The unassuming cargo trailer – a metal behemoth often seen hauling tools or equipment – holds a hidden potential. With a dash of imagination and some DIY know-how, it can morph into a cozy mobile haven, a rolling escape pod for the adventurous soul.
However, when you start out with a blank canvas, things can get daunting really quickly. You are likely confused about where to start and what to do. To be fair, you aren’t the only one in a similar predicament.
This guide will explore a list of the best cargo trailer interior ideas to make things easier to navigate.
Tailoring the Trailer to Your Travels
Before diving into specific design elements, consider the purpose of your transformed trailer. If you are constantly traveling and living full-time in your trailer, having a functional design accordingly can be a better option.
If you are a digital nomad who works from home, a mobile trailer with tailored functionality would be your goal. So, planning the interior accordingly is critical.
1. The Mobile Workstation
We have briefly touched base with this, but having a dedicated workspace is vital when you live in your cargo trailer and travel full-time. So, when sorting out the cargo trailer’s interior, you must prioritize adding a sturdy desk for your laptop with additional storage. These should help you keep the office essentials in place.
One quick tip is to invest in a foldable Murphy bed with a workspace attached that you can open up at your convenience.
2. The Family Fun Zone
Living in a cargo trailer as a family often limits the kind of space available. So, when designing the interior, the key is clever space optimization. Bunk beds and a convertible dinette are some furniture tips that should help manage the space.
In some cases, these convertible dinettes also transform into sleeping areas for the children, offering more flexibility. For families with kids who have lots of toys, prioritize buying storage ottomans and wall-mounted shelves.
Sorting out the Foundation – Walls, Floors and Lighting
With the basic outline of your cargo trailer, one thing that you have to prioritize is the foundation. We will explore three primary aspects of the design when designing the interior of the trailer.
3. Walls
Despite the fact that you are living in a trailer, most people nowadays prioritize comfort and warmth inside their mobile home. Hence, designing the walls with wood panels not only adds a sleek and modern look but also warmth. For more functionality and if you have kids, PVC wall panels are usually considered one of the best options for the trailer.
4. Flooring
The flooring is the next element in the interior design of the cargo trailer. Since durability is paramount, it makes sense that you can benefit from vinyl flooring that mimics the appearance of wood or tile. The best part of installing them is that they are water-resistant and easy to clean. If you have some extra budget and want a luxurious look inside the trailer, faux-wood tiles with interlocked designs make a great option.
Additionally, they offer a cushioned feel under the feet, even if there is no rug inside the trailer.
5. Lighting
Lighting is vital, whether for the vibe and warmth or for illuminating the interiors of the cargo trailer. Selecting the right kind of lighting is crucial to creating a comfortable ambiance. One of the best lighting options to consider installing is recessed LED ceiling lights. They are convenient and provide general illumination without contributing to a long utility bill.
Also, warm tusk lighting is an excellent alternative if you want to add subtle illumination inside the trailer. You can install them around the cabinets for better visibility or around the bed for nighttime reading. You can also add dimmers to control some added mood settings.
Prioritizing Smart Storage Solutions
6. Built-in benches
Another quick workaround for sprucing up your trailer’s interior is adding built-in benches with hidden storage compartments. They are lifesavers, especially when you have little space around the trailer. Besides offering a place to sit, they are perfect for storing camping chairs and extra blankets, too.
7. Under-bed storage
When sprucing up the space inside your trailer, one crucial space that many skip out on is under the bed. This is precisely what you need to avoid doing. You can invest in small pull-out drawers that can easily slide out from underneath the bed. It’s a great way to keep daily essentials, toys, and small knickknacks if traveling with your family, especially kids. The storage can also be an excellent space for keeping the outdoor gear in place.
Sorting Out the Kitchen Space
One vital space in your cargo trailer that you need to pay close attention to is the kitchen space. A well-designed kitchenette ensures you can whip out healthy meals on the go.
8. Buy compact appliances
Having a 4×4 trailer automatically means you need more space, and full-sized appliances are out of the question. Instead, you have to make smarter choices and pick up functional compact appliances that won’t eat away at the available space. A small microwave or mini fridge should simplify the cooking experience in the trailer.
9. Smart sink solutions
To be fair, you might think installing a sink with a faucet would be “too much” hassle, but it’s not. Having a sink with a collapsible faucet is a game-changer. It simplifies your work and makes washing dishes and prepping food easier, but it is limited inside the trailer. You won’t have to look for empty sides of the road or gas stations to clear things out.
10. Prioritize comfort with a mighty bed
The last factor to consider and prioritize when designing the interiors of your cargo trailer is the bed. This is what you should spend the maximum amount of money on. You want the bed to be cozy and comfortable enough to enable you to have a good night’s sleep. If you don’t have a lot of space inside the trailer, look for foldable beds.
Conclusion
Decorating the inside of your cargo trailer doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With proper planning and execution, you, too, can simplify the way you arrange things inside the trailer. The key is to remain vigilant, bag the best deals, and have a proper plan of action instead of aimlessly getting things done.
