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I’m excited to show you how this man built his own DIY tear drop camper in only 2 months. No store bought, assembly-line camper for him.
This was the first time that he’d ever attempted something like this, but you’d think he was a pro.
Related: 4 Audacious and Creative DIY Teardrop Camper Build Ideas
See the camper come to life through the photo tour below.
This Top Hat trailer looks much more substantial than the often-used Harbor Freight trailer.
The slats create space for insulation under the main floor of the camper.
After test-fitting the side walls, it was time to build out the frame.
He didn’t use any plans, and relied on his instincts in laying out the bracing.
Many DIY builders forget the importance of insulation. Not him. The thick fiberglass insulation he used has a much higher R-value than foam board or foil-backed bubble wrap.
He even took the time to make curved bracing.
Framing out the door.
The walls were insulated with foam board to maximize interior space.
Next came the cross members.
Here he’s cutting a hole in the roof for the vent fan.
It’s starting to look like a camper!
Setting and aligning the two doors.
Looks to be a good fit.
The camper has a traditional tear drop layout with a kitchen in the back.
Jars and cans helped him get the shelving just right.
Some cubby storage boxes above the bed.
Adding foam board insulation to the roof.
It wasn’t easy curving the thin sheets of plywood to fit flush with the sides.
The first of three hatch back designs. He said it was difficult to align the hatch back correctly. Here he’s using spacers and clamps to keep things in place.
But after he took the clamps off the wooden spine broke!
He was so frustrated that he couldn’t work on the trailer for two whole months. After some research on the TNTTT Forum he found his solution: glueing together sheets of plywood for added strength.
Doors on and vent in. Almost ready for the aluminum siding.
Cutting out the hole for the door.
Looks great after a bit of routing.
Forming the aluminum over the plywood frame.
Just a bit of trim work left.
The inside is painted a dark brown. His Grandpa made the reading light holder in the corner.
Completed galley kitchen in the back.
First time out at Guadalupe River State Park.
His girlfriend testing out the camper on their first trip.
The proud builder and his homemade tear drop camper.
More resources:
Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers Forum
4 Audacious and Creative DIY Teardrop Camper Build Ideas
DIY Teardrop Camper Made From Recycled Materials
Do you have a DIY remodel or homemade camper you’d like to share? Get in touch here.
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