Heating and Cooling

[TetonTele]

I'm in the process of converting a cargo trailer into a camper (interior dimensions are 15'10" x 6'8") that I'll be living in for a little over a year. I've been looking around at different options for heating and cooling and was wondering if anyone here had suggestions. I'm planning on setting it up with solar, so am definitely open supplementing propane heat with electric; I don't know if I'll have the capacity to run just electric heat.
Thanks for any advice.

[cpaharley2008]

You will need electric for the a/c but you can set the trailer up to operate everything else off 12v and battery with solar. A good MaxxFan with some nice awning windows should keep it cool. Your propane furnace will also operate off 12v for heat. Lights, pump, tv, radio can all be 12v. Dual 6 volt batteries is probably a good start.

[David B.]

You should look at the Heat Source Propex line of furnaces. There is a write-up here on the Fiberglass RV website showing how Denny Wolfe installed one in his Lil Snoozy. http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post449450 I installed one a little differently in our Lil Snoozy.
Dave & Paula

[Rich G. and Val F.]

Aaron, is your cargo trailer fiberglass?

Please put some pictures up as you move along on your project; people will be interested to see how approach the conversion.

[Bob Miller]

As most of the members of this site either own or have an interest in existing molded fiberglass trailers such as Scamps, Casita's, Boler's, BigFoot and others, they may not have the experiences or expertise you are seeking for your project.


May I suggest that you try cargo trailer & truck conversions or similar searches, on Google and you may find sites and individuals with more direct experiences.

[TetonTele]

It's not fiberglass - it's a CargoMate utility trailer. I was hoping to find a fiberglass, but didn't find one I could afford in the area.

[GRC]

CheapRvLiving is very supportive of converting enclosed cargo trailers and has many examples of conversions and discussions of heating and cooling
Cheap RV Living.com-Home

The teardrop and tiny travel trailer forum (tnttt.com) is very strongly do-it-yourself and has a whole section devoted to cargo trailer conversions with many build photos.
Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers • Index page

[TetonTele]

Thanks for the links - I was hoping to get some opinions from people who might not be checking those forums, as well.

[Mike Magee]

If I were you I'd stick about 6" of foam on the ceiling. Propane will be the most economical heat source by far, and you should not need to supplement with 120V electric if you insulate adequately.