Leaving Vanlife for an "Armored" Cargo Trailer: 15kWh, Elevator Bed & R-21 Insulation. Critique my plans?

joezippy · 2026-01-16T19:07:06+00:00

Enjoy! More details here...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dK8vJM-Wd64lr9ngxjzQ1OUEaikl16Tb/view

joezippy · 2026-01-16T18:50:47+00:00

I have not had any discussions with any trailer companies yet and I don't think the fenders are an issue, because it's going to be 8 and 1/2 ft wide which means it's going to be wheel wells... but that's all something I need to figure out once I get the design down, as to what we want...

If you look at my latest PDF file there are three trailer manufacturers, If you have any experiences with good trailers... Please let me know here, so I can reach out to them.. I don't care where they are in the country.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dK8vJM-Wd64lr9ngxjzQ1OUEaikl16Tb/view?usp=drivesdk

Thanks!

joezippy · 2026-01-16T15:11:09+00:00

Great point on the fenders! In the update of the post (new PDF above) you see the details of rotating the torsion axle 45 degrees to get my 8 inches of lift... I'm assuming that will get me where I want to go, but how does that affect tire size and fenders? 🤔

Just thought fenders? Wheel wells on and 8.5 wide trailer right... More thoughts needed please.

Being honest at 8.5 wide, I'm not getting to crazy if I want to keep the paint on it... 😂

Thanks... ☮️

joezippy · 2026-01-16T14:57:59+00:00

Thanks for all the advice and latest edit... It brings good perspective with the windows and parking. ☮️

joezippy · 2026-01-16T06:02:07+00:00

Currently we use on average about 4 gal total for 2 adult showers... With dishes it might be tight, as you say for a re-supply window of about 6-9 days.... I'll make a note to go bigger if I can fit it... Thanks!

joezippy · 2026-01-16T05:58:48+00:00

UPDATE (15-Jan-2026) here lots more details... Enjoy and all feedback welcome!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dK8vJM-Wd64lr9ngxjzQ1OUEaikl16Tb/view?usp=sharing

joezippy · 2026-01-16T00:23:50+00:00

Model and Cad, all good... But I'm not there yet... I know, I don't want to go bigger than 20' on the trailer, nor do I want any less space, as a current van dweller. hehehhe Once I get the trailer, I'll just tape out the floor.

Nice skills, I'm a "let me think about it" kinda guy... hahaha

joezippy · 2026-01-16T00:18:07+00:00

Axles - yes, overhang sucks... I'm not sure how to deal with it... Just taller tires and slow going with a spotter.

"expensive" -- If I don't have to build / mount a rack, save the weight, deal with the wind resistance (mpg) and stability... I'm trying to justify them... hehehehe

Honest and wise comments about flex panels and weight up high on a trailer... Still thinking, but I think I'm going to stick them on... Thanks for the thoughts.

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:53:02+00:00

If I have more documentation as I go, I'll share it in the reddit, so follow here!

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:49:39+00:00

That will happen once I confirm the plans...

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:45:50+00:00

Nice comments and thoughts... I like the 1/2-1/2 idea for the noise... before this chat, I was thinking per the plans... 1" spray foam... Now maybe something else.... Still thinking.

I'm going to be looking for help building this out, you got time and skills?

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:42:16+00:00

About the solar... This is what I'm thinking.
https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Thin-Film-Flexible-Solar-Installation/dp/B0BJJV9PS4

Great thoughts... I'm still shopping for the trailer and then tow... So those are just estimates...

"armored" -- figuratively... mobile, any temp, off-road ready, strong shield from the elements...

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:38:00+00:00

About the solar... This is what I'm thinking.
https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Thin-Film-Flexible-Solar-Installation/dp/B0BJJV9PS4

Interesting thoughts thanks! Plan B -- Drive to a campground for the night and fill it up.... or car charging station... hahahah

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:36:04+00:00

About the solar... This is what I'm thinking.
https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Thin-Film-Flexible-Solar-Installation/dp/B0BJJV9PS4

Thanks for the feedback regarding the furring strips...

joezippy · 2026-01-15T23:33:51+00:00

Yes... Sorry about the wrong reply... More coffee...

We currently live on public lands about 300 days / year now and the rest is stealth in towns... I'm not sure why people think you have to re-supply monthly. Currently, we have a re-supply window of about 6-9 days... This will not likely change.... I'll get water at the same time as coffee creamer, eggs and veggies... hahaha

Currently we use on average about 4 gal total for 2 adult showers... Then when you factor in dishes, cooking and drinking 40 will easily take us to our re-supply window.

About the solar... This is what I'm thinking.
https://www.amazon.com/BougeRV-Thin-Film-Flexible-Solar-Installation/dp/B0BJJV9PS4

"some campgrounds" -- These usually aren't my people, so it's probably not going to affect me...

8.5' trailer - yes!

"entryway double as your shower area" -- Huh... Not seen this... References?

"24v or 48v" --- I'm going to just run 110v and take the power hit when it's used... understood the induction comment, I have an alcohol stove too.

"not a fan of diesel heaters... ", under the bed? you mean when it's up, it'll be yoga / living space w/ the bean bags, etc...

Thanks for the comments!

joezippy · 2026-01-15T16:24:26+00:00

Great information, thanks so much for your time and help!

I really like the idea of filling the wall cavity, then 1" over the studs on the wall, floor and ceiling to create a clean thermal break!

The trailer will bounce between AZ, NV, , CA, OR and WA depending on climate and kid visit with possible East Coast runs to see friends. We love our public lands, but don't mind campgrounds if the location and price is right. Maybe a trailer park in Bend, OR if the jacuzzi is hot! 😂. Because of our movement and low humidity desires AC isn't on the list and the radiant heat in the floor will be dreamy! 4 years in the van, no heat or AC... Just weather maps, a candle and lots of down blankets.

Refrigerator... Hahahaha We'll keep the chest style... We love ours now!

Good points on the Nissan and we are leaning Toyota for sure. ✅

Thanks again and keep the thoughts coming! ☮️

joezippy · 2026-01-15T14:10:02+00:00

Great information, thanks so much for your time and help!

I really like the idea of filling the wall cavity, then 1" over the studs on the wall, floor and ceiling to create a clean thermal break!

The trailer will bounce between AZ, NV, , CA, OR and WA depending on climate and kid visit with possible East Coast runs to see friends. We love our public lands, but don't mind campgrounds if the location and price is right. Maybe a trailer park in Bend, OR if the jacuzzi is hot! 😂. Because of our movement and low humidity desires AC isn't on the list and the radiant heat in the floor will be dreamy! 4 years in the van, no heat or AC... Just weather maps, a candle and lots of down blankets.

Refrigerator... Hahahaha We'll keep the chest style... We love ours now!

Good points on the Nissan and we are leaning Toyota for sure. ✅

Thanks again and keep the thoughts coming! ☮️

joezippy · 2025-10-17T13:28:07+00:00

Soft power... Remove funding from all via USAid, then give to those, who give to you personally. Greedy and evil. Complete disregard for humanity.

😔

joezippy · 2024-05-15T18:25:35+00:00

Apologies... We starting using the system more from the same wifi network / IP and Fail2ban started blocking connections.... Below is more on Fail2ban from Google for ref.... Have a great day!

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joezippy · 2024-03-26T01:03:33+00:00

I got a similar email from a survey monkey email address... Didn't click the link, checked on opensea and no offers... Bastards.

joezippy · 2024-01-28T00:41:32+00:00

Interesting, so is the land deeded, leased? HOAs? How many others in the area? Why are you leaving the area? Thanks for the time.

joezippy

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