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How to Turn a Utility Trailer into a Cozy Camper (the Easy Way)

Embarking on the open road calls for a sense of adventure and a bit of creativity, especially when it comes to comfortable accommodations. Enter the utility trailer, a versatile platform that’s much more than just a space for hauling gear. 

With a touch of ingenuity and a few strategic tweaks, a utility trailer can be transformed into a cozy camper that beckons the intrepid traveler. This metamorphosis combines the thrill of the great outdoors with the comforts of home, creating a travel companion that’s both practical and inviting. 

In this guide, we’ll unveil the easy steps to convert a utility trailer into a snug retreat, ensuring your next journey is as relaxing as it is exhilarating. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or new to the world of custom campers, the path to a personalized haven on wheels is straightforward and achievable. So let’s gear up and reimagine the utility trailer as your next cozy camper sanctuary.

Table of Contents

What is a Utility Trailer? 

space trailers cargo bed

A utility trailer is a versatile workhorse, adept at hauling a wide range of gear from A to B. It’s an invaluable tool for those who need additional cargo space without the commitment of a larger vehicle. Space Trailers elevates this concept by offering a utility trailer that is not only functional but also tailored for the adventurer. 

Each Space Trailer starts with a robust 4 x 7 foot box; a sizable bed capable of handling substantial loads. The bed, crafted from ½” dual-coated, poly-coated plywood, features a non-skid surface, ensuring cargo stays secure in transit.

space trailer being towed in winter

The HighRider and LowRider models cater to various needs, with the former positioned higher for a higher hitch position and the latter positioned just right for lower hitch positions. Customization is also at the forefront with ten color options to personalize your trailer, echoing your style or matching your vehicle. 

The trailers’ design includes Space Bumpers for vertical storage, ensuring they take up minimal space when not in use. Side LUV Handles integrate seamlessly into the frame, providing secure locking points for gear and aiding in maneuverability. This combination of size, load capacity, and thoughtful design makes Space Trailers an exemplary choice for those seeking a utility trailer that’s ready for anything.

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How Can You Turn a Utility Trailer Into a Camper?

space trailer with 4runner in winter

Transforming a utility trailer into a camper typically involves extensive modifications; a time-consuming and often costly endeavor. However, Space Trailers offers an innovative solution that simplifies the transition from utility to camper mode. 

Their trailers are designed with outdoor adventures in mind, featuring a removable canopy that easily lifts off. This flexibility means you can shift from transporting tools or sports equipment during the week to embarking on a camping trip over the weekend, all with minimal effort and no heavy labor.

space trailers with rooftop tent

The adaptability extends to the inclusion of rooftop tent capabilities. The base model can support a rooftop tent with standard gas cylinders rated for 300 pounds, but for those looking to elevate their camping experience, an upgrade to heavy-duty gas cylinders increases this capacity to 400 pounds. This enhancement, along with the addition of rear stabilizer jacks, ensures stability and safety when using rooftop tents.

Space Trailers doesn’t just streamline the transformation process; it enhances the camping experience with additional features like the optional accessories. These upgrades are not mere afterthoughts but integral components that convert the utility trailer into a cozy and comfortable camper. With Space Trailers, the journey from utility to leisure is not only possible but pleasantly straightforward.

Can a Utility Trailer Really Be a Comfortable Camper? 

space trailers backend

The idea of a utility trailer doubling as a comfortable camper may raise some eyebrows, but Space Trailers have bridged this gap with their innovative features and accessories. The comfort of a camper starts with the sleeping arrangements, and Space Trailers deliver on this front with options such as the Thule Foothill 2-Person Rooftop Tent. 

This compact and durable tent is a game-changer for utility trailer camping. It folds down to half the size of typical rooftop tents, leaving ample space for additional gear like bikes or kayaks. Its aerodynamic design reduces drag while driving, translating to better fuel efficiency and easier storage when not in use.

space trailer with rooftop tent at sunset

For those looking to enhance their outdoor living space, the Thule OverCast 6.5 ft Vehicle Awning is a perfect match for the Space Trailer. It extends the living area, providing shade and protection from the elements. Easy to set up with an adapter kit for compatibility with most roof racks, it’s a sturdy addition that comes with guide wires for stability even on windy days.

Comfort isn’t just about space; it’s about staying warm and dry, too. The Thule Tepui Insulator for the Foothill tent is a quilted, insulating layer that attaches to the tent’s frame, offering warmth in colder conditions and easy access to tent windows and doors. Complementing this is the Thule Tepui Anti-Condensation Mat, which promotes airflow and moisture escape, ensuring the inside of the tent remains dry and mold-free.

About Space Trailers

Space Trailers vertical storage

Conceived around a campfire in 2009, Space Trailers was born out of a desire for efficiency in travel without leaving behind the essentials such as family, pets, and outdoor equipment. The founders, committed to a more fuel-efficient lifestyle, saw the need for a versatile trailer that could handle gear and the open road with ease. This vision led to the creation of Space Trailers, a brand that echoes the call of the wild while making no compromises on space or functionality.

space trailer with kayak

The core of Space Trailers is woven with the threads of nature, personal growth, and the great outdoors. “Nature is foundational to all that is,” says Chris Shimek, a partner in the company, underscoring the belief that the great outdoors is not just a place to be but a place to learn and grow. This ethos is evident in their trailers, which are designed to be as comfortable on a campsite as they are useful for hauling. 

Manufactured with pride in Red Wing, Minnesota, Space Trailers is about enabling adventures with a product that’s as ready for a weekend project as it is for a journey into the wilderness. For a deeper dive into how Space Trailers stands up to the challenge of both utility and adventure, check out our detailed review here.

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