When an old Rockwood pop-up camper gets stripped down to the frame and custom DIY camper trailer is built upon it that rivals most RV manufacturers in quality, that is something worth sharing. A talented craftsman by the name of Frank took on this project in the hopes of building a light weight and cost effective camper for his brother.
The first step in the process was tracking down an appropriate rig to provide many of the guts needed in a DIY camper trailer such as the frame, wheels, axle, fridge, HVAC, water heater, propane tanks, and perhaps most importantly the VIN/paperwork. After nearly a year long search they found the aging Rockwood pop up camper you see below. They were able to purchase it for just $200.
DIY Camper Trailer Tear Down
First the DIY camper trailer had to be demolished down the frame. So, they removed the fixtures, accessories, and parts they needed and trashed the rest.
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DIY Camper Trailer Build Out
Then, the build out started. They essentially built the rest of the camper from scratch. The walls, insulation roof, floor plan, windows, cabinetry, woodwork, and furniture was all custom designed and installed by the owners. The DIY camper trailer is compact at only 7’ wide and 12’ long. It weighs in at a little over 2,700lbs which was well over their target of 2,000. They have committed to swapping out the axle as a result, given that the original Rockwood axle was no rated for that high of a load.
The floor plan was modeled after a Sunline Ultra Lite floor plan and the DIY camper trailer can accommodate two sleepers.
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DIY Camper Trailer Completed
When it was all said and done, the project took nearly 10 months working 1-2 days a week to complete. With a all in cost of $4,500 that is easily just a fraction of the cost of a new ultra lite travel trailer. This DIY camper trailer is light years ahead when you consider the price for the quality.
You can find more detailed information and photos at Pirate4x4.com and at this Photo Gallery
What do you think? Does this give you the itch to build your own DIY camper trailer?
It is so amazing