Finishing Touches On Cargo Trailer

Earlier this year, I had a very successful fundraiser to support my "boots on the ground" journalistic and product review work, mostly for CleanTechnica. Between money you guys donated and money from my own pocket, I managed to build a cargo trailer to pull behind my Bolt EAV (Electric Adventure Vehicle).

When the trailer is complete, trips to the backcountry to review products , longer trips to chase important stories, and many other things are going to be a lot easier and cheaper to accomplish. But, on the trailer's first shakedown cruise, I identified several shortcomings that I'm going to need to address to really get out there.

The biggest problem is that I need to build a special compartment to keep my fridge from getting broken. After taking measurements, I've determined that the best way to do this will be to construct a drawer that comes out of the side of the trailer, which would make it and other kitchen stuff a lot easier to set up at charging stops. Adding a cheap RV microwave would be great for keeping kids fed on the road with minimal delay, too.

I've also figured out that I need to build an electrical and battery compartment on the tongue of the trailer. This will hold my Jackery 3000 Pro, folded solar panels, various cords, and other electrical odds and ends. It will also be set up to accept power from the Bolt EAV to keep the campsite powered even when the sun doesn't shine.

The other thing this front box will do is help make the trailer more aerodynamically efficient, extending my range while towing it.

My goal is to get these modifications done during August so that I can attend two very important events in September. If I can get the funding fast enough and hustle, I'll be able to do a review trip in late August as well.

To get all of this done, I'm going to need the following ASAP:

All of this comes out to just under $1,000. If I manage to raise anything more, it will go toward trip expenses, probably to extend the trip to an important news event in September.