Trailer Camp

[BEARBOB]

Has anyone used an enclosed trailer as a hunting camp. I was thinking that a 6x12 to7x14 might make a nice little portable camp for one person and a dog (I would make a small pull out addition for a vented stove). I currently have a couple of structure for 2-6people but they take 4-5 hours to set up and I was looking for something that would be QUICK and EASY for me and a dog for short hunts.

For you guys who say use a tent, I am not much of a tent guy.

If you have used an enclosed trailer what size do you have for how many people any problems or drawbacks.

Thanks

[citori]

A buddy of mine used to use a camper that slid into the box of a pick up that he placed on a flat bed trailer . It worked well and was much cheaper than a plain enclosed trailer let alone fixing it up to sleep in. He bought both pieces used and an older camper can be picked up pretty cheaply. One thing a person needs to consider with the converted trailer is ventilation so one does not asphyxiate themselves. The pickup camper not only addresses this but frequently has cooking and refrigeration equipment which is a nice feature. It also has lights and often enough inside bathroom facilities which is a nice feature depending on weather and/or mosquitoes. This was quite quick to set up, all one did was unhook the trailer from the truck, prop the corners for support, and unlock the door.

[mtswampfox]

7x12 i completely redone inside with lights, water, storage,propane heater ,ceiling fan and roll-a way bed. also use it to take harley from ind. to ga. hunt camp then over to brunswick for month or so with no. 1 son will send pics if interested. very comfy and practical cant wait till nov to do it all over again

[jimbires]

I was a drag racer for years . I used a 24 foot box to haul the cars in . on the two and three day weekends we would stay in the box trailer , and park the cars under the awning. I had a gas generator to run the lights and charge the car batteries , etc . so I put a couple of pieces of electric baseboard heaters in the trailer . with the generator outside you did not worry about the exhaust fumes . other guys used kerosene heaters and usually the next day they were sick from the fumes . my girlfriend would pack an electric frying pan and she would do all the meals on it . we had a good time camping at the race tracks . using a box trailer for a hunting camp is a good idea I think . Jim

[TallTines]

I used to field trial bird dogs and most of the guys at the trials have a section of their horse trailers that are set aside as small living quarters and it worked out real well for them (I prefered tent camping). The rigs ranged from a simple place for a matress to something more akin to a 5th wheel. I like the idea of using a small cargo trailer. If, as others have said, you ventilate it properly it seems like it would work out fine. If you do it, let us know about it and send some pics!

TallTines

[WMU3A]

My neighbor is one of those goofballs whom buys new stuff keeps it a year or two then sells it cheap for no apparent reason other than to make room for his next project. He had a 14' enclosed trailer he bought to use for hauling his 3 ATVs. I bought it off him for $1000 like new and glued 1" foam panels to the inside for insulation added 2 battery powered lights, a folding table that I rigged to fold into the side wall, 2 bunks that folded flat against the wall and made a 12' canopy out of a tarp for cooking under.
I and a buddy took this rig to Wyo on a deer/elk hunt and got enough heat off 2 coleman lanterns to keep it warm enough for sitting around in our long johns after dark playing cards..turned out the lanterns before going to sleep in our bags. The sucker really worked out sweet except it would've been less "boxy" if I had put a window in the side wall.

[GreatWhiteNorth517]

I think it's a great idea, I have considered it myself. These are the issues I would address...
1) Not very well insulated, add insulation and paneling to walls. While you're at it, why not wire the thing including light fixtures, outlets and switches? The whole works could then be plugged into a generator.
2) Venting, windows and doors. Not just for the safety reasons (carbon monoxide) but because it would be less claustrophobic, easier to get in and out, and you could utilize natural light and be able to take a peek outside once in awhile to check weather, etc.

[BEARBOB]

I am always building something different for my hunting camps and the guys in camp find it amusing, like I have two YURT camps (google it and you will see), I designed and built and at first the guys thought, oh here he goes again but they turned out excellent, comfortable, affordable and portable.

But when I thought of this trailer, I must admit that I thought it's got to be too good an idea to be true.

But thanks to your input I am planning on buying a 6x12 to haul my gear and when I get there sleep in it.

The pull out I mentioned will make the trailer 12x18 and the last 6 feet will be framed but covered in plastic (like all my camps) for lots of light and hold only a wood stove for heat (vented outside).

MTSWAMMPFOX, I would love to see pictures.

WMU3A, thanks for the idea of folding table and bunks, I can use that idea.

I would prefer the trailer be 7x12 or 14 but with the price of gas I will probably have to downsize my Yukon and I will try and fit everything into a 6x12 (more aerodynamic).

Any and all input will and has been appreciated.