Woman converted cargo trailer into a stylish stealth tiny home for $7K for life on the road

Jersey’s home is a creative masterpiece—a converted cargo trailer transformed into a stealthy tiny home.

Inside, it features a compact kitchenette, custom storage, and thoughtful amenities to meet her and her pets’ needs.

Jersey has embraced life on the road with her dog Owen, a miniature American Shepherd, and her cat Gideon, a Siamese seal point.

Reflecting on her journey, she says, “This lifestyle lets me see this beautiful country we live in, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The backstory: how it all began

Jersey’s journey to tiny living started after she faced a life-changing event.

“I broke my back,” she explains. “I was a dog groomer, and I couldn’t go back to doing what I loved. That’s when I decided to hit the road.”

With limited resources, she purchased a 6×12-foot cargo trailer, giving her 72 square feet of living space.

She knew this was the right fit for her. “It’s easy to tow and just perfect for me,” she says.

The transformation took just two weeks, with help from her son. Together, they insulated the walls, added cabinets, and installed a corrugated metal ceiling.

“The hardest part was cutting holes for the windows,” Jersey recalls, noting she installed two shed windows to bring light and ventilation into the space.

The specs: inside the converted cargo trailer

Jersey’s tiny home is both functional and cozy. The kitchenette features an L-shaped counter with a secured butane stove for cooking.

“I love to cook and bake, so counter space was a must,” she explains.

Below the counter, a 12-volt fridge keeps her vegan staples fresh, powered by a 1000-watt battery and 200 watts of solar panels on the roof.

Storage is maximized with repurposed cabinets and creative solutions like collapsible spice bags.

A compact shower system involves heating water, mixing it with cold, and using a collapsible tub.

Jersey plans to install a sink with jerry cans for water storage. For her bathroom, she uses a simple bucket system with clever adaptations.

Her bedroom features a twin-sized bed with memory foam toppers and a custom cedar headboard she built.

A smart TV and a cat window perch comfort her and Gideon.

Overcoming challenges and making it work

Building her tiny home wasn’t just about creating a place to live—it was about making it affordable.

Jersey flipped cheap popups to fund her trailer by refurbishing them and selling them for profit.

“The trailer cost $2,400, and the total build came to around $7,000, including everything from screws to bedding,” she says.

She chose a cargo trailer over an RV for its durability.

“Cargo trailers are seamless and better built. I’ve always wanted one since I saw them in the ’80s,” Jersey shares.

A life rooted in memories and resilience

Jersey’s tiny home is more than just a living space; it’s a tribute to her journey and her family.

Many personal items, like her late son’s baby shoes and ashes, decorate the space, making it feel like home.

“People come in and say, ‘Oh my God, it’s a home.’ It has to be because I live in it full-time,” she says.

Her upbringing inspired her love for travel.

“My dad was in the service, and we camped a lot,” she recalls. “I’ve always been a Nomad, even before I knew it.” This lifestyle also allows her to visit her seven children and 15 grandchildren nationwide.

Looking ahead: four years and counting

Jersey has lived in her converted cargo trailer for over four years, and her love for the lifestyle hasn’t waned.

She’s traveled to 38 states and hopes to visit the remaining 12. “This trailer has been everywhere with me,” she says, pointing to the stickers marking her journey.

Her setup, towed by a 2002 F-150, offers her independence and freedom. “This truck gets me anywhere I need to be and back again,” she says proudly.

For Jersey, her converted cargo trailer is more than a home—it symbolizes resilience, creativity, and the unyielding desire to explore.

“I always knew I was going to be a Nomad,” she reflects. “This lifestyle has brought me joy, challenges, and memories I’ll cherish forever.”

Check out Jersey’s converted cargo trailer by watching the video below:

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You can also follow Jersey and join her nomadic journey on Instagram.