By Tony Barthel
Podcaster, Content Creator, StressLess Camper
There’s a lot happening in the world of RVs right now, with big releases from top brands as we go into 2024, and RV Trader is covering everything you need to know. Today’s RV review features a cargo trailer that can also serve as a travel trailer from Continental Cargo, one of the many brands under the Forest River umbrella. I was surprised to see what Continental Cargo had to offer at the RV Open House event, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited for their new releases.
There’s a surprising number of people who convert simple cargo trailers to travel trailers for a variety of reasons, but most cargo trailers are built differently, which can make the task challenging. In the case of these Continental Cargo trailers, they’re framed with steel and have aluminum sheet walls on the outside. Travel trailers, on the other hand, are either wood-framed with aluminum skins, or have a laminate of aluminum framing with a fiberglass exterior. Cargo trailers also tend to have different roof structures than travel trailers.
All of this considered, it can be challenging to convert a custom cargo trailer. I’ve considered building a custom trailer from a cargo trailer and even drew-up a floor plan. But then it became apparent that I had to wire and plumb the unit so that it could withstand the highways and byways of this beautiful country.
So, I bought a traditional travel trailer instead—specifically a Rockwood Mini Lite 2205s with the Power Package. However, this new release from Continental Cargo makes trailer conversion difficulties a thing of the past. Continental Cargo can handle all the wiring that’s needed, including air conditioners and lighting. They also offer cabinetry and sleeping surfaces, and even offer pop-out tent-style sides that have beds, which was demonstrated at the Open House.
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Advantages of a Cargo Trailer Camper
One of the most obvious advantages of a cargo trailer camper is the fact that you can bring along larger toys, such as ATVs or motorcycles. If you’re into recreational off-road riding or biking, you may want to consider buying one and learning how to pull a trailer.
You could also use this trailer during the work week for professional uses and then reconfigure it for adventurous weekends. This was also demonstrated at the Open House, as the cargo trailer camper had a number of rails along the floor and walls with cabinetry that could be mounted. The nifty thing about this arrangement is that if you want the cabinet to sit vertically, then it’s possible. If you want it to sit horizontally, that works too, as these cabinets simply slot into the rails and lock down.
If you decide that you need to add more cabinetry, you can easily arrange that after you’ve already logged some travel miles in one of these trailers. The ability to change things on the fly is a significant advantage.
The unit I saw was a V-nose trailer, and the kitchen was a cabinet that occupied the V in front. The kitchen featured an induction cooktop, microwave, and sink. There was also a fancy electric fireplace, one of the options I wouldn’t have considered in my own cargo trailer conversion, but something that adds a nice touch.
Another big appeal with this new Continental Cargo trailer configuration is the water system. It’s essentially a 5-gallon container for the incoming water, and a 5-gallon container to capture the gray water. That’s it.
When it’s time to pack up or winterize the trailer, it couldn’t be easier. You just dump any fresh water remaining in the container, and you’re done!
Sleeping in a Cargo Trailer
Continental Cargo has made a number of sleeping options available for fun and relaxing RV trips. One model on display at the event featured a loft on the roof. A portable, extendable ladder gives you access to the loft and can also be used outside the trailer to access the roof. I felt comfortable and stable climbing up to the rooftop loft, and I’m not always a fan of ladders.
These rooftop tents are becoming more common in a variety of vans and smaller trailers. This one, which you access from a hatch inside the trailer, was a nifty implementation. You can also get pop-out, tent-style hatches in the side of these trailers that have a bed in them. You can also opt for a bed on a power lift mechanism. You’ll also find folding couches on power lifts for extra seating or sleeping space.
More To Consider
If you’re not set on an industrial interior feel, you can make some adjustments with a DIY project. I’ve seen some conversions where people have used real wood, or even wallpaper, to change this, which can happen with the right vision, some talent, and the time to put it together.
And even without a toilet or a shower, you can make some simple modifications. With my conversion, I bought a Camco portable toilet and a SylvanSport Privy Bivy shower tent. There are a number of portable outdoor showers you can use with this tent, too.
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Final Takeaway
For the right RVer, a Continental Cargo Trailer can be an exceptional choice. Cargo tracks on the side can be good for both reconfigurable cabinets and managing loads inside the trailer. And, if you’d like to change additional aspects of the interior, you can put in some work to spruce it up. There’s also the appeal of the build quality, materials, and absolute simplicity that comes with more traditional travel trailers.
Whether you’re considering a new release from a top brand, or buying a pre-owned vehicle or trailer, RV Trader has you covered. Visit RVTrader.com for the nation’s largest marketplace to purchase your next RV.
This is an honest look at RVs from RV industry insider Tony Barthel, where you learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A RVs, Class C RVs, and Class B RVs, as well as some interesting class-breaking RVs. Tony also writes for StressLessCamping.com.
