How to convert a horse trailer to a camper?

November 28, 2013 | Filed under: Self Reliance | Posted by:

Question by Dani: How to convert a horse trailer to a camper?
Hello, I have a 2001 Sundowner 3 Horse Slant horse trailer and I might want to covert it into a camper in the future. Is there any permit needed to do this? I’d also like to wire it so it can run off of a generator, solar powering, or wind power. I want plumbing too and I was wondering if there is some sort of system that recycles the shower water, filtering it then putting it back in the water heater. And I’d like to install a window and replace some with larger windows and seal some up. Can I do this on my own or do I need to pay someone? I also want it to be insulated and maybe a fireplace. I’ve seen fireplaces that aren’t really tradition fireplaces but are meant for tents. And I want the end result to be a cozy home away from home. Like a home on wheels, not some RV feeling.

Also, what are the pros and cons of converting it into a camper? I’ve heard of people doing this before.

How much can I do on my own?

How much can I except to spend roughly?

Who would I need to contact for permits (if any)?

Do RV parks allow trailers that have been converted to a camper?

Is this all too ambitious? Am I better off buying an RV?

Thanks!

Can you help? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Have something to add? Please consider leaving a comment, or if you want to stay updated you can subscribe to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.

2 Responses to How to convert a horse trailer to a camper?

  1. A friend of mine did it with his. He put a small generator in the back of his pickup,(but you could easily put on in the trailer itself)
    He has a 30 gallon water tank that he uses for the water heater and his horses. It already had windows.
    He did all the work by himself, it was pretty reasonable. He uses it to go camping and to haul his horses. With a quick change. There were no permits required.
    Hope this helps.

    BOBBER
    November 28, 2013 at 9:03 pm
    Reply

  2. I suggest that you consider other options, such as the lightweight mini-trailers on the market.
    Alternatively, a wooden cabin on wheels idea would get away from the steel-wall feeling.
    I would not install any fireplace in a temporary shelter, whether tent or recreational vehicle.
    Use of propane heaters, stoves, and water heaters can be dangerous enough.

    Rockwood A128S Pop-Up Camper, $ 13,500.
    ALiner, 2008, $ 8,400.
    Thor Wanderer, 2000, 25-foot, $ 8,000.

    MountainMan
    November 28, 2013 at 9:57 pm
    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *