Converting shipping container to trailer

[dgorila1]

Austin,
You're doing exactly what I want to do (Full Timing). I would also like to have multiple parcels of land throughout the U.S. and Canada that I could travel between as I desire. I originally started looking at containers for use in alternate housing building and a few other business ideas, but when I latched onto the full timing bug I saw the potential to build one as a heavy duty 5vr. Many say the extra weight might be a problem, but I think its minor if you're pulling with an HDT and have the proper trailer as a base as you've shown here.

My biggest question at this point is how to properly insulate the walls/ceiling so the container can handle any climate and then how to attach the outside and inside skin over this and make it watertight. I have considered tack welding framing to the inside and outside of the container and using expanding spray foam as insulation for an airtight unit. Then possibly VHB and/or screw/rivet aluminum skin to the outside and wall panels to the inside. The key is to make the outside skin watertight so moisture doesn't get into the insulation.

Looks like you've already got your plans well laid, what with the photoshop pic and concept floor plan. Very impressive :-) Any idea on the build cost for your concept?

Also, have you determined the approx hitch weight of the setup? Just curious since that would determine what hitch to use on the HDT.

I'm leaning towards using a 40' container with an overhang built off the front over the hitch area. I am considering incorporating a garage in the back to possibly hold a car or motorcycle and workshop, but I need to do some sketching and see what kind of living area I want. I have even toyed with the idea of a retractable second story using this platform, but that would be better built from scratch than trying to cut the top off and modify it. It would give me allot more living space though. I envision the bedrooms upstairs and the living area/bath downstairs along with a garage. Just more food for thought :-)I have a bunch of ideas that I haven't even touched on.

[geofkaye]

.....but why a shipping container [$750.00 here] bullet proof?...not rain tight anymore-ventilated-very heavy-doors at both ends-18" steel sides IIRC-dings and dents all over the top bottom and sides-needs to be re-rust proofed/painted after sandblasting-ugly-as a redheaded step child....allowed in some parks?....geofkaye

[AustinPSD]

Here are a couple of good reference sites for ISO/Conex container systems and related:

Sea Box:

Sea Box

Scandinavian Shelter Systems:

3S Group

This is a composite image of one of the SSS expandable modules:



I think the aesthetics of an ISO-based system are what one makes of them. There is no need for something like this to be ugly, even if one were to start with a used container. It is possible to select a used container based on it's age, appearance and quality, which will affect the price.

Using the engineering principles of the ISO container, it is also possible to build your own using alternative materials, or take a hybrid approach by using a commercially available open-frame ISO plan and handling the flooring, walls and ceilings as required for your particular application.

In my vicinity, based on proximity to the Port of Houston a high-quality, relatively rust-free twenty-foot container can be had used for about $800 - $1300. A single twenty-foot standard container has a TARE (empty weight) of about 5400 lbs.

I am budgeting an upper limit of $150K on the trailer, containers, materials, appliances, etc. exclusive of the HDT, which I'll select after making more progress on the trailer/modules themselves. I will likely use a Volvo 780 or T2000 with an integrated sleeper, but that selection will be based on the weight of the trailer rig, availability and pricing considerations nearer the time I complete this project.

I am convinced this is a highly practical, economical way to end up with a very high-quality, livable, versatile rig. I am interested in maintainability, reliability and doing as much of the work including engineering on my own. There are now a wealth of materials, tools, etc. that make this a pretty straight-forward possibility for someone with reasonable skills. And I think in the end the cosmetic and aesthetic result will be positive, as well as unique in the RV domain. I don't foresee being rejected in an RV resort based on the rig's envisioned appearance. I've discussed that with numbers of folks including the management of the places I currently visit, and don't believe I'll be dealing with turn-downs if I decide to visit an RV resort...

[Bob E]

Another factor you might want to consider in the container selection process (besides rust & appearance) is the structural condition. If it's been drop kicked, bounced, or otherwise abused, & most have,...it's probably out of square in several different directions.
When you start your build, this is cricical - nothing will fit.
When we built the sq tubing skeleton for my conversion, we maintained a tolerance of 1/8" or less (ft to back, side-to-side & diagonally). When installing the outer aluminum skins, interior paneling, cabinets, etc, everything fits!
IMHO, modifying a container may be more labor intensive (and costly) than building a sq tube structure from scratch,...would suggest you run a material cost sheet both ways before you start. I've been involved in a couple of sizable "modification" projects along the way & found they tend to "grow" more than expected as they progress, due to unforseen "crooks in the road".

[Roadside]

HI New to your site. Short back ground: 11 years ago, started personal traveling.I used what I had, to see if a HD could be used to travel and live in, to see if it would work out.So I used a three axel tractor with a 8x12 (living space), and pulled a 26(L)x102"x12(H) box trailer. Traveled coast to coast and mid west twice a year, work just fine. I needed more room , so in 02 I put, what I use now, a three axel newer tractor, 35ft.HDM and pull the trailer on the road. The last three years we haven't. traveled quite as much, but we get out.
NOW... connex for a trailer... I've thought about that...weight was a problem, and next the size... 8ft. inside, and 8ft. 6 " out with steel outer covering. The numbers were to much. I wanted a low floor(18") off the groung. Things I came up with: A commerical boat trailer, two or three axel with 10x20, singal wheel and build a box or conex on that frame. They are made on a fifth wheel or tag pull models. OR Dorcey Trailer Company back in 1987 to 1989 built a moving van trailer, three axel,10x20, singel wheel with a low froor. And I think there was a commerical open 8 car trailer the same way, that a box could be built on.
I found a Kntuckey Trailer 28 ft. dubble drop, air ride, moving van, that will work for me. I been making plans for a lay out. It will not be for living.. for car and other toys, I'm not leaving with out them. Take a conex or trailer and maket it the way you want it, so it will last. The highways are tuff on equiptment, if you travel alot. Be happy to pass any info that worked or not worked for me. If you set it up yourself, then you can fix it. I like the slide out on the conex. ROB

[sailor]

Hi Austin,

I'm looking for a similiar thing based on shipping containers.
Did you have any progress on your project?
It would be great to learn how you wouldlike to build the slides due the military versions are very expensive.
Additional and other comments are welcomed.
Thanks

[kenncornn]

Originally Posted by dgorila1

Has anyone converted a shipping container to an RV trailer and if so can you provide some info/pics of the build? I talking about the 20' and 40' intermodal containers that are used to ship cargo around the world. These would make an excellent platform for a custom trailer build since they are already watertight and almost indestructable (as compared to a regular trailer). You could probably even use one as a body on a coach if you engineered it right. Of course an HDT would be needed whatever route you took, but this is what I plan on buying anyways. I'm leaning towards the custom trailer route.
Ideas:
- Mount it on a custom dropped frame with air ride suspension.
- Insulate the walls on both sides and floor underneath and install a covering of some type to protect the insulation and make the rig look like a "normal" RV.
- They already have harwood floors so any floor covering is possible.
- The design possibilities are pretty much endless since the box and floor framing is already built strong so adding items (walls, slideouts, windows, doors, etc) shouldn't be an issue.
Although it would be much heavier than a normal RV it would be solid, quiet inside, and allow for some true custom features while still being well within the weight limits of an HDT. You can also get the containers cheap to start the project with.
Everyones thoughts?

Container Conversions try this website.

[Countrygirl]

Insulating- I just saw something on the net about insulating shipping containers when used for homes...I don't recall the site, but I believe they have a YouTube video about it. It was insulating ceramic paint and it had a very high R value. Just a thought. I'm not sure how expensive it would be to use, but it would be very simple and not take up valuable space compared to other insulation forms. Good Luck!!