Enclosed cargo trailers can be converted into main or auxiliary living spaces. One common setup is a converted cargo van pulling a converted cargo trailer.
PRO
- can be taken on longer trips or left behind on shorter ones
- can usually carry heavier loads safer than an RV can
- available in many configurations
- blank slate with straight sides for the build
CON
- can be more expensive than one might expect, even on the used market
Video discussion:
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Stealth
Cargo trailers can be stealthy if they haven't had any obvious "camper" additions like windows and RV-style doors. However, people may see you moving between the tow vehicle and your trailer (no passthrough), which removes any stealth you would otherwise have.
Supply trailers

Supply trailers are towed behind another vehicle to expand the available living space when camping or living nomadically. They frequently contain a camp kitchen, adventure gear, and storage for other items that aren't needed while the vehicle is in motion. Supply trailers can be left at a camp site while traveling during the day. Supply trailers are a subset of cargo trailers; they are smaller trailers which usually aren't large enough to be entered by a human. Most have access to storage compartments from the sides or top of the trailer.
Parking trailers
Your parking difficulty increases significantly when you are towing a trailer. Overall vehicle length means you'll fit in fewer places, and you may have difficulty backing a trailer when necessary.
Note that in many places you can't leave a trailer parked on the street if it's not attached to a vehicle. Your trailer may be considered abandoned much sooner than a vehicle.
Moving trailers
If you park your trailer long term in RV parks (monthly rates) and move infrequently, you may be able to save money by renting a truck each time you need to move instead of owning a truck. Then you can use a more economical vehicle for your daily driver. You may need to rent from the rental agency's commercial division. If you have a 5th wheel you may need to get a gooseneck adapter. [1] Otherwise, you may be able to hire a commercial RV moving service to get your trailer moved.
Resources
Resource | Description | |
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Less Common Vehicles | A sub-forum of VanLivingForum.com | |
Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "cargo trailers" | |
Search related sites | Search van life sites for "cargo trailers" | |
Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "cargo trailers" |