Building a trailer

CraigsList is your friend!

Rookie'48 said:

CraigsList is your friend!

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I concur. Maybe ebay for smaller things ie: hot water heater.

Try asking some builders and they may be able to sell the wall panels or may tell you where to get them. You can buy any RV style tanks online. Just google RV fresh or holding tanks.

Sinks can be any SS type but must be able to hold the largest thing you will wash - that means immersing. Or restaurant Equippers in Columbus. You should get to know their store.

I have a 6 gallon water heater (electric) nearly new I'll let you have for a steal. BUt it's a 6 hour drive from you to me. I will be in Liberty IN next weekend. Having said that if I were you I'd look at an RV style propane unti but they cost a lot and probably should be professionally installed.

The wall panels can usually be bought at any home center. They are commonly referred as FRP, or Fiberglass reenforced panels. They come in 4' by 8' sheets. The flooring can be found there too. The 1'x1' sticky tiles work good, and are approved here. They are fairly resilient and are easy to install. Just make sure you wax them to make the seams impermeable.

As far as tanks and pumps, a good RV dealer will carry those.

Triple basin sinks and handwash basin may be found at a discount if you talk to a few local plumbing outfits and tell them you are looking for used units. Many plumbers may have some they pulled out of another job, or may know where to find one.

Water heaters (on demand type) is better to buy new. Your local home center will carry these as well.

The affordable commercial fridge will be your high dollar item. If you can't find one on CL or eBay, you may have to contact a restaraunt supply outlet to find one. Prepare for a dent in your budget.


Be prepared to work your tail off. It also helps to make schematics and diagrams of your electrical, plumbing, and general layout. Present these to your HD before building or buying. They will tell you right away if it could be approved or not. Involving your inspector in just about everything in your build will save you trouble down the road.

Good Luck!