How to Turn Your Snowmobile Trailer Into a Camper

Enclosed snowmobile trailers are ideal for camper conversions.

An enclosed snowmobile trailer is ideal for a camper conversion. The trailers have a large interior space and are designed to prevent moisture from entering. Snowmobile trailers are the same as cargo trailers, but many have built-in ramps for loading the machines. The ramps will not be necessary for camping, but they can be used to enter the camper without taking a big step. The ramps also are ideal for older pets that cannot jump into the trailer.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure Washer
• Soap
• Sponge
• Tire blocks
• 2-by-4 lumber
• 3-inch wood screws
• 1/4-inch plywood
• 1 inch wood screws
• Metal "L"-shaped brackets
• 1-inch sheet metal screws
• Drill
• Foam padding
• Sheets
• Staple gun
• 2-by-3 lumber
• Razor blade
• Linoleum
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Open the trailer doors, and a use a pressure washer to clean the interior. Snowmobiles will deposit large amounts of dirt, grime and engine fluids into the cracks and corners of the trailer. Use a solution of warm water and dish soap to scrub oil stains and remove dirt from areas the pressure washer does not reach, then use the washer to clean out the soap. Park the trailer on a slope, and allow the water to drain. Leave the trailer to dry for a full night.

2. Park the trailer on level ground, and place blocks under the tires for safety. Build a bed in the rear of the trailer using 2-by-4 lumber, 3-inch wood screws and 1/2-inch plywood. Make the bed to cover the entire width of the rear, and adjust the length according to your height. Use the 2-by-4s to build a rectangular base frame and vertical supports on each corner. Use a metal "L"-shaped bracket and 1-inch sheet metal screws to attach the bed frame to the floor of the trailer. Place one bracket on each corner of the base, and use a drill to drive the screws into the base and the trailer floor.

3. Build the top of the bed frame to match the base, and use 1-inch wood screws to attach plywood to the top. Leave the sides open for access to the storage area. Cover the bed with thick, foam padding, and cover the padding with a sheet. Use a staple gun to connect the sheet to the plywood.

4. Build a couch along one wall of the trailer. Measure the length of the couch from the end of the bed to the door of the trailer. Make the width at 2 feet. Build the couch frame using 2-by-3 lumber. Build the rectangular base, and use 3-inch wood screws to attach a vertical board for every six inches of length. Frame the top rectangle to match the bottom, and use 1-inch wood screws to attach 1/4-inch plywood to all of the sides. Attach a piano hinge to the wall side of the frame. Place a 1/2-inch piece of plywood on the top of the bench, and attach the hinge to the plywood. Cut foam padding to match the dimensions of the bench, and cover the padding with a sheet. Use a staple gun to connect the sheet to the top of the plywood. Use 1-inch sheet metal screws and an "L"-shaped bracket to secure the bench to the floor.

5. Build a cooking and work table along the wall located opposite of the couch. Make the table at least 3 feet long, 2 feet wide and slightly higher than the bed and the bench. Use 2-by-4 lumber for the corner legs and use 1-inch wood screws to attach 1/2-inch plywood for the top. Place an extra vertical leg on each long side for tables longer than 3 feet. Use a razor blade to cut a piece of linoleum to match the top of the table. Place a layer of wood glue on the table surface, and press the linoleum against the glue. Use 1-inch sheet metal screws to attach an "L"-shaped bracket to each corner leg and the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Install windows for using the trailer during daylight. Also install a ventilation system if one is not already in place. You can add solar panels to the top of the trailer for a self-sufficient battery system.

• All of the furniture must be attached to the floor with permanent brackets. Failure to secure the furniture can result in damage while driving.

References

• Camping Trailer Cargo Conversion
• Cheap RV Living: Stealth Cargo Trailer