If you are an RV enthusiast then you may be tempted to build your own camper. If so then you are not alone. There are lots of creative ideas available to build your own camper DIY ranging from building a teardrop travel trailer to a well build camper trailer. Inspiration and DIY inclination is what it takes to build a homemade camper? Here are eight steps for building your very own homemade trailer.
Step #1: Planning
To work on any project you need to start with a great deal of planning. And if you want to build a comprehensive camper with full amenities without the need for hookups, you will need to plan even more. Start by making a list of everything you want to have in your camper. Make a list of the things you love to have, and another list of the things you would prefer but aren’t necessary to the function of the camper. Ask yourself the basic question, where, and how often your will use the camper.
Step #2: The Frame
A customize camper will need a frame or design to work with. If you want something bigger or smaller you will have to adjust the frame design accordingly. If you are remodeling your old camper then first replace everything on the old frame. Then put in new floorboards, jack, coupler, taillights, etc. you may also upgrade the axle, wheels and tires.
Step #3: The Box
The body of the camper, or the box, goes on top of the trailer. For your camper, you can go for a plywood box and attached it to the trailer. The box size is largely determined by the size of the trailer, interior spacing and the items you want it to hold.
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a camper, which is kind of the same thing” – Unknown
Step #5: The Function
Functionality is the key when it comes to building a DIY camper. This camper may include three compartments inside the box. The first serves as a sliding kitchenette with a two burner cooktop, a simple sink, paper towel area, and a couple of drawers. You may also cover the counter with Formica that looked like stainless steel and is easier to clean.
The middle compartment holds the water tanks and pump. You can install a 20 gallon water tank and connect it to both the kitchen faucet and the outside bathing house.
The final compartment can be located at the rear of the box. A door can be built to allow access to a spare tire and any other necessary tools. It works great as a storage area as well, with oversized Rubbermaid containers that slide in and out.
Step #6: Components
If you want to build a camper outfitted for off-grid camping like boondocking then you’re going to need a source of power. For this you may go for solar power in combination with two batteries. You can mount the 12 watt solar panel on a slide out in front of the trailer and place the batteries in the toolbox near the front.
The solar panel supplies power to the water pump, the LED lights, and any other outlets installed in the camper. If you are not familiar with electrical work you may want to hire a professional do this part of the process for you because It’s important to get it right!
If you want to install propane as well, you could do that in one of the recessed compartments near the kitchenette. A propane tank can be used to fuel the cooktop and a camping water heater. It could also be used for basic heat if needed.
Step #7: The Extras
There are lots of extra items that you can add to your DIY build camper. For this camper the large extra item can be a roof top sleeping tent! A custom rack on the top of the box and two sheets of plywood creates a base for the tent which opens up to almost eight feet. If you are not a pro then should hire someone to do the framing, canvas, and mattress.
If you are looking for other extra accessories you might consider a 12 Volt fridge/freezer, a portable generator and a tool kit for emergency repairs. You can add a bathroom with a porta potty in a separate tent far from the camping site or you can use great units available on the market that are lightweight and some that even features a battery operated flush.
Step 8: Consider The Cost
Your costs to build your own camper will vary depending on your design and whether you do all the work yourself or hire professionals. If you like the idea of building something from scratch then this project may be for you. For Projects like this the key is staying focused and not getting discouraged when things don’t quite go the way you planned. A project like this is special and takes time and patience. If you think you have skills what it takes to build your own camper, give it a go!
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