I built myself a Teardrop Camper from scratch - FULL BUILD
This was my first time building a camper. I made many mistakes. Learned a lot along the way. I think I might have to build another one to see how much better and quicker we can make it! Thanks to my subscribers for all the support!
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We absolutely loved seeing this come together. You did an amazing job, it looks fantastic!
Probably cost him less to build this that it would to buy a commercial build of the same size and model.
I build the same harbor freight trailer, I made 4 foot tall walls, then I put a 8 foot truck bed cap on top. I had to extend the walls 6 inches off the sides, but u can walk around in it, looks goofy but I get lots of complements
BTW I know I'm way over weight on my harbor freight trailer and it rides ok...BUT CHANGE THE WHEEL BEARINGS! lots of wrecks caused by those cheap trailers. I got mine on sale for 299 lol
@@breakingames7772 I think the name for the general build is "squaredrop trailer" or something like that. Still no replacement for a true, elegant teardrop trailer 🤗
@@breakingames7772 not goofy at all. In Texas, we call several builds like that a cowboy camper and it's not an insult at all.
BEST bedroom on wheels i have seen in a long time. Couple of advise from experience? Add jacks to the back. lift it off the ground. when you move in bed the whole thing shakes without them... Cover and waterproof those drawers. Water will get in and rot the wood. You WONT see it. It will just happen :( Add a diamond aluminum rock plate to the front bottom 1/3 of the trailer...maybe cover for the front window while travelling. Safe place to put wet dirty shoes at the door (I know Americans wear shoes indoor but come on LOL) More tongue weight. Battery/trickle charger for lights, propane tank for stove, lock box for tools/whatever AWESOME trailer my brother.
I've been a woodworker since before you were born, I can tell you that you did a really nice job.
now thats a hell of a compliment Dean!
@@TheCatholicRemedy keep in mind not all woodworkers are GOOD woodworkers...
@@cerebusrex-u1721 Of course....but looking at the video and translate the steps made into your own builds you can see fast enough that his way of working is pretty solid. He made mistakes but that's often exactly the ticket to heaven to do it really good at the second attempt. An industrial crafted camper is produced fast and efficiënt. When you have time and do the same steps you do every step way better often. More glue, more attention for each screw you use and so on.
how many wood did the woodworker work before this woodworker started working on wood?
I love when mistakes become happy accidents. Structural Reinforcement is a win-win outcome!!!
Hands down one of the best ground up builds for a mini camper I've seen on here!
Better quality build than you'd be able to buy. He used 10x the glue and insulation any manufacture does lol.. Great work!
The only thing I would change would be to make it more "flexible" as in a build for frequent earthquake conditions. Trailers are in "earthquake conditions" very much more often than houses after all.
100% correct. He’s brilliant. I think that we’re all capable of doing stuff like this tho we just don’t try tho. I’m not saying we all could do something this gnarly and with this craftsmanship I just mean we really don’t know what we’re capable of anymore cause we just don’t do anything like we just pay someone to do it for us
Wonderful job. A labor o love. I can tell you are proud of your work and I can certainly say that those of us out here in the ether are proud of you!
The only part I would worry about is that, unless I missed something, everything is attached to the base plywood sheet with pocket screws through the edge of plywood, into plywood. Like that base of 3/4 ply is bolted to the trailer frame with those T-nuts, that's good, but the load from everything above has to go through the pocket screws in the vertical plywood pieces on the "drawer" level?
@@garypotter5569 the main problem there is that as a trailer it has to be sturdy for hauling around, also it’s not particularly tall so earthquake conditions won’t be much of a hazard as much as things around it would be in one
So fun to watch. I can empathize with those “oh no” and “how did I do that” moments. Felt your pain, lol. Excellent work!
Been there done worse
This guy doesn't talk and is the most fun to watch. I was wondering how he was going to cut and fit it.
This may not be the prettiest diy teardrop camper build ever but it certainly is one of the best built. Congratulations on a job well done.
I think it's pretty actually lol.....I take his camper any day, it's built to last (hard to find at the same pricepoint when buying a complete camper).
You should be proud of yourself, obviously you pay attention to detail- great build. A trick for your next build - when drilling out the holes to bolt the unit to the trailer make the holes about 25% larger than needed for the bolts, plug one side and then fill the hole with epoxy. After the epoxy is hardened drill out the proper size hole for the bolts - this will leave an epoxy ring which will protect against moisture. (It's the same method used for drilling through fiberglass hulls, etc in boating).
This is almost exactly the style of camper I want to build with the drawer storage underneath! Have you ever thought about releasing plans for this?
I like this video because you’re using materials and tools that people can actually get their hands on rather than doing like other channels do and show them making the same thing but using tools and materials people cannot get their hands on ,the average person just wanting to create something.
When you used the trash can lid to make a radius then I saw the baby with you AND the mistake building the walls I knew you were a real human being and great person. Super video and god bless those who use their hands to build, create and not just push buttons. John.
It looks easy when it’s a recap reveille … Effortless😂🤣😂 I love every mistake you made… great video buddy 🤙🏼😁🤙🏼
I love the drawers under the floor. Awesome work!👍😎
I am just found this video today (4/24/2023) and I am SOOO glad I did!! I have recently been thinking about building a trailer myself, so I have been watching dozens of YT videos, This is hands down the best one I have seen so far. And I am not even done watching the whole thing!! HAHAHA! You have MAD building and woodworking skills, and I love that you used an inexpensive trailer that can be bought by anyone. I thought I was going to have to look for a used one to come along at the right price. I am going to copy everything you did...PLEASE don't EVER take this video down!! PLEASE!! 🙂
Hahaha please ask questions if needed! I have some regrets so happy to share.
Your skills are better than mine as I'm still working on it. Same trailer basic 4×8. My floor is bolted down the box glued and screwed. I've decided it's too small for a camper. So its gonna be a storage and apu for my van or my R/V. 3500 gen on front gas and storage rest of trailer.
The best use of 30 min on youtube I've seen in a while!
Every so often, a genius is born enjoyed watching you build that from start to finish
Amazing job! “THE only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.”
Bullshit. Do it right the first time or don't do it at all. Amateurs.
@@jasonk795 Never heard about learning from your mistakes?
@@GOTHICDRAGONS-TRAVELS when your a 5 year old. Not as an adult. Never heard of planning ahead?
Felt your pain with the 2 left sides,, have done this myself.. Glad you included the mistakes made me feel less "stupid" doing them all myself. Love the outcome an awesome job you have done!
This is truly the best 30 minutes I've ever spent watching a video on KZhead. The skill you possessed is outstanding. I won't ask you how much $$$$$ you spent because " You know who" lol might find out. 2 thumbs up 👍👍.
Top notch build! Your precision with detail was impressive. Love the sliding storage drawers.
Amazing job, also love that you showed us the wrongs, most people dont do that, its very inspiring :)
Safest place to be during a hurricane. That thing is built rock fuckin solid!
Making two lefts or rights is something that even the best woodworkers or sewers do. All one can do is fix it and carry on. This is my favorite teardrop build video!
Got me at the two left sides 😂.. What a great job and looks very off road worthy. Also liked that this video is 100 percent authentic with no overlay music and actual production sounds 👏🏼🙌.. once again GREAT JOB. (If you sell the manual, I’ll buy).
I'm on comment 8 for likes! Nope! I can hear it go though! I don't want all the kindness of builds leaving online because of over used mixing!
Now I want to build one. It looked like so much fun. Nothing is more rewarding then successfully building your own anything. I found it fascinating to see you starting in a T-shirt and green grass, to well beyond in the fall temps. Clearly this took a while to build. Congrats and best of luck with it!
Thank you!!!
SWEET! Editing and personality on point. What a beautiful baby boy you've got as well. Love to see father son interaction.
The satisfaction when you have done something like that!! !!
What you created is crazy, so many people want to build the same, but they don't have the time and the courage to built it themselves. If you create an e-book/online cours with step by step lessons with measurements of each part, I buy it right now for 200$
I’ve never seen the care and detail that you put into the construction of this camper. Outstanding job and video! I’m very impressed and inspired. 😁
I built one on top the same harbor freight 400 dollar trailer, he needs to change the axle or at least the bearings, the axle for that trailer is rated at 1100 pounds and he's got way over that loaded up. Lots of wrecks caused by these cheap Chinese trailers because the bearing catch fire the first 1000 miles
This was definitely a beautiful finished product. Much better than you could buy. It was probably the most labor-intensive build I've seen. I love the storage platform under the camper and I will definitely use that idea. I hated to see that beautiful wood covered up with magazine advertisements, but I understand that's a personal preference. Very high quality job and I will be using some of your ideas. Thanks
What most people would say is, "You could have bought one cheaper." But what you need to remember is a travel trailer is undergoing a 5.0 earthquake the entire time you are pulling it. No matter the price you pay, there are industry standards. That is 1st and foremost, PROFIT. Make it as cheap and as fast as you can to get ROI quickly. I worked in the RV service department for years, and no one brand is better than another. This one is solid, insulated properly, and most of all, HIS VISION. A work of art that WORKS! The highest marks from me and hooe, your family, get years of enjoyment from it.
❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
If you end up building another one, how about some jacks on each side so you can level out uneven terrain? I speak from experience when I say that sleeping in a slanted bed is awful. 😄 But yeah, this is one of the more awesome builds on KZhead and I enjoyed from start to finish. Now onto the next project!
I have a similar shaped trailed with a rooftop tent on it and I just use those drive on stepped ramps and the jockey wheel to even out the slant in all directions
Usually the stabilizer jacks are just to keep it from rocking as you move around - if you jack it up too far you may bend the frame. I've had a 26' camper with slide, and a camper van, and must say I love not taking 20 minutes to disassemble everything when I go - just hop in the driver's seat and start it up.
@@questioner1596 Personally, I am a fan of permanently attached scissor jacks on all four corners and using a power drill to raise and lower. Painless and it takes about six minutes to have a perfectly level sleep.
@@harveymanfrantinsingin7373, if in a campsite it makes a lot of sense, but if you're at a rest stop or similar, there is a certain security in being able to drive away quickly if needed. I usually just look for the most level parking spot and climb into bed.
One of the best builds I’ve ever seen. I’d buy this. Amazing work.
she a beauty!! I was waiting for you to realise you had built 2 right sides, but we've all done it with me it's almost a ritual
lowering the body onto the base with office chairs. GENIUS. i thought the build was creative enough, but that method BLEW MY MIND!
Your attention to detail and planing was evident with each progression of the build. Looks amazing.
Thank you ! Love the detail. Can't wait to build mine. Picking up the trailer tomorrow !
Love love the color. Our build starts soon. One of our biggest challenges is picking from the many colors Raptor Liners offers.
I used a different liner but same thing!
It’s soooo funny you used car magazines as wall paper, back when I lived with my parents I did my entire room in car magazines from the 80’s and 90’s! I still remember how much work that was
I so love the base drawers, I was going to start my teardrop and I'm so glad I saw your efforts...great mate, thank you for your post!
Yeah I really like that idea now I kind of want to build a teardrop camper with base with drawers That's a pretty cool idea
Totally enjoyed watching this build, and thank you for showing your mistakes! Rarely in my experience do things go perfectly as planned. Making two left sides is so me, haha. Thanks for the motivation!
EDITING skills, construction skills, creativity, attention to detail and EDITING!
Been watching a lot of videos like this because I want to build one too. Only thing holding me back is budget constraints right now. I want to build one I can roll my motorcycle into to take on trips. Absolutely loved the drawers under the floor idea! Brilliant!
Super impressed. You really did an amazing job!!!
That was a pleasure to watch. Absolutely love the rollout drawers and the attention to detail especially the insulation. I don't see how you could get cold in that thing!
Not even a stretch - this was my favorite camper build I have seen so far. Very nice job.
I myself also built me a teardrop trailer off of my jetsky trailer but I put in sleeping quarters for 2, an A/C, Fantastic fan, 25 gallon fresh water tank, inside and out showe,r W/C, Lav~sink, awning, roof rack, off road tires, and a generator & a water heater in the near future, and a 3 gallon LP gas Tank.
Man this was an amazing ride. I love who you are and how you present yourself. This playlist gave me the confidence to try and build mine.
I looked forward to every video posted in this series, and the final product is as great as this video you did. Well done!
EXCELLENT WORK,! It such a relief to see someone use fiberglass to seal in the corners of their wooden campers. Thank you for demonstrating some common sense. I use to patch boats, and it is actually really easy to work with fiberglass patching. I applaud your can do it work ethic ! Great video !
Thank you!!
I envy the man who may one day buy this off you, built like a true carpenter.
Incredible build, incredible video. You are truly a craftsman. Well done. Thanks for sharing.
Dude, this is craftsmanship right here. A couple mistakes like everyone else makes, but what matters is being able to overcome it and not take shortcuts. Beautiful teardrop. I'm a finish carpenter, and wish I had the time to do something like this..
Amazing. The idea of having storage underneath the camper is absolutely amazing. Good job.
Stumbled across this video completely by chance and WOW. I can’t believe what you have created. Congrats from the UK 🇬🇧
Fantastic job. I love seeing all the ups and downs of a project. Absolutely love the old Road & Track pages as your background. Looks phenomenal my friend
Really good job. Nice to see how you handled the issue with the wall and kept on moving. Looks really clean nice job.
1人で製作してすごいです。沢山の人が制作していますが 繊細に細かくできていて 素晴しい。何でもやれる方ですね。
Some people are going to watch this and really not understand the true joy that comes from seeing your ideas and plans come to a reality. Very good video and build.
You are something else Graham!! You got to be so proud of yourself, im proud of ya. The tear drop is awesome!!! Congrats on finishing it. Stay warm n safe.
Sweet design and finished product! I might end up copying pretty much all your ideas. Great job!
It definitely won't sink, that's for sure. Top job dude.
ITS VERY SWEET TO SEE THE LITTLE-ONE HELPING YA,,,,just keep an eye on her!!
Kudos to you! You are probably the first guy on these how too videos to actually wear protective gear.. such a nice change of pace..👍
No better feeling than that first night spent in it. Waking up still is disbelief you built it and it’s finally done. Good job man love the realistic build.
My jealousy stops at your equipment. Awesome build!
Congratulations on a world class build and showing us how it's done. Bravo!
One of the best videos I've watched recently. Loved seeing you create this. Final result looks great and should be fairly rugged with the raptor coating. Great work
I can't believe it was your first time. !! Way to do it.!!
Wow, Great Trailer! Thanks for the video. My little 4x6 cargo/camper conversion has been easy in comparison.
I just love what you did, a beautiful job and I love your honesty, because things do go wrong at times but you showed us how to sort the problem. Thanks for sharing this with us. 😊😊😊😊😊
I just finished watching the whole series so far in the last week You did an absolutely amazing job both with the build and the video editing. Congratulations on a job well done and thank you for taking us on the journey
Very cool. Big brain move using the fiberglass on the cracks
Cleaver I think , I am probably even more amazed with editing and sound mixes.
You're an amazing craftsman. It came out fantastic!
Great build! You and the family will build many years of great memories in the teardrop. Take care, and stay safe!
Probably one of the coolest things I've seen all year, thanks for this
Only thing ida added is an awning above door so you can get in and out during inclimate weather without inside getting wet. Amzing work bro. Inspired me to wanna build one
I love seeing solid, well insulated things come together. So many people leave gaps and holes in insulation and it's so triggering.
Ahhhhh! Its so gorgeous! I loved every second of this build man! The way you tackled some of the problems were inspiring! AND IT LOOKS FRIGGIN' AMAZING! (Did I mention that already?!?) I've always been interested in woodwork, but I think when I found you during your Cabin Build, you lit a fire under me and I've built a few different furniture pieces and loved every second of making them and using them! Haha. I can't way to see when you use the camper for the future build! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for your next project! Once again Graeme, you knocked it out of the park!
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Welcome to the world of tiny trailer DIY builders and campers =) Many years of fun camping and great destinations =)
At some point I changed out my axle ( HF 2000# ) to a 3500# Dexter ( I know over kill but a used axle at a cheap price ) to get the same bolt pattern as my tow vehicle and make tire and rim choices much easier =) Also no guess on bearings and could even add electric breaking if I wished or mandated by state =)
Thanks for this. This is the direction in life I'm going.
This was such a pleasure to watch, and what a masterful and magnificent build. Thank you so much for sharing.
That looks great! I like the idea of the under floor drawers. I have a 4'x8' Harbor Freight trailer I'm planning on building one of these on. I was wishing it was wider, and the way you did this, I can make it wider now.
Wow! Well done! Thanks so much for documenting and sharing!
Humility always makes the best content creators.
Really cool build. I like that you included mistakes in the process in your video. It shows we’re not all master carpenters out here. Good stuff 👍🏻
This is awesome work! I'm more likely to sleep in my jeep when overlanding but if I had a family this would be the way to go!
Looks great. We built one on a harbor freight trailer years ago. We use it all the time for camping.
I appreciate you showing us your mistakes along the way. I rebuilt a 20ft camper from the ground up and you certain will make mistakes and learn from them!
🙏🏼🙏🏼😂😂
Man that was such a well thought out and amazing build! One suggestion/tip as a DIYer and an RV nut. Never ever use silicone, it's pretty much a rule in all things RV related, Dicor is an amazing and better option. Also, I use all ChemLink products on my build, caulk, roofing, adhesive and so on. It's works insanely well without the off gassing and nasty chemicals since you'll be sleeping in there. Good luck with the projects and you got another sub from me!
No silicone, why exactly ? Just because of the odor or what ?
@@daltonx6177 Nothing will stick in the spots you put it after using it. It's also not a great product for sealing in those situations. It's sort of like if you used petroleum jelly, it could work in a pinch but it's less than ideal. I personally always offer much less on any RV with silicone on it because I know how much time and effort will have to go into fixing the issue.
Yes , the off gassing issues needed to be addressed . Many people are not aware of how big a health issue that is , especially in a small sealed space. Letting this unit sit out in the sun and well ventilated all summer is a good idea.
You could have saved yourself a lot of time and money by buying a tent . LOL Good job and thanks for making the video
You may want stabilizing jacks on the rear two corners (at least), and maybe the two front corners as well. Less bouncing when you're in the camper, and less side strain on the tongue jack. That's WAY too small for me, but for this time in your life, perhaps it's right for you. Different strokes and all that stuff. Weigh it, empty and fully outfitted for camping. Make certain your loaded weight is not too much for the frame, axles, springs, and tires. Trailer tires often have maximum speed ratings as well - don't exceed! I did not see trailer brakes on there - be very aware of the momentum of the trailer, which will tend to push the back end of your tow vehicle out in turns and under heavy braking. Practice defensive driving and leave LOTS of extra following distance. I have driven big trucks and travel trailers all my life, and there's lots of stupid drivers out there! LOTS. Enjoy! Consider a tent-type awning, either connected or free-standing, which will allow you a weather-free space just outside the door. Bringing rain, mud, and leaves into your bed would get real old real fast!
I LOVE what yr doing with the music while yr editing... repetitive sounds and sometimes the beat of the music. Fun to watch.
Thanks so much! I am always seeing what can improve the content! Much love!
Already loved it, then saw that a Volvo 240 made it on to the wallpaper. Almost teared up a little 😆
This video inspires confidence. My wife and I bought a used diy teardrop camper. Now I feel like I can make one better than what we bought and as good as this one. I’m happy for you. Thank you for posting this.
Measure twice cut once. Awesome built! Congrats!
Pleased to see the video. May your family have many memorable moments when out enjoying the outdoors. Wish you all the best and be safe. Thank you for sharing.
I liked the the way you problem solved your mistake. A good save. I made the same mistake you did, but I was not as lucky. Had to do it all over again.