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Small Military-Themed Teardrop Trailer Built For $2,000

This post was updated on April 20th, 2024

Steve Whelan took a set of Big Woody teardrop camper plans, and with a little customization, made a military-style teardrop camper any reenactor (or music festival goer) would love.

Steve said that,

It took $2,000 and about 5 months to build part time. Why build it? I was bored and needed a project! I am an on-air DJ in Laguna Beach, Ca and often attend 3 day music festivals (Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle etc.) on a regular basis.

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He may have been bored, but he sure used his time wisely! The camper is based on the Big Woody 4′ by 8′ trailer plans, and has all the basics you’d need for a few days (weeks?) of camping fun.

Homemade $2,000 Teardrop-Style Camper

Military teardrop camper

Rear of camper

Every aspect of the teardrop was built by hand, by me over a 5 month period (part time). No physical help from others what so ever. Joining blogs and FaceBook groups is an invaluable tool. Many people came to my rescue when I had questions.

Rear decal

Steve is an artist and made a custom decal stencil just like those used in the military.

Military camper

The code is… K= Special Vehicle TD= Teardrop GS= General Support #=1

Gas can

Mortar case

Cabinets and bed

I decided to use a single mattress to give me a little wiggle room inside.

Must have ventilation

Nice large window in the side of the camper.

Large window

What would I do differently on my next build? Well I would add a retractable power cable somewhere as my generator is best hidden away for noise purposes. I would also incorporate a roof rack for a canoe or bike.

Stabilizers

In the back sits a traditional chuck-wagon kitchen.

Chuck wagon kitchen

Fold out table

Steve says,

I am an on-air DJ in Laguna Beach, Ca and often attend 3 day music festivals (Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle etc.) on a regular basis.

I did buy the “Big Woody” plans so I had a template to cut out the traditional shape. From there on the rest was customized by me.

Careful thought went into every aspect of the build which actually prolonged build time. Once I know what I want to create the rest goes fast.

The trailer itself is a Harbor Freight foldable rated for 1100 lbs.

Photos via TinyHouseTalk

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