Building a micro camper for Maker Camp in the Catskills | converting a cargo trailer for off grid

Рет қаралды 1,215,214

Жыл бұрын

This cargo trailer camper conversion is my version of a low cost minimalist camper build. I started my #microcamper with a 4x8 U Haul cargo trailer, adding a lithium-ion battery pack, air conditioning, and a memory foam bed for off-grid comfort. I call it my Bed Box. Let me know what you think!
Catskill Mountain Maker Camp - catskillmountainmakerscamp.com/

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@jimmydiresta Жыл бұрын

Come to maker camp. We can hide it in my yard 🤐 hahah😂😂😂 awesome

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

😅 Problem solved! I'll disguise it for the trip and drop it off. Hint: it's the big blue toaster 😎

@jimmydiresta Жыл бұрын

@@JordanWorkshop are you in the clear !??

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

@@jimmydiresta Yes, I've been talking to Uhaul. They seem more reasonable than most here give them credit for. I'll have its ownership history back from the DMV shortly. Great setup at Maker Camp this year!! I wish I had recorded more of it. Should have a trip video out in a few days

@jansmith3158 Жыл бұрын

@@JordanWorkshop brilliant idea to use this cargo container U-hual!! I would recommend you watch yt ch Chuck Cassidy. He is a professional skollie conversion bus builder. He recommned putting spray foam between the metal and wood so that you dont get any condensation behind the walls that could cause mold issues. Happy camping!! 🌲🌲🌲

$@soonerfrac4611$

@soonerfrac4611 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful trailer. Maybe more insulation & a small wood burning stove or even a pellet stove.

@darrenjohnson8644 Жыл бұрын

I can believe it! I clicked on this video and was thinking to myself, “this guy’s voice has in uncanny resemblance to my former co-worker’s voice!” Then realized it WAS Scott! Hey buddy! Nice video! Love the build!

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Hey Darren! Thanks! Good to hear from you! Still doing the woodworking?

@darrenjohnson8644 Жыл бұрын

@@JordanWorkshop Yep! I’ll text you sometime.

@gglen2141 Жыл бұрын

I like the idea you are towing it with a Range Rover. It'd be comforting to know you have somewhere to sleep when waiting for the tow truck.😀

@RandomButtonPusher Жыл бұрын

I applaud both your skill set and dedication to repurposing/reusing material. The amount of "waste" in our society is horrific and your project demonstrates just how someone with a bit of vision and effort can make a dent in the problem. Shop skills should be taught to everyone in school (and I say this as a retired English/communication prof), along with basic gardening skills.

@dolores2716 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. As a women who never held a power drill in my hand until I was in my late 40s, I wish I had learned shop skills when I was young. Life would have been different.

@sgt0079 Жыл бұрын

Well said!

@Chubbydippin Жыл бұрын

You should be going to maker camp as a instructor. Your skills as a travel trailer builder can easily turn into a business. Building for others as a career is in your future if it interests you. Well done sir. You give me and I'm thinking, other people who watched this, inspiration and hope to do something themselves. Thankyou for sharing.

@dontfencemein-rving7439 Жыл бұрын

Hey, I live near Machu Picchu!

@wgdavidson9669 Жыл бұрын

You pass this off as a casual and "rough" project. You're too humble; this is an incredible job.

@supersnoopy73 Жыл бұрын

Very nice job especially with all the repurposed materials. Wish I understood electronics and electrical like you. Well done

@pielcanela365 Жыл бұрын

Love it!! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing your knowledge and skill and putting it all together using repurchased items.

@lasharonbrown9454 Жыл бұрын

Great job! Love the craftsmanship & recycled essentials.

@vadeking Жыл бұрын

This was SO much more than I expected when I clicked on the video. Truly impressed with your wide range of skills and knowledge that allowed you to make this. Very concise video too; it really shows just how much goes into making a tiny camper.

@robbie2759 Жыл бұрын

I loved all the repurposed items from the trailer to the server rack awesome job!

@johnkucik1833 Жыл бұрын

You did a really good job, inside & out ,creative , smart & technical.

@luisguevara7402 Жыл бұрын

I have nothing but admiration for people with this much knowledge to make cool stuff.

@peanuttt3117 Жыл бұрын

Awesome job. This has to be one of the best trailer builds I've seen. Love that you showed repurposed materials, showing a good way to save some money. Would love to see the finished product.

@williamsaloka9043 Жыл бұрын

I think you're doing a fine job with this trailer. I like the looks of it. Reminds me of the "Old-School" look.

@mikepoint4717 Жыл бұрын

Your attention to detail is amazing, a labour of love , but what a fantastic camper and the savings is phenomenal. Cheers

@Mattthewanderer Жыл бұрын

NICE! It's small and tidy. I love seeing repurposed things and especially when it is about camping!

@tamiweber7118 Жыл бұрын

I love what you’ve done 💕This camper will make it to a lot of places 🎉 Your recycling skills are amazing. Thank you 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥂🍾

@bachinthewoods Жыл бұрын

That's amazing! Fantastic conversion, totally in awe of your skills and resourcefulness !

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I just checked out your build video. Looks like you're in for an amazing journey! I'll be following along on your channel

@thisolesignguy2733 Жыл бұрын

what a great idea! I never thought of using a uhaul for something like this. so cool!

@joeBeranek-lh8qz Жыл бұрын

You have done a great job in the build of this trailer. Keep it up.

@thejeffneville Жыл бұрын

Wow - I think you did a great job and with so much repurposed material? Impressive!

@assistantprepper 11 ай бұрын

Well done Jimmy. You make a conversion look easy; which it isn't. 😃

@KrispyBizcut 9 ай бұрын

I love it! Simple yet everything you'd need!

@thebadidealab3627 Жыл бұрын

love what you're doing here, and love how many times I saw the word re-purposed

@hueypilot1950 Жыл бұрын

Have you ever been called an over achiever? Definitely a beautiful job in progress. I have camped in a 4x8 U-Haul twice and a 5x8 U-Haul once. I wanted to test the space. Just me camping, not a couple. I appreciate the info (watching you do it) on how you disassembled certain structures inside and cut out window etc. A simple tarp canopy hanging off the back or a pop up shelter completes the deal. Thanks for posting.

@erikziak1249 Жыл бұрын

Very nice build. I like how you repurposed many things, yet managed to get a somewhat decent look, considering the time you spent on this. With more time to spare, you could play around with all the rough stuff as well as add some details here and there. Not just cosmetic ones, but practical.

@kristian5515 Жыл бұрын

Very very cool build! Reusing material is the way to go, bravo!

@dustinwalker9468 Жыл бұрын

Love seeing these types of builds. You got skills man! Keep it up!

@van_demonium Жыл бұрын

Great conversion Jordan. These older ones are so well made too. All metal and no pressure treated wood slats. Anyone thinking of doing this to a newer one, keep in mind there is some pressure treated wood that will need to be swapped out.

@GeneralPurpose9 Жыл бұрын

I was a mechanic for U-Haul for 12 years. The box trailers were never sold. We cut them up and scrapped them. They did sell auto-transports and tow dollys though. If you get seen with it they will probably take it from you. I've personally seen them take trailers modified just like yours that people unwittingly purchased and had no idea it was stolen. Not sure about their policy now since I haven't worked there for a few years.

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

This one was built in the 1970's. It has a valid NC title. It sounds like some made it out into the wild back then. Still tracking down info though

@jr_3153 Жыл бұрын

I dont know how NC is, but I will say every one of these that I have ever come across that was stripped and no longer had UHAUL on it was stolen. Most of the time they had been registered as "Homemade" but once you talked to UHAUL and found the real VIN, it was stolen. Nice work, and I hope that your trailer is legal in that sense.

@randomaccesswebtv8770 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's stolen. Doesn't matter what "title" you have. U-Haul has never and will never sell their "Van Trailers"

@keithpfrang2114 Жыл бұрын

@@JordanWorkshop Absolutely guarantee you it is stolen property. U-Haul will go to court with design patents and a corporate affidavit swearing they do not sell these trailers. No Judge has ever ruled against U-Haul in these cases. Do yourself a favor. Dismantle your modifications and return the trailer to a U-Haul corporate location. They will not ask questions. If it is recovered with the modifications in place, you’ll lose them, along with the trailer. I know this. I’ve taken trailers from people. I’ve been to court. I’ve never lost.

@nnnnnopenoway8418 Жыл бұрын

That is still very true.

@kittmiller2212 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful, technical job well done, wonderful to watch.

@shrug53 Жыл бұрын

Really cool build! Nice use of surplus material!

@rv10flyer84 Жыл бұрын

Good job. Each individual battery pack needs a fuse or breaker. You may want to seal around electrical compartment sides with sealant or rubber strips. The low pressure area behind tow vehicle may direct water/salt spray into those gaps. Add a 12V computer fan and speed controller for ventilation. It helps cool things down if it gets too hot with no shore power and drown out noises- good or bad😊.

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll add these to my list

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Not Stolen! - Thanks for all the concern about this being a stolen cargo trailer. I'm not sure how U-Haul lost ownership of this one. It is, however, legally titled to me as at was for the person I bought it from. The numbers on the frame match the title. I've talked to the DMV theft bureau and I'm trying to track down more info from U-Haul. It appears to be a very old unit, maybe 40 - 50 years old. I'll let you know in a future video when I find out more. Helpful replies (identification, U-Haul legal precedent) to this pin are welcome :)

@wanderlust62 Жыл бұрын

That was the first time I watched the electrical creation of a battery and understood. That was awesome.

@dannystockdaile1112 8 ай бұрын

Great work on everything. Looks great!!!!

@DrumMenace Жыл бұрын

Looks great for it's intended purpose. I would consider raising your bed onto a short platform so that you could use the area between the bed and floor as storage. Get some of those thin plastic containers with wheels and slide them under the bed platform. You can use for clothes, dry food storage, or something else.

@shawnbrennan7526 Жыл бұрын

Either raise it for storage underneath or lower it for more headroom. Having it on 2x4s didn’t serve a purpose that I could think of.

@eugene5438 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic job! I like how you were able to repurpose so many pieces. I’m curious how much money you ended up putting into building it!

@OverclockedWorkshop Жыл бұрын

That was awesome! And Inspiring! I have an old enclosed car hauler from my dad I tried to do something with years ago. This makes me want to go back to that project. Thanks for sharing!

@kennolte5801 Жыл бұрын

Excellent job on building your camper. It'll make it and you'll have fun.

@laminatedsamurai Жыл бұрын

My biggest question is how did you get one of those trailers? I've gone to several locations hoping to purchase one, either a the end of its service life for the company or even something newer at a premium. Every time I've been turned away with a very specific "We don't sell our trailers. When we can't use them, they're destroyed."

@davidevans543 11 ай бұрын

I've actually done the same. But was told, anyone that has one of our old trailers, got it buy illegal means. Not saying he did, just what I was told.

@jmc0369 11 ай бұрын

Same. They patened the design. So the original uhauls vould be identified if they were not returned.

@CharliesPurpose 11 ай бұрын

Don't return it. They charge you a cost. Problem solved

@dacs67 11 ай бұрын

Yeah I’ve heard all the same even a Google search will tell you if you come across one. It’s stolen

@rynait 10 ай бұрын

talked to few U-Haul rental locations and as well a phone call to national. They also say, they refuse to sell trailers period. they recycle and repurpose them themselves. Meaning those that actually bought it must have "certificate" of sale approved and witnessed in a courthouse. Otherwise, UHAUL will go beyond suing and reclaiming the trailer (and send bill to you for "restoring it back to original state"). ONLY trailers sold is the original camper trailers and is not even in UHAUL inventory. (i learned from old timer rental staff, UHAUL figured out repurposing practices, took remainder "half" of unsold camper trailers and repurposed them.) OP posted this October 2022. bet you U-Haul figured out who and legally beat of the restorer that restorer did not post what happened afterwards.

@CreachterZ Жыл бұрын

I never would have thought of using an old tree like that. You are truly a repurposing god, sir.

@bocadelcieloplaya3852 Жыл бұрын

hey, when a man got wood...its use it or lose it.

@shortsweettoo Жыл бұрын

Excellent repurposing. And the electric blanket was a great idea.

@DavidHernandez-ft8gy 2 ай бұрын

You are a master craftsman! That was fun to watch your build.

@adamn7516 Жыл бұрын

Amazing transformation. Only thing I might do do differently is substitute 2X3 for the 2X4 you used to build the floor. Would save an inch of floor height.

@bruce-le-smith Жыл бұрын

yeah that looked like some real estate that could have done something

@skeeterjeep145 10 ай бұрын

That looks like a U-Haul trailer... curious how you got a hold of one. I've NEVER heard of U-Haul selling them. They actually have a very strict policy of destroying them at EOL.

@mitchwinder1204 4 ай бұрын

I was just about to type the same thing. He must live in a state that doesn't register/plate small trailers. I'm shocked that one made it into the hands of a consumer. They're destroyed on purpose to prevent that.

@shibalover54 Жыл бұрын

You had me at Repurposed: tree. My personal lol moment, just had to stay till the end. And subbed. This is awesome. Glad it came up in my feed. Safe travels

@321-sleep Жыл бұрын

THIS GUYS DIY SKILLS ARE WELL BEYOND MY SKILL SET. VERY FUN BUILD.

@woozleboy Жыл бұрын

Fun fact: U-Haul doesn't sell their trailers and scraps them when no longer in use. If you ever see a used one in private hands, it is stolen. People rent, steal them, then try to remove all the serial numbers and get them re-registered. It sometimes works too. Bit more often they get spotted eventually, confiscated and the person with it charged with theft. So make sure you don't have an old U-Haul trailer! They do sell their trucks though.

@shawnthomas6460 Жыл бұрын

That isn't completely true. If the unit was seized in an police or is in a government auction they can be purchased. VERY RARE....

@randomaccesswebtv8770 Жыл бұрын

No...they still are property of U-Haul and would be returned to them. It's stolen...most likely not by this craftsman, but somewhere in its life it was stolen. I was a Field Relief Manager for U-Haul for years. There is no way to legally own one of their Van Trailers.

@Reese-jk5kn Жыл бұрын

Can a person make a trailer inspired by the uhaul trailers? They don't seem that complex to remanufactured yourself with the right tools. Would uhaul try and sue for rebuilding their patent?

@randomaccesswebtv8770 Жыл бұрын

@@Reese-jk5kn you can get a 5×8 aluminum sided trailer just about anywhere. U-Haul has patented the front tongue design on their trsilers...the fender and runningboard design and the corner caps. Those are only built by U-Haul. I honestly would pick a different manufacturer design to immulate just to avoid the potential hassles

@davidquintana8395 Жыл бұрын

hey... that's not a fun fact,,, lol

@V3ND10L4 Жыл бұрын

The video is definitely an inspiration for me! The repurposing of so many materials is quite impressive and is also quite necessary in this day and age! 😊👍🏾 You probably considered insulating the trailer? Or, did you skip over that part in this video?

@davidmanen5495 Жыл бұрын

Great build video and good luck with U-Haul!!

@blackman10701 Жыл бұрын

I’ve never seen a used U-Haul trailer for sale. I’m still stuck on that. Nice work!

@ironpony42 Жыл бұрын

That's because they don't sell them - this certainly was stolen at some point in it's history. Possibly impounded, a lein put on it, and tow company sold at an auction. That's about the only way these get in the wild. If he has a title for it I'd be impressed. There are "property of U-haul" stamped in several spots. There's a tube under neath hidden that should even have it's registration.

@paulwilhelmsen1602 Жыл бұрын

That trailer has to be hot. Uhaul doesnt sell their trailers. I would buy one if they did

@randomaccesswebtv8770 Жыл бұрын

U-Haul does not sell their trailers. It is literally and technically a "Stolen" trailer.

@cyberjujo4413 Жыл бұрын

Sooooo where do they sell them?

@randomaccesswebtv8770 Жыл бұрын

They dont.

@VW5767 Жыл бұрын

Great build! Those U-Haul trailers are built like tanks! It will make it anywhere!

@Mikemikemike13579 Жыл бұрын

Too cool! I hope to build a similar project soon. Thanks for the build info!

@zatoichi101 Жыл бұрын

Woah! How did you score a U-Haul trailer??? They don't sell them and they go to great lengths to make sure old trailers are recycled and not sold.

@jamesrichardson8484 Жыл бұрын

Someone stole it and then sold it to him, more than likely.

@timothycline7434 Жыл бұрын

They do sell them after so old. They are they are in auction in West Virginia that has the old wore out U-Haul trailers even trucks you need to do some more research

@LADETROIT Жыл бұрын

That's what I also was told..

@scottpeterson7516 Жыл бұрын

I worked for UHaul for a few years. We were told that due to liability issues they don't sell their old trailers...

@geoffreyjuice 7 ай бұрын

@@timothycline7434 Where is this? I am in Berkeley Springs and really want one!

@gregoryn576 Жыл бұрын

This is an awesome build. I've thought about using a U-Haul trailer but U-Haul doesn't sell there old trailers. You might look into it because it might be stolen. Butch Moehrke an Auditor with U-Haul wrote "U-Haul trailers are not sold. As each trailer ages by another year the repair maximum is lowered. Once an old trailer can no longer be maintained or repaired for specific price, it is taken to one of our 175 U-Haul maintenance facility where it is cut into small pieces and the axle is cut in half." Be careful you don't get hit with theft. Like the build though.

@Gonz.0 Жыл бұрын

That's exactly what I thought. While working at uhaul, I had to help recover a trailer that was being used by a gardening company that was obviously a uhaul cargo trailer. Even though they bought it from, I think the guy who stole it and had paperwork, uhauls lawyers took it.

@RonsWorld5 Жыл бұрын

This is one of the satisfying videos I have ever watched. Great job!

@emuonwheels1990 9 ай бұрын

Awesome little unit!

@jonryan5339 Жыл бұрын

Where & how do you go about purchasing a use U-Haul pull behind trailer? When we asked our local agent here, we were told that U-Haul trailers are never sold but simply scrapped.

@marksattler2222 Жыл бұрын

they don't sell the trailers only car dollies, i currently work at uhaul as a trailer technician

@brians6791 Жыл бұрын

IMPRESSIVE! Where'd you get the uhaul from?

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I bought it locally from a guy who says uhaul sells their old ones. It had a title so hopefully it's legit

@charliejoellejulie8142 Жыл бұрын

UHaul generally doesn’t sell their trailers. You might want to dig a little deeper

@barrywimbush3866 Жыл бұрын

They don’t sell them ever.

@chelebowns8078 9 ай бұрын

Very creative use of repurposing items!

@mnight207 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic build, sir. I wish I knew how to do this stuff. Seems like you know everything

@UmpTSquat Жыл бұрын

That is a pretty sweet camper that you constructed. Nicely done!

@dontall71 Жыл бұрын

Awesome build! Thanks for sharing

@TommieG60 7 ай бұрын

That's the coolest thing ever!! I love it!!

@scottdavis5207 Жыл бұрын

great video.... you are an extremely talented individual. additionally, the amount of repurposed materials is incredible. thanks for sharing.

@curtjackson5052 Жыл бұрын

Very COOL .. Never thought about a U Haul Trailer .. Good Job 👍

@williamforbes7156 Жыл бұрын

I like that you're not just throwing money at problems, good luck maker.

@bongdonkey Жыл бұрын

Killer build sir. I envy your ability to build. Salute!

@TamiBri Жыл бұрын

Wow. So talented. I wish I had just half the skills you have. Electrical is so intimidating.

@DavidSandersT 6 ай бұрын

Great build!! "Repurposed Tree" had me laughing. Thanks for sharing!

@theflourcity Жыл бұрын

That was a really cool build. I like the way you think.

@Custodian4815 Жыл бұрын

That's some quality free hand power saw work friend!

@grywolf99 10 ай бұрын

Impressive skill set. Love the repurposing of the tree. 😅 Great work.

@davidfirth6535 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic!! it will make it, what a great camper, well done.

@buddymack9606 Жыл бұрын

most excellent build good sir, thank you for posting this video!

@shawnhill4779 9 ай бұрын

Super impressed. No one would ever guess that used to be a Uhual trailer. Wow.

@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ Жыл бұрын

Great job, I really like it! If I were doing it I’d think all it needs is a kitchen box mounted to one rear door and a BBQ grill mounted to fold away from the trailer on the other door so one could safely have everything needed to cook attached in back (like the teardrops do). Attach a tarp to the back of the exterra mount and a few surrounding trees and the cook is undercover when cooking. Great video!

@TURBOTOYS8 Жыл бұрын

That is such a cool idea, its like a glorified tend thats a lot better and with the added bonus of power! incredible work!!

@izzimichaels2892 Жыл бұрын

nice job. im amazed at the comments, everyone is an expert, half of those sound like theyve been watching too many law and order tv shows. four words in response, "you have the title".... again nice job on the conversion!!! you gave me an idea or two, for my trailer, thanks!!!

@fordlav Жыл бұрын

Very nice build sir. Definitely something along the lines of what I want to build. I like overlanding a drag and drive events.

@1biggun712 7 ай бұрын

Nice workmanship. I think it will make it Keep on keeping on 👍👍

@lolayancey3626 8 ай бұрын

You bet, it should exist! Good job, looks comfy, cozy!

@stargasm1000 8 ай бұрын

I really like what you've done here. Nice work. I take it that you're not really done with everything but the idea of taking a U-Haul trailer and making something so much more functional out of it is just incredible. I wish you the best.

@ochadeshita Жыл бұрын

I really loved this build.

@Shield.148 Жыл бұрын

I like it! I enjoy using re-purposed materials !

@robinrai4973 Жыл бұрын

That's really really cool, great idea and reuse. So many van camping builds are just way over the top and lose the plot

@markranes3635 Жыл бұрын

Mad skills, and a great vision!

@DJPitBear 6 ай бұрын

Looks good I LIKE the conversion of A U-Haul trailer 😊😊 👍👍👍

@dmwi1549 Жыл бұрын

Nice project! Thanks for sharing with some great editing.

@JordanWorkshop Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@chriswadlington2465 Жыл бұрын

You are one talented guy… great job

@davidskelton7960 Жыл бұрын

You did a great job on your camper You have skills

@carllallemand5774 Жыл бұрын

Nice job, you definitely have maker skills.

@richardford1314 Жыл бұрын

Nice build. Definitely a winner.

@Youtuber-o Жыл бұрын

Nice build !. is always great when you use what you have without spending a lot of money.

@brendenellasfunadventures4186 Жыл бұрын

Amazing and talented reusing materials . Great 👍

@JohanGavieres Жыл бұрын

This is amazing! Such great work.

@myvoiceyourstory9338 5 ай бұрын

So so so awesome!!! Angels be with you always

@josephbifulco Жыл бұрын

Hands down, brilliant.