A Blank Canvas

As you may gather from Angela’s post on selecting the right vessel for this trip, we decided on an enclosed cargo trailer.

This allows us to create any layout we want within and not worry about losing the build due to engine failures. When ordering, I even specifically asked for no roof or wall vents and that the interior plywood be held in-place using screws. You’ll see why in a later article. The other reason for ordering new; we could not find anything used or second hand. Most had the ramp door which is not very practical in my opinion, and the interior may have not been right.

Since almost all trailers are made in large sprawling warehouse factories south of the Mason-Dixon, instead of ordering one from a dealer in the NE, I went straight to the supplier.

I want you to keep in mind during my build, this is what we started with.

A blank canvas.

(the Outback struggled getting this back, not a good sign...)

Rear doors.

Original ceiling

Plywood over unisulated walls

Galvanized steel over luan for the roof.

Once we brought it back to NY form GA, I set to work with a rough layout and placement of some of the early pieces of equipment purchased.

This gave me enough of an idea of what and where things would be located to start (keyword) on the rest of the designs.

Fridge will roll out in front of the door for access.

Sticking the wet bath in an awkward corner.

Using a chair to determine bench dimensions.

Opposing benches in the rear for dining.

Heated floor in the main walkway. Warm toes while cooking or getting out of bed!

First cup of tea at the dinette

And then…it sat for a while. And a little longer. Not much got done on the camper for some time.

Eventually, I did get the chance to begin work on the trailer. Keep reading our upcoming articles to see how the build progressed.