Cargo Trailer Camper 2-year review

Рет қаралды 45,773

3 жыл бұрын

After 2 years, we still like the Tired Turtle Transport and only have a few changes that we would make. In this video we highlight out favorite parts plus the parts we really don't like. We just finished a 3 week, 4000-mile trip from Michigan to Tennessee, to Moab, Grand Teton/Yellowstone and back home. 400 gallons of gas. Whew!
The trailer is 7'x21' V-Nose Explorer from Legend. It has 7' sidewalls.
Parts and Materials Used:
Trailer - Legend Explorer V-nose 7x21 deluxe with 7' sidewalls, a screen door mounted behind the axle (normally it's in front) and an aluminum step. Purchased from Beck's in Lansing Michigan.
Pump - Shurflo 4008 Revolution Direct Replacement 3 GPM Electric Whisper Quiet Operation Self-Priming.
Antenna - Elecwave 70 Miles Digital HDTV Antenna 360 Degree Omni-directional Reception Outdoor/Indoor Amplified Antenna .
Awning Lights - Dream Lighting 12V Waterproof Awning Lights.
Fridge Vents - Norcold (621156Polar White) Refrigerator Vent.
Access Doors & Latches - Ordered custom sizes from RecPro www.recpro.com/.
Awning - Aleko Awning Retractable RV/Patio Awning - 16 x 8 Feet - White/Black Fade
Tanks - from Tank Mart
Black Water 25 Gallon Side Dump RV Holding Tank with 3” Uniseal.
Fresh Water 23 Gallon RV Water Tank with Standard Fittings Package.
Grey Water 10 Gallon RV Holding Tank with Standard Fittings Package.
Lift Kit - 6 X 2 X 11Ga (.120 wall) A500 Rectangle Steel Tube.
Door Window Upgrade - AP Products 015-201512 Slim Shade
Windows - Vintage Technologies, Union City MI, 12" round portholes, 18"x15" awning windows, 36"x20" horz slider, and 30"x20" egress.

Пікірлер: 114

@SarahsAtticOfTreasures 2 жыл бұрын

Your table and chairs set up is perfect.

@reubenj.cogburn8546 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 7x14 conversion myself. I think one of the things I like about it most, is that it is just me. If there is something about it that I don't like then I change it. If there is something that someone else doesn't like about my conversion, I don't give a damn. One of the great things about being single and older, is that you simply don't have to compromise anymore. You are highly skilled, and you have a fantastic build. Thank you both for your honesty, and your feedback.

@kandacepatterson7965 2 жыл бұрын

We must be related.

@robertisotalo796 2 жыл бұрын

Good video thanks

@SarahsAtticOfTreasures 2 жыл бұрын

I love the added scenery photos. Awesome camper. Love love love. Saved and shared.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear. Thanks.

@ex-engineer6657 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for interspersing beautiful pics in your vid.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Family photos!!! I had to use them somewhere :) Glad you enjoyed them.

@DrCarlo 2 жыл бұрын

I am really impressed with the table and chair rail system...Congratulations...

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. It really works well for us. Lots of flexibility this way.

@dorcasowens1210 2 жыл бұрын

For a propane canister holder.....Walmart has a metal utensil holder with holes in it that fit the small propane canisters. The utensil holder mounted on a small piece of wood makes a stable base.

@Dreemwever 10 ай бұрын

OUTSTANDING build! It's all in the details and you planned and designed well. BTW... that extra height really did minimal to affect your gas millage. Enjoy making those memories! "Take nothing and leave only footprints" ~ Chief Seattle.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 10 ай бұрын

Thanks.

@isaganicabigan9695 2 жыл бұрын

Nice bathroom concept, sliding table was very functional, excellent ideas guys.👍👍🇨🇦

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@SarahsAtticOfTreasures 2 жыл бұрын

You go to places I can ONLY dream about right now. I miss living in Colorado. I live in Florida. I detest hot and humid weather.

@bonnieboyle2030 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best designs I have seen. Happy trails to you.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@Mark_KE8YCV 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Guys, I came away with a whole lot of cool ideas from this. My design is more of a boondocker but still there's a wealth of applicable features from yours. I really do appreciate you including your bill of materials because as I'm sure you know, finding the right stuff is the hard part. Cheers from Memphis, Michigan!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

I just realized that I never responded to your comment. I hope you are having luck finding the parts you needed. You are correct. Finding things is very difficult because the RV builders don't want you building yourself. We bought the refrigerator early in the process to ensure that it would fit. By the time we plugged it in we found out it was broken and one week out of warranty. That was a bummer. Test everything as it arrives!

@debrabennett2015 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Michigan people. We are Michigan people too. Newaygo county. We are currently renovating our cargo van. Loving hearing your advice

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Cool! We are in Midland. I have been thinking about a van conversion at some point, but they can be difficult because there is so little space. Good luck to you. I hope it turns out great.

@kathybrown3867 2 жыл бұрын

I've watched hundreds of videos on camper conversions and this one is the best and gave me the best ideas on construction and organization. Content and delivery is excellent. Hint on camping in the winter....we live in the Gulf Coast area and traveling even to South Florida at Christmas can require an air conditioner due to heat and humidity. AND....then, sometimes you will need all the heaters you can pull out. We have even had our outside water filter freeze in December. So, if you come down South, be prepared for anything. If you don't like the weather one day, stick around because it will probably change drastically very soon.

@johntatman9168 3 жыл бұрын

Funny, the heat and a/c were the first things I thought about. I agree, camping in hot humid areas is no fun but we have got caught a few times when the weather surprised us so we use a mini split a/c that also functions as a heat pump. At night rather than run the heat pump we have electric in floor heat that we found is enough to warm the entire trailer for sleeping. Also in the morning it's nice to get out of bed barefoot and have the floor warm.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Warm floors must be great. We went the first season without even insulating the floors. Just adding insulation was so very nice.

@christinebelletti3249 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed your video. Nice job on the cargo trailer. Love the layout. Happy travels!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@richardvalitalo3670 2 жыл бұрын

The table& chairs is genius

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@Downeastwaves 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent build!

@rebeccastout6317 3 жыл бұрын

This is really nice you guys did a great job 👍

@ruthanngriffith4875 2 жыл бұрын

You did a great job. Looks very comfortable. Enjoy!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@rebeccazuckman9059 Жыл бұрын

Love the instant water for shower!! Love love love Very smart, I’m not into the other limited hot water heaters

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Жыл бұрын

Me too. We liked it so much that we just installed one at our little cabin too. Thanks for watching.

@stuffedanimalgangNATION 2 жыл бұрын

Cool self-built camper and cool channel, you two! 😃

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@angiered4396 2 жыл бұрын

Thank u so much for in site and experience

@lindawells9328 2 жыл бұрын

I think that your Cargo trailer conversions is one of the most beautiful ones that I have ever seen . I love the layout of it . For a while I saw a old video of your trailer and it didn't show that much like in this new video and I would say to myself I would love to see the whole trailer . Yall made my wish come true with this video. Yalls trailer has everything that I could dream of . The only thing is if it was my trailer I would want the qween size bed at the bottom to be able to let up some kind of way into a couch sometimes . I love couches . But yalls trailer is just nothing but beautiful and gorgeous . It is a lil tiny home . Beautiful. Miss . Linda ❤ ❤ ❤

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Miss Linda. We considered doing a murphy bed so we could have a couch in the daytime but we would have given up all of the storage space under the bed and the twin bed space above. It's always difficult to decide between the things you want and the things you need.

@edrasmussen1745 2 жыл бұрын

You have skills, nice build sir

@nightstringers 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best utility converts I have seen .Love it. thank you for sharing .

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We love it, too.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We love it, too.

@BGMAMA8 2 жыл бұрын

I'm tall but wondered about the toilet paper location. You might try a small floor standing paper holder. You could easily take it out when you shower and put it back when you're done. Love the build. Be safe.

@pamelapalmer9024 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing ❤️ Very informative 👏

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@gregpeterson2916 2 жыл бұрын

Great work! Great video, nice trailer, looks like you are doing what you hoped to do which is enjoy the travels. Inspiring!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@lindawells9328 2 жыл бұрын

It's just so beautiful ! Miss . Linda ❤ ❤ ❤

@baskervillebee6097 2 жыл бұрын

Really nice kitchen and dining table.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We love it.

@montanasojourn 3 жыл бұрын

Good video. Like your floorplan. Sharing with my husband. Hint, hint :-) Wish you many years of enjoyment.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions as you start planning.

@paulortiz2035 2 жыл бұрын

You don't like the sliding doors? They were the first thing I noticed and I LOVE the look of them!!! Very cool looking. To lock them you could drill a hole through them and insert a peg or a cork to prevent sliding. And as for the tp, what about a velcro pad so it can be next to the business chair, except during shower times, when it could be re-velcro-ed somewhere else and then put back to where need post showering. OR attach a piece of plastic/nylon fabric to cover the tp while it remains in place where it should be! It could be easily slid to the side when not showering. But where you have the holder now is a tad odd. Or what about a vehicle tp holder? With a circular cover that would keep it dry when showering but would otherwise hand on a hook when not needed. This cover would be like a toaster cover or a blender cover but made of water proof material. Even a zip lock bad would work as the cover, it could be folded under a stack of towels when not needed, or under whatever you store in the bathroom. The vertical holder might be your best option! Imho. The idea of forgetting to pull the tissue down before sitting down is not a great one to visualize.

@carlapierle8623 3 жыл бұрын

You packed a LOT of great features in this little space! Very nice!!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. We put a lot of planning into it before we started.

@carlapierle8623 3 жыл бұрын

@@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 You're welcome! Your planning really shows!

@sarahjackson6714 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video you have such a nice camper I even like the parts that you did not like 🙂

@cargoon-cargoconversionbui2880 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job on your CTC

@MrSTOUT73 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful trailer, only thing I wouldn't like is climbing over someone to get out of bed in the middle of the night.

@CharlesButler 3 жыл бұрын

Good job on the build.. the only thing that recommend is that your bed mattress needs to breathe, so on your wooden platform bed, drill some tiny small holes so that your mattress can breathe otherwise it will start to accumulated moisture and led to mold formation. Other than love your build. What are your dimensions on the hanging clothes closet? I want to do that to my cargo trailer camper conversion as well. I have a 7x14 camper and I live in it full time nomad style with 305w solar setup and full shower, 2AGM batteries with shoreline power and the cool thing about it is once you start building your own camper you will always make changes. LOL I subscribed to your channel because we all need each other help and advice and see each others adventures.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. The clothing cabinet is 26"W x 26"D x 84' tall. The hanging portion is 36" tall. I have heard of others with moisture problems under the mattress but have never noticed anything. Probably because we are not in it full time and the space below is well insulated. I'll definitely think about drilling holes, though. If nothing else, it will be lighter.

@svravenflintlock7526 2 жыл бұрын

I really like your layout. The only thing I don't like is the TP location🤣

@cbglockman 2 жыл бұрын

Great build! Do you happen to have a link to the camera you are using with the ipad. Thanks!

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW368JG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

@djsonfire0001 2 жыл бұрын

One idea for your cabinets with all the holes in it if you got a huge nature scene vinyl sticker and put it over all the doors it would look like a giant scene... of course cut it to fit the doors so you can get in them haha otherwise it would be great theft deterrent... your mr. Buddy problem into the stand I wonder if you could get some thick rubber bands put around the bottom of the Coleman propane bottle to tighten that thing out keep it from being so loose

@patrickmckowen2999 3 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍

@grantstockdale9848 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice! Clever dinette setup. Here in New Mexico me call it "Ratohn" not Ratten. Thanks

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know. I wondered how that was pronounced.

@Downeastwaves 2 жыл бұрын

Ha! I'm your 1000 sub! Nice to find you.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!!! Thanks for subscribing. Now KZfaq can send me $0.01 per week and I will be rich!!! Ha ha.

@theresad6990 Жыл бұрын

Your build came out great! I'm so glad I finally found your videos. I've been hoping to see one done with this type of rear bath/front bed layout similar to manufactured camper styles (but way better). You executed everything very well. In terms of interior measurements, is it a true 7' wide interior? I ask because I'd like to do mine with the queen bed as a "walk around" north south orientation. I'm guessing I'd have less than a foot on each side if I go that route. I know I'd lose some space in cabinets etc. going that way, but I don't want to deal with the whole middle of the night climb over situation. Is the actual box of the trailer from the front of the V to the tail 21'? What is your length from tip of tongue to tail?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the nice comments. Here is a link to the website from the manufacturer. legendmfginc.com/thunder-v-nose-7-5/ This shows all the available options for dimensions. It looks like they do not make my exact model anymore. The reason we went with the bed sideways, is to allow more space in the rest of the camper. Turning it the way you want it to be will use up a couple more feet of floor space in the kitchen.

@masterchef2408 2 жыл бұрын

I would like to see more on the camera on the back of the trailer and how you are viewing it on your iPad 🍻🍻

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

I don't have any more video on that, sorry. The camera sends a Bluetooth signal up to the tow vehicle. The camera manufacturer has an app available that allows you to view it on your phone or tablet. I wired the camera to get power from the trailer marker lights so it will automatically start whenever I turn on the lights. There are a lot of cameras available that are similar to this one.

@donatzerodayslife Жыл бұрын

Take the base iff the little Coleman tank. Then it fits.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Жыл бұрын

Cool. Thanks for the tip!

@journeytoliving7344 2 жыл бұрын

Love your build. What modification did you do to your Tacoma in order to tow the trailer? Did you do add a leaf in the rear or change suspension?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

No modifications all all. It is completely stock and pulls like a champ. Even thru the mountains. With the ProPride weight distributing hitch, the weight is balanced between the front and rear axles. The entire truck sits about 1/2" lower when the trailer is connected.

@swirley2145 2 жыл бұрын

Nice trailer. Where did you order your windows? Especially the awning type in the kitchen. Thanks

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. We got the windows from Vintage Technologies, Union City MI, 12" round portholes, 18"x15" awning windows, 36"x20" horz slider, and 30"x20" egress. I added a list of where we bought everything in the video description in case you need anything else.

@marvintaylor7567 Жыл бұрын

Do you recall where you got your black water tank from?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Жыл бұрын

From TankMart. All of the major items we used are listed in the video description.

@east5871 2 жыл бұрын

Did you build the cabinets?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I did. I couldn't find any pre-built cabinets that I felt would hold up to traveling. The cabinets in most RVs are stapled together and literally made of sawdust and glue. I've never had good luck with them. Building them is about half the cost, too.

@sandrathomas2878 3 жыл бұрын

What size is your trailer. Great job..

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. It is a 7'x21' V-nose with 7' walls.

@davidedwards5474 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of camera did you say was on the back of the trailer? Is it wireless?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

The one I have is no longer made, but this looks very similar. I would bet it's the same manufacturer. Digital Wireless Backup Camera for Truck RV Camper Vans Trailer, WiFi Rear View Cam 28 IR Lights Night Vision Waterproof Work for iOS Android Tablet, Transmission Distance Upto 100FT, 12-24V www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNBJBQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_B79AZE8THR4P1DYAX87Y

@davidedwards5474 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I have it in my cart

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

@@davidedwards5474 here is a link to the video I made when I installed the camera. Hopefully you can get some ideas from it. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l8tgeLeQ19LdmJc.html

@jw8567 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job! Great camper! What are the dimensions?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

This is a 21'x7'

@cas5324 3 жыл бұрын

@@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 21 x 7 wide? How tall? BTW, one of the nicest I've seen.

@eddygoodwin7089 3 жыл бұрын

A little diesel heater from eBay would work great for that little camper

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

Probably would. I just worry about burning fuel inside even with all of the new sensors that keep it safe.

@Jay-zw4co 2 жыл бұрын

do you have a bed build video?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

No, but you can see the base frame for it in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h9CVmsWeq8eZkoU.html. The mattress support is just at 2x2 frame at 24" OC with 1/4" plywood glued and stapled to each side. I added a continuous hinge along the back.

@Jay-zw4co 2 жыл бұрын

@@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 thank you

@bonniegarber9915 2 жыл бұрын

Super job! Hang your to on a bunjy cord! 😆

@patriciasizemore6196 3 жыл бұрын

what size is Your cargo trailer?

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 3 жыл бұрын

It is 7'x21'

@patriciasizemore6196 3 жыл бұрын

@@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 Thank You , we're getting ready to do a 14 foot weeroll , 21 feet sounds wonderful .

@mkabel3654 3 жыл бұрын

Please buy a microphone and lower the background music. Otherwise cool.

@Hovermaster 3 жыл бұрын

Nice build. FYI it’s pronounced Rah- tone .

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Ha ha. Yup. You are not the first to correct me on that. I sound like a tourist :)

@paulortiz2035 2 жыл бұрын

Frying bacon outdoors??? Hope there aren't bears about or you will be fighting them for your breakfast!

@BillSias-op7xw 2 жыл бұрын

Sure is a long reach for the toilet paper! LOL

@danakibby627 2 жыл бұрын

How do reach the toilet paper?. Lol

@donatzerodayslife 2 жыл бұрын

Lead acid should not be discharged more than 50%, lithium not more than 20% from zero.

@kimdonaghyrealtor8238 2 жыл бұрын

Good point. Thanks for sharing.

@mega-hb4re 2 жыл бұрын

Get a diesel heater instead of that nasty propane heater

@patlsmith404 2 жыл бұрын

It’s hard to understand you. Either your speaking away from the camera or just fading out.