>>1104885Trailers, from the factory, are built like absolute shit.
Even the "premium" brands. They're all shit. Until you get into the 6-figures-plus Jexcar and Lunchbox trailers.
I've been through 3 trailers now (my 14ft enclosed, a 24ft enclosed, and a 44ft goose) taking the shit and turning it into something that didn't need to be repaired every time it's hitched to a truck.
Start with electrical. Rip all the factory shit out - guarantee there's scotch-locks on every fucking wire. Bounce that wire down the road for a few hundred miles, those wires break at the scotch-lock and now you're being pulled over by some small-town cop for inop taillights.
Replace all that; crimp connectors work pretty well, solder/heatshrink works well.
Move on to the frame. Wire-wheel the heavy rust spots off, weld up any weak spots. Use a frame protector like POR15 or Chassis Saver on the exposed steel.
Insulation after that. Get all that crap out, replace it with foil-backed iso board.
Spray-foam underneath makes a big difference in cold weather, keeps the wind from sucking out all the heat from the floor and makes the interior sound a lot more solid.
Never dealt with a trailer with plumbing, so I can't really help you on that.
Adjust brakes and inspect/grease bearings at least yearly. Put a torque wrench on lug nuts a few times a season. Check tire pressures (truck/trailer/spares) every trip.
I'd take a trailer/furnace over a tent any day of the winter.
