Save Money, BUILD YOUR OWN Teardrop Trailer!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Teardrop trailer prices are getting out of hand! But what if I told you today's best custom teardrop camper is actually affordable? And you don't have to cut corners or sacrifice your wants or needs. You just need to be aware of all the small camper build options out there. Yes, I am talking custom teardrop trailer builds. But DIY builds don't necessarily mean building a home built trailer from the ground up. There are DIY teardrop kits that can be built in a long weekend. There are DIY Teardrop camper builder assist programs to help you through the tough moments. You don't have to do this alone. Building a homemade camper has never been easier than today! Like Mark from Overland Trailer says "Build it Once! Build it Right!"
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/ @overlandtrailer
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Quality material availability - where kits will shine. The one problem with building your own camper is none of the materials needed to create a long lasting camper are available at box stores and lumber yards. Boat building marine plywood, marine plywood foam composites, and some non-wood composites are available at a few speciality shops scattered across the country and can be mail ordered - for a price (if you have to ask ....). And it is hard to spend $400 a sheet for these speciality woods and composites on a project we are not 100% sure of to begin with. Most of us will buy from the box stores and encapsulate/epoxy/fiberglass/paint the heck out of it. It works. It is inexpensive. It will last awhile just fine. It will eventually fail, but by that time you will know what you really want.
This is where kits and suppliers to self-builders come in. Kit makers, like the Chesapeake, and self-build suppliers can make these advanced long lived materials available. Add to that a proven design and build process, and the a tentative builds become more likely to succeed and last.
This comment is definitely getting pinned. Thank you as always Mike. Great information for people to think about.
I think there are definitely things the industry Can take from the homebuilt/ experimental Aircraft industry. There are several manufacturers that provide customers with kits and detailed plans to build their own aircraft, often at a fraction of the cost required for that person to buy a premade craft. One thing they do that is especially applicable is they provide the customers the option to buy the whole kit all at once, or just buy one part at a time so they can spread the cost and workload over a longer time. Shipping is still a huge factor, but if the customer is able to get only the materials they need, they aren't paying to ship all the materials they would otherwise cut off.
I agree, the one main problem with supplies… is “big box” stores. They stock with a central idea. Not with customers needs. So we, as builders need to take that extra step and dig a little deeper. Just because the guy with the apron says “ that doesn’t exist “… not in his store maybe. But it probably does.
I took about a year to build my Teardroper. Some time was spent waiting for parts/ money and just trying to find time for the build. Other days I would just stand in the garage looking at my progress and try to plan my attack. But it happened
“ I can build that “…
There is always a way to make the little things happen. Good luck and great subject.
@@jacechristian8725 Agreed. Taking from the boat building industry too.
@@davidf9630 I like that you setup the time frame and mentioned the searching, waiting and planning parts of the build, which is what I saw as a build helper. Kits could reduce the time spent on all counts and give better access to quality parts - hopefully.
Thanks for reaching out to do this with me Drew. Love your work and it's an honor to work together. Happy Camping!
Well done dude. Great video! More Mark on Playing with Sticks. Also, just subscribed to your channel. Happy adventuring.
Thank you Mark! We really owe you a HUGE thank you for saying yes to this challenge. Not only is your knowledge and insight highly appreciated, your video skills are always inspiring to see. I am really excited to see where this video takes us. I have a feeling you will be generating a lot of interest or rekindling past ideas for many in this community.
@@FreysOnTheSide Dude! How did I miss your channel? YES, time to disappear into the TH-cam Teadrop world for a time. Love it!
@@OverlandTrailer well… we are pretty small time. But thank you for the positive feedback. TH-cam works in mysterious ways. Suppose we need to thank Drew for connecting us!
Awesome video. Love your outlook and insight!
Thank YOU!!
Long story short. I am a 67-year-old male just diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.
Starting chemotherapy shortly then spending time recouping and repairing my body. They say that when you have cancer, and I do believe in the statement, you have to paint a picture to focus on. I live in upstate New York State and I’ve always wanted to see British Columbia, seeing BC in a teardrop trailer is the picture I’m going to hold in my mind. I can’t tell you how incredible that I happened to accidentally stumbled across your channel at this time. I plan on watching channel to learn more about building a teardrop trailer.Thanks for all the hard work you do!
William
William first sorry to hear about your current situation. It’s a testament to your character how you are doing your best to put a positive spin on it. A lot of research, as you probably know, shows the fight within you and your inner spirit has as much to do with the battle as the treatments. So I completely understand why you would aim for that picture. And it wouldn’t hurt to add Alberta to that picture. When I was younger I always dreamed to BC one day as well, and then on my first trip to BC I stumbled into Alberta. They both have such beautiful sceneries to offer. Looking to hear more about your journey into teardrops and your first trip out west.
William first sorry to hear about your current situation. It’s a testament to your character how you are doing your best to put a positive spin on it. A lot of research, as you probably know, shows the fight within you and your inner spirit has as much to do with the battle as the treatments. So I completely understand why you would aim for that picture. And it wouldn’t hurt to add Alberta to that picture. When I was younger I always dreamed to BC one day as well, and then on my first trip to BC I stumbled into Alberta. They both have such beautiful sceneries to offer. Looking to hear more about your journey into teardrops and your first trip out west.
The trailer Mark shows in the video was a project for our family. I am Mark's dad. Mark and I welded up the frame. My daughter helped apply the tar-like undercoat to the body. My wife helped build the galley and created the quilts for the bed, curtains, and wall hanging. Mark corrected a fairly major error I made when building the body. A friend helped with the outside skin. And almost all of this was done in my garage in temperatures ranging from 105 to 25 degrees F. The first big road trip we did was in the fall of 2017 and I was surprised by the interest this trailer generates. We were giving tours every day at campgrounds, rest areas, gas stations, store parking lots, at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base parking lot. And most of the time people can't believe we built it ourselves. What they don't realize is they can likely build something just as good and something that is actually a better fit for them because they are doing it themselves. The resources are out there, and I encourage anyone with the interest to just go for it and build one. I love going down the road with my bedroom and kitchen right behind me. And always remember Rule Number One: Have Fun!
As a mom of two boys, I might have teared up a bit (happy tears) hearing about your children and wife help with the trailer. I imagine the same when and if we get the chance to build our trailer.
So great to see you on here Darrell. And what an inspiring story.
Hi Dad!!!
This was really interesting Drew. I like Mark he should bring him back again. It’s gonna be a good alternative to mortgaging my house again just to be able to buy a little trailer. It’s gotten nuts! Thanks again from California💜😎
Hello Liz
Yeah. Hard to spend more on the camper then on the tow vehicle.
I love this idea of a DIY Renaissance. Drew, your videos have been a huge influence on my decision to start making my own Teardrop, it's an idea I have sort of gone full circle to. In High School I wanted to build a camper van, then when I got married my wife and I started looking into making a tiny house for a vacation home, then we decided we wanted more mobility so we looked at big camper trailers but didn't really want to get a truck to pull one. That's when I found your videos about the teardrop camping experience, we saw you pulling yours behind a Subaru and it inspired us to start construction on ours to be pulled by our Mazda CX-5. I just finished welding the trailer frame and am currently pricing out the materials to build the camper onto it. I am so excited to learn skills as I build and am really looking forward to how much more time my wife and I will be able to spend together outdoors.
I could read this comment 5 times over! Jace you are exactly who we had in mind when we created this channel. Like you we bounce around between all things tiny. But we always come back to the teardrop. It just makes so much sense for our lifestyle. And like you mentioned it really has opened up so many great opportunities for May and I. We are both so excited to hit the road again this summer! That CX-5 sounds like a great match for a teardrop by the way.
This is how it's done!! Yes
See@SAD!@@÷÷
The teardrop I helped (a little) build was first pulled by a Honda CRX then a Mazda CX-5.
May and I always thought at some point we would have a Mazda as a tow vehicle. Then we stumbled across the matrix. Man I love that vehicle! Hard to beat the space of a hatchback, the gas mileage of a commuter, and quite decent towing capacity. Then couple that with an almost maintenance free vehicle and you’ve got yourself a nice little towing set up. I have a feeling a Mazda would be a very similar experience
I always enjoy discovering another one of your great videos and here you feature a great guy. Mark is a blessing to the community as well as entertaining. By the way Drew, you're not a small part of this community, you're a significant contributor. Thanks.
Yes, for those who know Mark, you know exactly what I am talking about. That is the type of guy I would like to see more of in this industry. I'm realizing they are quite rare these days. Also, thanks for the kinds words. I appreciate it.
Stop it!! Now I’m FULLY inspired to make one soon!! Great colab vid!
DO IT!!! Thanks for watching Page.
Haha! Love hearing this. This was the reaction I was hoping someone had. Thank you Page!
My Dad built a very similar trailer and had it wrapped to match is 54' Ford. He installed allot of Oak Woodwork in the interior. He used all online resources and built the thing from the frame up.
We are in the process of building our DIY Teardrop thanks to Mark's DIY Frame kit & plans, with some modification to fit our needs! Great video, thanks to both of you!
Tyler! I'm glad it's working out for you. Love that you're modifying as well.
These are my favorite type of comments. Actual real life examples of someone doing just what we talked about in the video. Even better that it is with Overland Trailer.
I’ve been considering getting a teardrop trailer for years and now that I’m an adult I think I will, but never in my life have I considered buying one because the price has always been ridiculous. DIY is the way to go in this field, especially if you’re like me and have every single tool and the know how
Excited to hear that you’re ready to build.
I really like what he's doing. You're right. The manufacturers and retailers have gone crazy. The manufacturers are putting out complete junk and charging like the units were made of gold. And the retailers are tacking on 1000% profit. It's just stupid. I paid less for my home and shop than most people pay for a trailer these days. So Mark is doing a great service for the trailer camping community... Love it.
Thanks for watching and commenting Mobiltec! Yes, some manufacturers have gone crazy and quality has plunged for some (especially since June 2018) but there are some really good manufactured teardrops out there still. Most of them are quality family owned businesses. Most have long wait lists but there are still good trailers.
@@OverlandTrailer You might look into So Cal Teardrops. Not sure if they would be interested in you reviewing one of their trailers but they make everything including the chassis for thier units. And they make a really durable and strong Off Road model. I think they make a few different ones of those now also. I've dealt with them a lot because they also sell parts for Teardrops.
This may be my favorite ever on TH-cam. Thank you.
Hahaha! Awesome. Love it!
Yay! Thank you so much for the feedback Mason.
This pivot you are making is awesome, and so is Mark!
Hi Samuel! Thanks for watching. DIY all the way.
Thanks for sharing this. This DIY revival is just what is needed by so many people. It might have gotten it's jump start from the lock downs or pandemic builds that exploded in 2020, but that was just the spark.
What a great idea to help fuel this type of resourceful thinking. I'm sure that many people are going to find motivation in these types of videos.
Thanks for sharing. 🤙👍💪
Great point on the lock down jump start. I have seen a big boost in the forums and videos on TH-cam since the pandemic.
Love it!!
Alaska looks awesome. Idaho has a special place I'm my heart. I was born in Mtn. Home. Do you ever worry about bears? I imagine it's normal to carry while out and about
This is an awesome post. I've been looking around at dozens of teardrops and as you said the prices are climbing rapidly but the biggest problem is that none of them have the exact combination of features that I want. This inspires me to look much more deeply into a DIY camper. Thank you for showing us these resources!
Another thing I am coming to understand recently is that kits are designed to be more customizable then I thought. If a company does it right the base kit model is pretty primitive. But, they have designed it in a way to be easily modified. So you may find even a kit gives you enough flexibility to create what you need. And then of course building it from scratch is 100% customizable.
We started following Marks channel a while back, but am glad to see this video. Definitly motivated me to get back to our build and get it finished.
How cool! He was one of the first channels we really dug into as well. I am also a fan of his film and learning channel.
YAY! One of the brave few campers. Get that thing done. So many memories to be made making it and camping in it. I'm glad this video gave you a little fire.
I've been thinking about this for awhile. Watching diy videos ,researching hardware online and buying plans. I just have a hard time pulling the trigger,and now with the price of everything.
Great video, thanks!.
Thanks Marty. There are ways to save on the budget. Perhaps a future video that I'll make on my own channel too. When things get expensive, its time to get creative!
I feel so validated right now. You featured Aero Teardrops, the ma and pa shop we went with for our build. Thanks for another great video, PWS! I love the DIY heirloom idea. This video gives us inspiration to build our own TD when we return from Japan and when our boys are a bit older to help out. Well done on the collaboration and would love to see more of Mark on your channel. And I’m happy to contribute to the renaissance from my foxhole. Thanks again!
We have had our eye on Aero for a while. The Oregon coast has always called May and I. We have never had the chance to get over there, but it sounds like the perfect teardrop destination. It actually was a photo of a teardrop on the Oregon Coast that inspired us to dig more into teardrops in the first place. Well, I think it was the Oregon coast. It has been so long now, sometimes I wonder if I am confusing it with Sunset Magazine and the California Coast. Either way I want to get a teardrop to the coast! Haha. Glad this video was inspiring Ron.
NICE! We have helped several builders in Japan. You wouldn't have to wait!
@@OverlandTrailer I might check out your DIY builders when we get settled this summer. I will have to wait until we return for our potential DIY build. Uncle Sam won’t ship our vehicles, let alone a trailer to/from Japan. I appreciate the content, Mark. Love the heirloom idea. I’m sure my boys will fight over who gets the DIY vs Aero TD when the time comes.
Really cool seeing two of my favorite teardrop YTs in one video. I'm planning my build this summer and using all of these resources.
Yes! Love hearing this. And we are excited to share more.
Ha ha! You're the best.
Great job! Really great to see you guys come together on this vid. Keep up the great work!
"Come together, right now...To go Camping". Thanks for watching!
Thanks Brian! I feel this video pairs quite well with the one you and I made. There was even a comment or two on here about people preferring modifying a budget teardrop vs. homebuilt due to current wood prices.
@@OverlandTrailer “One thing I can tell you is you got to be free” Let’s go!
@@PlayingwithSticks I think they pair well too. 2 sides of the same coin. I wanted something I could get in & start using before I took on a build. Ultimately, building a custom is the dream!
Thanks for featuring Mark, Drew. You may want to rename your channel "Building with Sticks" at some point! :) Mark was a great guest and I love the family connection to his trailer, hopefully he'll become a regular one. I'd love to make the journey from Canada to Idaho some day, but I've heard the state is overrun with rabid potato monsters, right Mark? :)
Haha. You had me laughing out loud with this one. And great channel name by the way! Like you we would love to make our way through Idaho. We still have a lot of Canada on our bucket list as well. We were hoping to check many of them off next summer. But obviously Canada wanted to get us through real fast! I mean, real fast!!!! I believe they gave me 3 days. But, I must admit there was something fun about driving all day and most the night. I had a blast going through.
Idaho Potato Monsters are nothing to mess with. They take our children at night. The only way to beat them is to mash them with two vans.
Companion channel "Building with Sticks" - I like it.
Here we have snow-snake infestations. Non-venomous, but they jump off branches and bite the back of you neck then disappear into the snow. I don't want to know what the wet spot they leave is 😬. Still, seems safer than Idaho overrun with all those diseased mutant animals in a bad mood.
Sounds like our ice worms. But like the snow snakes I thought they were fake for years. Come to find it’s actually a real thing.
Love this! And love the idea of a return to teardrop camping roots. I looked into several kit options (Big Woody’s, CLC, Overland, etc.), but in the end decided on a TC Teardrop because I don’t have enough space or tools and TC does a more traditional build that you can customize a lot. I still hope someday to build one though… or rehab a vintage one. *dreamy sigh*
Also… you know, I’d watched Mark’s film about teardrop campers a while back. I knew he was passionate about teardrop campers and their history, but I didn’t know he had such a great sense of humor. I’d love to see more videos with him. Thanks for doing this one. 😊
Todd and Carol at TC are good people. You choose well. Thanks for watching.
TC makes a great build for that exact reason you mentioned. It is simple and customizable. I have a feeling Matt and I from Frey's on the Side will have a TC featured on this channel at some point. Maybe not a walk around but you will definitely see it in action. Matt agreed to let me follow his family around for some adventures this summer. I love what they are doing and I always wanted to make a few outdoor videos 100% behind the camera. I may actually have the chance to check that one off the bucket list soon! Glad you enjoyed the Mark content. Seems to be the same way everyone else is feeling.
I have heard the same. TC owners seem to be a real close knit group.
I like him, I want more of him! PLEASE
Ha ha! You're the best Lizzie. Cheers
That is what I was hoping to hear! Thank you. We couldn't agree more.
The jokes were on point, the info was mildly interesting too 😜 JK, you have me wanting to build my own teardrop now 😅
@@lizzieluz Mildly interesting is my goal. Nothing more...Nothing less. ha ha
Awesome video you guys, i just completed my diy teardrop,loved every moment of my build,thats my teardrop in the picky, cheers from Australia.
Dude, great video! Down for more Mark videos! Very cool, thanks!
Thank you Kevin! I'm really glad folks are asking for more Mark!
Ha! Thanks Kevin. Fancy seeing you here.
Informative and funny. Nice collaboration. Liked the vintage shots. Thanks Drew
Thanks for the comment and support Carrie!
Love the DIY trailer idea... Almost finished building a wood/fiberglass boat. Little off road trailer is next! Can't wait to see what you have coming up. Love your channel and beautiful family!
Thanks Danny. Was your boat a kit or from the ground up? Yes been quite a bit of time studying boat kits as well. Hey Siri get quite addictive once you start researching. This is where I first learned about rolling and tipping. It’s the little gems I find that make the research so fun.
@@PlayingwithSticks No kit for me. I did buy a set of plans. Wish I would have cot the kit they offer, but I wanted to do everything myself. I will roll and tip it when it's finished! One of your other commenters was talking about using high quality materials. He's right. That's one of the reasons I did not buy a kit, but I think his $400 a sheet for marine ply is high. I am using the highest grade Lloyd's certified Okoume ply and it's like $80-130 a sheet. Shipping is around $90 for me. Not so bad. It's fun and with some patience I think anyone could do it. My boat is a design called FRS-15 by Salt Boatworks. Just a little flats skiff for by my condo in FL.
Danny! Boat and Kayak builders make great trailers. Yours will be top notch.
Now I want to build my own teardrop
Just Do It! Love this.
Great video! I love what Mark said about teardrops being an heirloom piece. We camp a lot and I have yet to find a trailer that I want to pass down to my boys. Building one sounds like fun and having my boys help sounds even more fun! I love what Mark is doing! Great job Drew!
Yes, when I hear heirloom, passed down, or generations my ears perk up a bit. And what a great thing to aim for!
about Time i always say the prices are crazy when you can make your own thumbs up buddy
Facts! Thanks for watching
Glad we got it right this time! So true on making it your own.
I think this is a great idea! I've never considered building my own and I bet that would be a lot of fun. Maybe a little stress, but a lot of fun.
I could see there being a stress factor involved. That is one reason why the kits and builder assist programs really stick out to me as great options.
More fun than stress. It's part of the camping journey.
Absolutely love the heart of this video, helping people get up and GO ON while doing it on their own budget. Maybe after time people will decide this is the main thing they love and want to invest more money and resources. But getting out is the first step. Thanks for this awesome channel mate and we have that bell 🛎 hit👋!
I love mark and the diy community I have a phone company utility shell fiberglass diy camper conversion, but would love to build my own square drop camper someday
Drew, lets have more of Mark. I have already added this episode to my watch later list. Show us more about Starter kits.
Yipee! Those were the words I was hoping to hear. And yes, kits are currently of most interest to me. I want to use my hands and create something custom. But I also don't have a ton of time for all that research and starting a build from scratch. To me the kits seem to be the perfect balance of what I need.
Hi Sergio! Thanks for the compliment of being added to a watch list. That's awesome!!!
I agree: show us more kits. I’ve spent eight years taking tiny home building classes, then not building, then researching camper vans but not yet pulling the trigger. Other life changes happened along the way, including getting a husband (smile!) and then a house w a garage, and now I have a place to build/store a project-in-process, as well as a friend to build it with. ❤. So we are VERY excited to learn about kits. It’s seems so wise to shorten the research curve and increase the “i can do this” factor, not to mention increasing access to high quality parts in the kit, like some other commentor mentioned. It looks like Mark is a true Teacher Archetype and really loves this path; good for him! I love building people up and encouraging them as well. We need more ppl on that path instead of tearing the world down. So thank you and keep adding videos about the companies that make the kits, ppl who are building the kits and their experiences, and ppl who modify kits and use finished ones.
@jessicadentalaid4728 I will reach out to Mark and see if he’s ready for round two
I like this new self-build/self-assemble-kit inexpensive direction. However, I also really like you showing us the various unique exclusive (some way too expensive) campers out there for their innovations and quality. I like your actual-user knowledge giving opinions and subscriber comments vs. a sales pitch or canned review I get elsewhere.
I love this... Feeling inspired! Thank you
YES! DO IT!! It's the only way to go.
Yay! Another inspired community member! This is the reaction I was hoping folks would feel. Thank you for sharing.
Nice job guys !
Thanks Steven.
Glad you enjoyed this one Steven! It was all Mark. He has a great eye for telling a good story.
Great content! We'll start sharing your channel to our clients who bought land from us near camping areas. They'll surely get awesome ideas from you on what they can do and use for their outdoor activity. Thanks for this video! 😊
Absolutely excellent video always the perfect content for the right time 🙌
Love it Jim! Glad you found it helpful.
That was extremely helpful and totally inspirational. Bless you Drew. Keep em coming!
Antoinette, you're awesome! Drew is the best too.
So good to hear this! Thank you so much for the kind words.
Would love to see more of Mark!! And looking forward to more DIY videos!!
Awesome! Yes I'd love to see way more. I have two teenage boys and I've been thinking about this as a project. Thanks!!!
DIY, considered way at the beginning. However, you have to have the workspace, access or purchase tools, knowledge training & research time, time, more time. With some of the manufacturers, they take a lot of he guess work out and have proven R&D into designs that gain a reputation & following in the industry. Its really boiling down to two different crowds and or what projects to take on compared to calling the handyman. However, the satisfaction of completing a project on your own ... well worth it if you or your body & mind can still do it. Drew, are you selling the Bean and doing a DIY?
Hi Tricia. Yes, you have some great counter arguments here. It is always good for us to reflect on both sides of a decision. I have entered into projects where I went in a bit beyond my ability. Yes, I learned a lot. But there were some real frustrating moments, some extra costs associated with the project, and some lost time. I am hoping to find some kits and solutions that will take a bit of the unknown away. Are they out there? I am not sure yet. But, I am excited to try and find them. And good question on the Bean. My intention has always been to find the perfect trailer for my family. And I know that is not realistic. However, I don't want to stop trying. Not just for my family, but also for the channel. In this season I am looking for a trailer that is lighter and more affordable. Last year I didn't know any builds that fit that need. However, since making the Bean videos I have seen a few campers pop up that are lighter, more affordable, and composite. So fingers crossed I can find one to take out this summer. I still think for the cost and what the Bean is designed for nothing beats it at that price range. But once the Bean Stock went over $20K and I stumbled across $7K trailers that had all the Bean features I needed I find myself on the hunt again. There will be a video about this at some point.
Yeah. Build space is my current problem. I have tools .... and what is a project but a reason to buy more tools!
That leaves me with buying an expensive shell type camper that I just need to finish the interior setup, or buying a cheaper shell that has good bones that needs a bit of exterior tweaking before I finish the interior.
Wait times and finish times are a huge factor too. My top quality pick has a waiting list over a year - no way. So now the internal fight is where to compromise or to find a way to build my own.
Loved your video!! I really appreciate you putting this out as a cost effective option!! And yes please share more of Overland Trailer's videos!!! I gulp hard at the idea of d.i.y. teardrop trailer for myself, I'm totally lost!!
Whenever I get lost, I just remember I'm directly above the center of the earth. Then I'm not lost and just keep going! Glad you like this.
Glad you enjoyed this. Seems like the consensus is more MARK!
Need to know where Mark got is hoodie! That’s so perfect!
I heard the guy who created it is a genius! Haha. Here is the link www.bonfire.com/store/playing-with-sticks/ You should be able to find them under our TH-cam videos as well. Mark actually inspired the idea for the hoodie. Last year I sent him a hoodie as a thank you.
I enjoyed this.
Thanks for watching Cecil!
Very glad to hear that Cecil! Thank you.
@@PlayingwithSticks I've watched you and Cosmo Weames (sp). I like his teardrop bot don't want to spend $30 K. And wait 18 months. I also like your out of the way activities. I'm thinking of building one next year once retired.
Saw these a few yrs ago when they had the shop. Kool old school trailers. Great video.
AWESOME! Thanks for stopping by. Good to make contact again.
I would have really enjoyed that experience. Just seeing Idaho in general is high on our bucket list. We have been in the Coeur D'Alene area, but haven't had the chance to see other areas of the beautiful state. I say this often. But you are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area and get to see so many destinations within a fairly short driving distance.
Fantastic video Drew (Mark)! Thank you both! I’m a designer and “maker” so this kind of thing is right up my alley. I had no idea DIY teardrops were even a thing. I think I may have just found my next project.
YES! DIY Teardrops is how the whole thing got started in the early 1900s. Let's do this Renaissance.
One of the designers/makers we will be highlighting has helped in the making of life size replicas of Star Wars ships, cruisers, speeders, etc. I am hoping to show a few on the channel. I am discovering there are a lot of interesting folks in the DIY realm.
Oh, I can’t wait for that! I build Star Wars droids, props and costumes!
@@OverlandTrailer Hello OTT..I just went to your website, saw the trailer kit for $1800 ish (the most popular kit}. The one thing I would like to know is what is NOT included in this kit. I did not see that information. Thank you!
Great question. If Mark doesn’t get back to you eventually just let me know and I’ll reach out to him.
This idea to show this content was inspired. More Mark!
I don't think I could do it, but I will hear you out in the weeks to come.
Yes, that is what I want us all to discover together. Is this doable? And for who? Are these sales pitches or can people with very little background in these areas actually get one put together? I am super excited to head down the rabbit hole on this. Unfortunately it will not be in the next few weeks or episodes. It is a journey I will be going on throughout my camping trips this summer/fall.
This was great, Drew. I look forward to more DIY videos. My husband and I have toyed with the idea...but we're a little scared. LOL
You sound like May and I. That has been the inspiration for a couple of the future videos. Reduced the scary factor! Glad you posted this Holly. Makes me feel like we are heading in the right direction.
Build one together. The memories are just as important as the build. For the past 5 years, I've told myself that I should do those things I fear because they're probably good for me. So far, it is true.
I ordered plans from Mark at Overlandtrailer because of this video
Love it! Just having Mark as a resource is worth buying his plans alone.
Yes, yes and yes to all questions! This was brilliant.
Thank you Monique!
Hi Monique! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks, Drew!
You are most welcome Brian.
Totally would like to see more of Mark
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback Ed.
Hi Ed! Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Really nice way to start my Sunday morning. I’ve had a longstanding interest in teardrops, just never have had the vehicle for pulling one (two MINI Cooper “S” models with center exhaust) nor the space to accommodate one. One problem down we now have a three car garage. Subscribed to your chanel as well as Mark’s.
Hi Hugh! Thanks for joining the movement.
Awesome vid. I'm inspired. People are wanting new teardrop prices for used teardrops.
Thank you! And yes, used teardrops are really holding their value right now. Even before the pandemic they held well. But currently you can find some going for more than a new teardrop. The supply/demand situation reminds me a bit of used Scamps over the years. They hold their value incredibly well.
It absolutely is the best I’ve seen.
When are you leaving the jungles and coming back state side? Stay safe.
Good to see you! And glad to see you thought the title fit. I think someone on here didn't get it. I think they were looking at Mark's building and thinking that was what I was referring to. Regardless his family did a great job on that trailer! We will be back in the West the beginning of August. As you know we kind of have a thing for fall camping. A little sad to miss the summer camping season, but can't have it all.
What was the sight for the teardrop kit? I missed it thank you
OMG more Mark!! I want to build one of these with my 84 year old mechanical engineer (and ultimate DIYer) Dad! How do I get started?
You made my heart sing with this comment. I'm just picturing the father son combo here. What a great idea! Sounds like we are all doing a great job putting some pressure on Mark to get back on here. Thank you!
Also I sold my old camper (The one from my channel) since it wouldn’t fit my soon to be wife and I. Now we are thinking it might be a fun project for us to work together to build a new one may be a kit would be the best way to go for simplicity sake. But we think that this project would bring us closer together
May has been thinking very similar to you. Unfortunately I currently do not have the time with the boys, the work overseas, and the channel. But May loved our time together on the vintage trailer. We had a blast working on that together. And she really wants to get the boys involved in some sort of project. One of the companies we are currently engaging with in conversations is working on a few models where the kits are more oversized for families. Unfortunately though we probably won’t be highlighting this on the channel until August.
Hi Tristen. We have many builders who have built as a couple or with a close friend. That part almost always shines through as one of their favorite parts of the build when they report back to us. I can say the same about the trailers I've built for my family. It's a good bonding experience and now I'm getting my kids involved too.
@@PlayingwithSticks Would you be interested in selling us the vintage trailer?
@@PlayingwithSticks Totally understand maybe one day the TH-cam job will allow you to cut back your other secular work. We appreciate your hard work. And I would love to see that project.
We want one that has the ability to be off grid for a couple of days if we need to, we have an electric pick up truck on order which would probably make the entire campaign experience a little more comfortable and easier. I don’t mind roughing it but I know that well she loves the outdoors that she also likes having certain things that most women like. Namely showers and such… 😂
YES! More Mark please!
Excellent! Thank you.
Thanks for the vote of confidence David!
More Mark, more DIY! Thanks Drew.
Awesome! Noted Royce!
You're awesome Royce. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Absolutely mark is great love your channel .
DIY times are changing. I built a pretty nice squaredrop (in my biased opinion) with all the trimmings as my pandemic project but I can't build another now without straying too close to the price of a commercially built camper. The current price of wood and metal has become a barrier to entry and mistakes become costly so we have to rethink the tried-and-true methods and materials.
There is definitely some truth in this. With the recent supply chain issues there have surely been some associated costs. I am confident they will turn around in the hopefully near future. In the meantime the impact on the composite diy kit prices doesn't seem to be as strong. I am hoping to highlight a few of these on the channel as well.
Good points. Here are two quick ways to save some cash
1. Ask your local metal supplier if they have any cut-offs (extra pieces cut from the standard 20' stock). They usually sell at a discount.
2. Find a local cabinet shop that doesn't sell wood commercially. They buy it in bulk though. Get your order from them. They get better prices than you can commercially, they can sell it to you at a slight profit (for their trouble), and you'll save some green too. Win..Win.
I'm also convinced that I could make a teardrop for free. How? IDK. Something I'm actively working on.
Yes. More please
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback.
Drew, as always I love the content. I’ve been following mark since you mentioned him a couple of videos back.
Would LOVE to see a feature of Wander Tears. Not as established as mark in the industry but the passion is certainly there.
Glad to hear this. We have been following Wander Tears as well. These East Coast manufacturers are always the toughest for us to cross paths with. At some point we need to make our way out that direction.
you didn't disappoint on this vid. and the humour didn't hurt. great vid
Yay! Thanks Dave. I was wondering when we would see you.
@@PlayingwithSticks you and your fam are the best! God bless
Thanks Dave. Working with Drew is great.
@@OverlandTrailer looking forward to more from you, God bless
Mark's ok (no caps).
Great video, I was considering building & selling my design but was hesitant due to seeing so many the past 1/2 doz years quit due to rising costs & folks simply don't have that $4.5k+ .
He’s not wrong. 😂 I’ve seen a lot and I need to spend time in the woods. 🌲
Come to Idaho! May the Forest Be With You...Always
😂😂😬 Love this!
Thank you for the DYI from Mark. I have sent this link to the hubby. Maybe the way go. Ehhh also, the google Earth thing might be a good resource. blessings to each of ya
Thank you for the positive feedback!
The Google earth vid is genuinely my favorite video. So many hidden camping places to be found.
I really like the video, just please what is the material used on the outside, I mean the metallic sheets ? Thank you for all.
Awesome video! Keep spreading the DIY love!
We were just talking about you guys yesterday in a comment somewhere on the channel. Love what you are doing!
@@PlayingwithSticks oh very cool! I’ll have to go digging for it. We love building them for people but honestly get so much joy out of helping others build one for themselves. And I admire Mark and his business as well. It’s truly labor of love I think we all share with these simple things!
@@WanderTears I love hearing this. That is a teacher's mentality you have there. "Give a man a fish..."
1.
2.
3.
4. Real emotional connection. If you build your own camper it will be your family member, friend and close to your heart. If you buy then you could have the same connection, but it is much more hard to come!
Love it!
Booyah, pretty awesome 👊😁👍🇺🇲 I'm in. I truly want one.
I'm curious about the frames. Can you get a quality frame with good axel without having to build one yourself?
The newer Harbor Freight trailers are OK, just replace the wheel bearings immediately. You may want to replace a few 'key' assembly bolts with Grade 5 (NOTHING HIGHER). I haven't seen them but knowing cheap 'X' they're rather poor quality and either snap or strip and will rust quick. also [ th-cam.com/video/NKfWlGYclNQ/w-d-xo.html ]
Have you looked at the Chesapeake lightcraft teardrop? Really like the look of it, just wish it was longer to give more space in the galley.
One of our absolute favorites! In terms of aesthetics it’s our favorite. But yes it would be nice to have very sizes and designs.
@@PlayingwithSticks I think what I’d really want in the end is a more standard layout design like in this video, but then finish it with CLC’s fiberglass/epoxy for a natural wood look instead of aluminum.
Hi Fielding. We've supported builders of those kits. It's so unique, beautiful, and light. A good choice for sure. Couldn't you just scale it up? Everything is in their plans.
@@OverlandTrailer I’m nearby CLC’s main store and don’t have room in my apartment to do it at home, so was considering going to one 2 week build classes. But you can’t make mods to the basic layout during the build class… think it will end up being a later in life project at this point. Currently it’s just me and my dog, so I’ve been converting my outback into a micro camper.
Love this for a weekend warrior trip.
Yes, would make a great weekend warrior setup.
How cool. I have 2022 Grand Design but my six year old keeps talking about building our old Jeep Grand Cherokee into a camper. This might be a better idea. We might get out more if we not having to plan for a place to take a nearly 40 foot travel trailer. Just for the boys, you know the 3 generations of girls I travel with still want the comforts of the Big Guy.
Hi Raymond. Yes, this is a great step up from a tent and a good mobile solution that won't hurt the pocket book as much for gas and overall cost.
Mines not a DIY but I love seeing different people's ideas and customizations
Hello Cindy
Agreed. I really like seeing all the new innovative ideas out there even if the camper is not for me.
I also like seeing the show-and-tell customizations like by RunAway camper owners. They seem to have purchased their campers with the express intent to enhance them, and they seem to be eager to share and trade ideas. Fun!
What toy hauler wood you buy what if you don't have the time or skills to build.
Another great video Drew! I was wondering if you could a video on how to fit 3 grown adults in a tear drop? What are the options/hacks?
That’s a tough one. To be honest two adults and two kids is easy. But three adults put you into a whole different category of trailer. It can be teardrop in shape, but the size would definitely have to be a bit bigger. I’m trying to think of some sort of teardrop design I’ve seen they could accommodate three adults. At the moment I’m having trouble thinking of any. The only option I could think of is getting a 6 foot wide teardrop and replacing the rear cabinets with a 6 foot wide bunk.
Good video. I would like to build an off road teardrop. The thing is you definitely have to have time to invest. I agree about the overall quality of many campers these days. Low quality and high price.
Thanks Garret! And off road teardrop would be fun. I just saw that Valiant Trailers came out with their kit version. I didn't check the price though.
On Point. Especially since 2018. There are good teardrop manufacturers out there still. Just gotta look under the hood a bit.
@@PlayingwithSticks Definitely need to check it out.
@@garretlewis4103 TC Teardrops is also very good.
Great video 👍
Thank you Patrick! 👍
i am really considering doing this. i really want to start camping with the family and i feel the quality of travel trailers in my range is a crap shoot. tear drop seems to be the ticket.
Where did you buy 60" wide stainless steel sheeting?
Is there a link to a site or TH-cam of the woman towards end who restored some old teardrops? Deborah?
can the DIY trailers support a roof rack and rooftop tent?
The beauty of these DIY trailers is that you cannot build them to accommodate anything. So yes, in the design you would build the length, curve, and strength of the roof to support a tent. And in all reality that isn’t that much different than a teardrop that can’t support a tent.
Yes they can. No worries. I'm building one for my own family right now and will show that process on TH-cam in the future.
Very good!
Glad you think so Jim!
I can’t find the video with the stretcher bed for your toddler that hung at the foot of the bed.. I would like some more info on where to purchase please?
What is the longest lasting rv trailer you can buy?
More Mark!!!!!! Love this Drew.
Yay! Thanks Matt!
ha ha. You're the best!
You had me at Self sufficient
I like your style! Self sufficient in a current world of many unknowns always brings a bit of comfort.
@@PlayingwithSticks agreed!
The only way to go.
I would love a diy teardrop renaissance!!
Join the movement!!
Yessss!!!!!
Well…I just brought home my Bean Stock teardrop, But the diy teardrops are what won my heart. I done have the time to build my own. I love that there are people out there helping others build!!
@@CinkSVideo Congratulations! How exciting. I will say one of the best parts about diy trailers is that they are built with humans in mind. Meaning that the builder takes human factors into consideration to make things actually work when camping. That really is the beauty of Bean. They didn't go all crazy trying to be cutting edge. They went with the human factor approach. Basically they took what has been working the past 80 years in teardrops and stuck to that. Yes, they refined it a bit, but they really did keep it simple and purposeful. I hope builders like Bean, Escapod, and all the others don't lose sight of this as they grow. Seems like the market is pushing these companies to go bigger and bolder all the time. And to me I don't think that is often the best idea. Sorry going on a bit of a rant here. Again, welcome to the club!
@@CinkSVideo Awesome. A great company.
Where do you source the stainless steel skin for such a project?
Hi Sea! Good question. Local steel providers often have sources for it. What we've found is that most of them don't stock it all the time. It seems to be kept in a few large warehouses and distributed from there. This trailer is clad in 60" x 120" 22 gauge stainless with a #4 finish (not a mirror but not dull). If your local steel place doesn't have it, they can usually direct you to another place that does. The dark horse here is to ask a local business sign-maker. They often order odd metals from different supply chains too.
@@OverlandTrailer Thanks for The response and Great Information.
My style. Light, inexpensive, and one of a kind. Not sure I want a wooden interior. I would prefer a lightweight poly material.
The beauty of making your own is that you can do that! AND you should.
Great idea on the interior. I am a wood interior guy. But lately I am also seeing the benefit of composite. Lately for me I have been saying composite exterior/interior with some nice wood veneer to warm it all up. I am a bit of a sucker for the cabin feeling. Even if the entire trailer is composite.
Very cool. Inspiring!
Glad you thought so. Thank you.
Love it! Thanks
Loved this video!!
So glad to hear this Kristen! Thank you.
Awesome!
Wow, thanks for posting this.
You are most welcome! Glad you enjoyed it Chuck.
Glad you enjoyed it Chuck!