← Back to 8.5 x 28 x 9 V-Nose Enclosed Cargo Trailer
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Project Journal
The chronological build record: progress, changes, issues, milestones, and lessons learned.
Plumbing Layout Under Shower
Progress UpdateInstalled and test-fitted the plumbing components underneath the shower area. The layout was designed to maximize the limited space available while maintaining access for future maintenance. The shower drain routes directly to the shower sump system, which will automatically discharge gray water to the holding tank. Care was taken to keep plumbing runs as short and direct as possible to improve drainage and simplify future service.
This photo documents the plumbing configuration before the floor and surrounding structures are fully enclosed.
Lessons Learned
Dry-fitting all plumbing components before final installation helped identify clearance issues early.
Planning access for future maintenance is just as important as fitting everything into the available space.
Keeping plumbing runs short reduces potential trouble spots and improves overall system performance.
Dry-fitting all plumbing components before final installation helped identify clearance issues early.
Planning access for future maintenance is just as important as fitting everything into the available space.
Keeping plumbing runs short reduces potential trouble spots and improves overall system performance.
Kitchen Countertop & Cooktop Test Fit
Progress UpdateLaTressa test‑fitted our Camplux cooktop using a plywood template that represents the butcher block countertop we plan to install. The purpose of the mockup was to verify the cooktop location, countertop workspace, and overall kitchen layout before purchasing and cutting the final butcher block.
Using a temporary plywood template allowed us to visualize the finished countertop, confirm clearances, and make adjustments before working with the final materials.
Lessons Learned
Creating a full‑size countertop template is an inexpensive way to validate a kitchen layout before cutting the final countertop.
Seeing the cooktop in place helped confirm workspace and traffic flow throughout the kitchen.
It is much easier to make layout changes during the mockup stage than after the butcher block has been cut.
Test fitting appliances early helps catch potential clearance and usability issues before construction progresses further.
Creating a full‑size countertop template is an inexpensive way to validate a kitchen layout before cutting the final countertop.
Seeing the cooktop in place helped confirm workspace and traffic flow throughout the kitchen.
It is much easier to make layout changes during the mockup stage than after the butcher block has been cut.
Test fitting appliances early helps catch potential clearance and usability issues before construction progresses further.
Bathroom Sink
Progress UpdateNeeded a specific sink due to the small space in it needed to fit in 17” max.
Insulation
Progress UpdateInstalled approximately 25 sheets of 1" foam board insulation and 25 sheets of ½" faced EPS foam board insulation throughout the ceiling, side walls, and V‑nose of the 8.5' × 28' V‑nose cargo trailer with a 9‑foot interior height. The 1" foam board was installed between the 1" framing members, while the ½" faced EPS was installed continuously over the framing to reduce thermal bridging and create a more consistent insulated envelope.
Lessons Learned
A 48-inch T-square was one of the most valuable tools for cutting foam board insulation. It made measuring, marking, and cutting straight lines fast and accurate.
Keep plenty of sharp razor blades on hand. Fresh blades made a huge difference in cut quality and reduced tear-out on the foam boards.
Changing blades frequently was faster than fighting dull blades and produced cleaner fits between studs and roof bows.
Test-fit pieces before final installation. Taking a few extra seconds to check the fit saved time and reduced wasted material.
Labeling pieces during cutting helped speed up installation, especially when working with multiple wall and ceiling sections.
What Worked Best
✅ 48" T-square
✅ Sharp utility knife with plenty of replacement blades
✅ Measure twice, cut once
✅ Test-fit before installing
A 48-inch T-square was one of the most valuable tools for cutting foam board insulation. It made measuring, marking, and cutting straight lines fast and accurate.
Keep plenty of sharp razor blades on hand. Fresh blades made a huge difference in cut quality and reduced tear-out on the foam boards.
Changing blades frequently was faster than fighting dull blades and produced cleaner fits between studs and roof bows.
Test-fit pieces before final installation. Taking a few extra seconds to check the fit saved time and reduced wasted material.
Labeling pieces during cutting helped speed up installation, especially when working with multiple wall and ceiling sections.
What Worked Best
✅ 48" T-square
✅ Sharp utility knife with plenty of replacement blades
✅ Measure twice, cut once
✅ Test-fit before installing
Hauling insulation for our cargo trailer conversion, using the SUV
Progress UpdateHauling insulation for our cargo trailer conversion, using the SUV
Sage our Cargo Trailer Delivered
MilestoneOur custom cargo trailer was delivered from Collins Custom Cargo Trailers