  I think in 2023 I decided to add a regular house air conditioner.  There are various configurations that will work, but ended up placing the A/C in an interior cabinet that I sealed off in such a way that it mimics sitting in a window.  I used two marine style round access hatch that need to be opened when running the A/C.  One hatch is routed to the intake and one to the outtake. 

Originally, I intended to wire for speakers but I just wasn't certain where they would go so I didn't sweat it.  Also, in these days of portable speakers and Bluetooth, it probably isn't necessary.

Trailer Characteristics and Features

A 7'x12'x7’ single axle cargo trailer works out well for a small camper.  I'm not certain but I don't think you can go any larger without going to a dual axle which adds quite a bit of weight and requires a more powerful tow vehicle.  There seems to be a lot of advice for going with a dual axle but for me it simply crossed a threshold I didn't want to go over and I have yet to experience any noteworthy drawbacks.  In addition, here is what I ended up with for my trailer:

• 36" side door (I thought I would prefer a smaller "RV like" door but the 36" has some advantages)

• ramp door (originally thought I wanted barn doors but now I think the ramp is very nice, especially for a patio)

• electric brakes (non-negotiable for me, especially living in the mountains)

• flat front (I would guess a v-nose would be best for air flow but I got a good deal on a trailer with a flat front)

• round top (I would guess a flat top might be easier to work with but I got a good deal on a trailer with a round top)

• standard exterior lights and 2 - 12 volt interior lights

I didn't get any of the following but there are some nice options available on cargo trailers that would come in handy for a camper conversion such as:

• 30 amp service

• spare tire/carrier

• storage boxes on tongue (possibly can use for propane and/or battery)

• a/c roof rough-in (I would probably go with this if I lived in a hot/humid climate, although the roof vs window option is still debatable)

There are all kinds of decisions that you will need to make depending on what you're after and what you're willing to spend such as:

• new vs used

• v vs flat front

• flat vs rounded top

• dimensions (6 vs 7, 10 vs 12 vs 14)

• single axle vs tandem axle

• ramp vs door

• brands

There's really no right answer to all of these questions but I will suggest going with at least a 6'6" high trailer and preferably 7'.  Also, the 7' width is nice because you can easily sleep wall to wall.  However, the 7' width is harder to see around from the tow vehicle.

Infrastructure

Depending on the camper features you want, some or all of the following will be needed:

• electrical system

  • 30 amp service/110 volt wiring/inverter/power center

  • battery/solar panels/12 volt wiring/lights/switches

  • battery holder

• water system

  • water tank

  • water pump/pressure tank

  • shower/sink drain

  • plumbing

• propane system

  • propane tank and holder

  • gas lines

• spare tire carrier