YOU CAN BUILD A TEARDROP CAMPER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- Wondering if you have what it takes to build a teardrop camper or teardrop trailer? YOU CAN DO THIS!
Building a teardrop camper is easier than you might think. The key to a DIY teardrop is to break the design and build process down into one step at a time. You don’t have to be an expert on everything all at once. Just learn how to build the part at hand.
In this episode we discuss resources for the newbie teardrop trailer builder, where to buy parts, where to elicit help, etc. We don’t give you everything you need, but it’s a head start!
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Be sure to check out these great sites for additional teardrop build information:
Facebook Group: DIY Teardrop Campers Community
www.tnttt.com
Looking for a place to buy parts? Several suppliers are mentioned in this episode!
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Music in this video from TH-cam's Creative Common's Library.
Intro Song “Mad Science (Sting)" by MK2
Song “Ruminate” by R. LUM. R.
Song “Twirly Tops” by The Green Orbs
Song "Wishful Thinking" by Dan Lebowitz - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I love watching your videos.
Me and the wife have been talking about getting a camper, now I'm talking to her about building one . She thinks I'm nuts but you have inspired me to no end . But gonna be on the back burner for a little bit, got a rough draft on paper , got a trailer , got hit with something I never thought could happen. Life tossed me a curve ball colon cancer has set me back , hopefully after I survive this, I'll jump on it and hopefully get to shake your hand and show off my build and say think you for the inspiration to BUILD 1 PIECE AT A TIME .
I’m going to be praying for your healing. I’m rooting for you on your build.
Wow, another great video! One piece at a time is right!! Thank you so much for mentioning me and my group. We all work together in the group for a common goal, help you build your dream teardrop. You sir are an asset to the community and I want to thank you for all you do. Both here and in the group. Continued success to you my friend. Thanks again and keep the GREAT videos coming!😁
Thank you! The group is great resource.
I could listen to you talk all day - what a soothing, reassuring voice! Now contemplating building my own little nest on wheels to make camping with arthritis easier. And I lived the whole 'you don't have to be an arsonist to strike a match' analogy. I'm keeping it!
I finished my teardrop this winter. This video was what finally convinced me to start work! Your channel had tons of great ideas and inspiration too. Thanks so much Michael!!
Congratulations! I really appreciate the great feedback. I’d love to see some pics of your build.
Thank you for the motivation. I am building my first teardrop. :)
Good luck on your build!!!
I built a squaredrop in 2018, before squaredrops had much coverage. Right now I am rebuilding it with the knowledge gained through my previous successes and mistakes. There are SO many options available now!
I really like your message. Like you building my camper was of triple benefit. 1.I got to build a camper with the features I wanted without spending more money than I wanted to part with. 2. It was a mental heath project for to give me something to work on that I got to control the outcome on. And 3. It meant my wife got to have some time away from me to miss me. Now we go camping in our little box camper and my wife and kids have a ball. And as you said one piece at a time. And if you don't know what you're doing there is a wonderful community of people around willing to help other out to provide advice to get you on your way. Keep up the great content. You're awesome
And what's your email address? I'd love to send you some pics of my build
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
campandcamera@gmail.com
One piece at a time! That is the same advice I got when when I was getting burnt out building my shop because there was too much to do for just me. Changed my viewpoint to ,today I'll do one window. Today I'll paint one side. Today I'll build a bench. Got me thru it without over stressing and I love it. Mine, one of a kind! Mine. Thanks for sharing with your readers/ viewers!
I appreciate the comment!
Building anything yourself has something you can not buy. That is a boost of excitement and happiness!
😂😂😂😍 I LOVE your logic man.. Don't stress.. And you ain't building a kidney dialysis machine😂 Any anxiety I had... you def just took that away.. Answered all the right concerns in my head.. BRILLIANT.. More INSPIRED than ever.. Haven't seen one of these in person.. But been fascinated and addicted to these videos since I found them few months ago.. Loving how people are so creative with them! Maybe see ya at a meetup with my camper one day 😁🙏 Thanks for your sense of humor and sharing your passion! Happy creating!!✨✨✨
💖💖You only build one piece at a time💖💖 I can see how that will def become the mantra of sanity throughout.. Lol.. Really.. Thanks so much for this wonderfully informative video :)
I bought a used Camp Inn and I highly respect you and others that build your own campers, I can't believe someone would tell you not to build your own, yours is fabulous.
Carl O Thanks so much! I’ve seen a Camp Inn in person and must say they are very nice. Although a builder, I would be proud to own one.
I'm almost done with mine. I tell my contractor cousin that is easier than shaping/building a surfboard which btw all those skills I learned shaping surfboards applied to my Teardrop build. Mine TD is wrapped on carbon fiber and fiber glass on roof. Water tight all over.
I'm taking it out in two weeks. From FL, GA, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. 10 days out.
The reason I built it is because I'm a mountain biker and like to sleep in the parks. Truck camping wasn't cutting it and I never had a good sleep on a tent.
Would I ever build another TD? Yes or a stealth box but it'll have to be in a house with a shop in the back because I'm done working in garage.
Hay my man you’ve got a great presence of camera, I’d love to start my own Chanel on woodworking you’ve inspired me all way in Merseyside,England
Awesome! Go for it!!
dude, he really does have a great presence. I just found this video, got to about 10 seconds in while he is driving in his car, and thought "This is the dude that is going to get me through this process"
Please continue making more vids.
You can do this!
Your build is TOP NOTCH Micahel. You are right about DIY Teardrop Campers Community. It is awesome and a great help. When I built my camper with the pop top, the internet was definitely my best friend!!!
What we ever do without the net!
Michael, Great video as usual.
Another point for those who want to build a td but don’t have the time or funds.
Start slow, go to the lumber store and get yourself a few sheets of plywood. Play with the shape build the side walls, the rest will come together.
Good idea!
You are so awesome and inspirational, I’ve wanted to build one for two years now and I think I’m going to start this fall. Thank you so much.
billshreeveable Thank you so much! You can do it. This was my first build, and when I started feeling overwhelmed, I just stepped back and reminded myself, that I didn’t have to build the entire camper at once, I only had to think about the one part I was dealing with at that moment. Break the project into little pieces and you’ll do fine. Keep me posted!!!
Nice motivational video. It's all clear and straight! I have only one question: How many pieces I need to build at a time??
Hmmm...let me think.....one! Lol!
Thanks for the video. I'd already commited to building it, but this definitely helped reinforce the mindset.
Parts are showing up every day :D
I watched the build series but ive gotta say this was your BEST video yet. Motivational, covered resources, parts suppliers. Bad part is it motivated me at the worst possible time 3 weeks after reconstructive shoulder surgery with a gutted pop up with new floor installed and walls built in the shed just waiting on me to put them on. Ill just rewatch when im in better shape to work. So in a nutshell just wanted to say thanks for your video
Thanks very much! Sorry to hear that your on the mend at the moment. That build will be there waiting on you when your ready. Get well soon!!
I look at it as more time to plan with winter coming and possibly change my design. Im working on a 6x10 teardrop with toilet to sleep hoping to sleep 4 so now i can plan more. Thanks for the well wishes
When you build your own you know where every screw and nail is and you won't afraid to dig in and fix anything
You were spot on with your opening comments...You “own” both the errors and great features with you building it and not relying on a factory that may have a bad batch of parts or a disgruntled employee building yours. Great 👍 job and video.
I think every factory camper I’ve owned was built by a new hire employee on Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend!
I think you are very encouraging. And it makes so much sense ...you do only have to build one part at a time...🤣😆🤣👍👍👍👍👍
You and your videos were the greatest inspiration for me to build my own teardropcamper. Your excellent information and advice helped with my design and how it would be outfitted. Thank you! Keep up the great content.
Wow, thanks!
I bought a box trailer, they use to use it for mobile car wash. Its ugly as heck. But I came across your channel and became so inspired.
That’s a great starting point for a build! Imagine what you can do with all that space!!
This was an awesome video. You are not only knowledgeable but inspirational. Are you a preacher or a teacher? Just sayin... please Keep being who God made you to be, you really are helping many more people than you know. Blessings! And here's to one at a time! That would be a great tee shirt 🤔
Thanks so much for the kind words. I do enjoy making these videos.
I built my camper in less than a month and am satisfied with the quality and happy I didn’t buy a factory built one.
Congrats on your build!
We really enjoy your videos! You are 100% correct on all your points... We bought ours "off the lot" at a small dealership in VT. (desperate to get outa the house and into nature!) Chris and I often talk about what we would and wouldn't include in our teardrop if we had a choice. For one thing, I really wish we had less electronics. We don't listen to the radio, watch TV, or use the microwave. I have a little transistor radio - if needed. The few nights we have had to get inside due to rain, I write in our camping journal, read, or watch a movie on my old iPad. Think of the storage space we would have if these things were removed... and our camper would weigh less too. Anyway... as always, this is a great video! Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend... (I can't believe it's September!) ~ Maria
It's always a pleasure to hear from you. I left the TV out of my build and don't regret it one ounce. I really hope the 4 of us cross paths someday. You seam like great folks.
@@CampandCamera Oh that's nice of you to say. We really enjoy your videos; you and your family are genuine people ... I rewatched the video of when your mom gave you the quilt. I could tell she must be very proud of what you accomplished. My husband, Chris, said he wishes we were neighbors =)
I'll be a lot of people would say the same!
I am part of a couple communities for the T@G camper... I follow along with "CampADK" which is for camping in NYS ... mostly in the Adirondack Mts. I think I'll also join a "teardrop" community ...
God bless you and your family... and happy camping! ~ Maria
Really like your channel.
The way that you present all of the information is fantastic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You’re most welcome. Thanks so much for watching!!
1:55 ... it's so satisfying when you build it yourself! I build and play cigar box guitars... can I go out and buy a guitar? Sure, but making one (or many as I have) yourself and playing it great!!
In my twenties and thirties I planned to build one per plans I found in old DIY magazines from the '40's and '50's but just never got around to it ...well, 40 years later, hmmmmm....
You can do it!
Wow that’s great 😃
Love the RC crawler and planes in the background
Hey man great video! I 100% agree that you just have to build one piece at a time and then you make improvements forever lol! There were times during the build we thought it would be easier to just buy a camper but now never for a second regret the journey of doing it with the family and having a unique one of a kind trailer! Another advantage of doing your own build is that you know it inside and out which makes doing adjustments a lot easier!
Exactly! Well said!
I'm now in the planning phase of building my first teardrop camper. I'm ant-Facebook, so, unfortunately, that resource is out of the question for me. I'll be sure to check out the other resources you mentioned. I contacted several custom trailer builders in the Phoenix area and they were quoting me $2300 for a 5x8 frame!! It's looking like I'll have to resort to Harbor Freight and just get the frame welded. Thanks for the videos and the inspiration!
Good luck on your build! Hey, take a look at the “Karavan” trailers sold by Home Depot. They look quite sturdy and come with detachable side rails.
Thank you, you have inspired me to start a build in the teardrop world. Your advice and style is warm and welcoming. We jeep so we need something light and nimble. Please keep it up and see you in the campgrounds soon.
That’s fantastic! Enjoy your build!!
My dream is to build a micro camper or teardrop. I'm looking to build a simple one with just bed space and storage. I don't need a kitchen or bathroom. I can't wait to get started.
Go for it! You’ll have so much fun building and using it!
@@CampandCamera your video has really inspired me. Thank you.
This video was so encouraging ❤, thank you. I don’t have the funds to create a fully decked out teardrop but I could make a box on wheels 😂
A box on wheels is what they all are. Make it yours, that’s all that matters. Enjoy your build!
Built like Jonny cash....."one piece at a time " .......👍
Lol!
The build is as much fun as using it. And when your camping your dreaming of build another and making it more perfect!
I did enjoy the build. Using it is sooo much fun!
If John Goodman ever played a camper-builder... this is it. It's wonderful
Good job dude!
I like this guy.
Hi, Just like building your own boat, some people don't understand the satisfaction of making your own. Cheers Steve
Definitely
Wow, you've truely inspired me and I love that I only need to build one piece at a time😉
It’s so easy when you approach it that way. You got this!!
Him: "Do you have what it takes to build a teardrop camper?"
Me: "No, I'm broke."
I love John Goodman, and I want to build a teardrop ... all I've got to say is "That rug really tied the room together, did it not?" Many thanks, Walter!
Awesome video Michael! I’ve always loved the expression “inspiration is where you find it “ ! Your attitude is infectious, I only subscribe to a handful of channels, I subscribe to your the first video i saw! My tiny camper seemed like a monumental task when I started it with only a basic idea of what I wanted but I applied the concept that you share here and over time I evolved into the almost finished product it is today! Originally I had no intention of building more than one but after all the lessons that it taught me and the amount of reward I’ve found in it , I’m already planning my next camper! Your lil tear was an inspiration to me to up my game next build! Keep doing what you are doing and thanks for your contributions to our awesome community! See you out there!
Thank you so much for the kind words. It really keeps us motivated!
@@CampandCamera we are leaving on our maiden voyage in a couple days, Omaha- Bonham Texas and then Gulf Shores and are so excited as new campers to begin our journey together. The light at the end of the tunnel is bright!
Fantastic!!!!
People will be living in these things some day.
I Want to come to the tennessee camper meet up. Please tell me you guys are still planning this? Please keep makiong videos my man, you are my kind of people.
The next one with this group will be in Arkansas next June. However, the Tearjerkers will have gatherings all over the US throughout the year.
Nice video!
lol love your sense of humor in the video and i love it's 2021 and the video is still here! love it i'm seriously considering doing this i am trying to join the groups but they won't let me in yet
Go for it! It’s such a rewarding experience! The first night under the stars, and it will all be worth it. Just remember, you only build one part at a time. No need stressing over the rest of the build. You’ll get to those parts one by one later.
Well I learned of two more sites I did not know about, I am really looking forward to my next build. Great video to me you are like the Norm Abram of Teardrop campers keep up the good work, and yes I too only built one piece at a time some people won't get that statement until they build their own.
I really appreciate the encouragement! I believe you may be the Norm Abram though. You have way more experience than I do.
you have great videos and great advice keep it up 🙂
Thank you!!
Camp lord the teardrop shall be done I've ordered everything I need to build the body tonight tear drop will be built on my days off work
Congratulations!! This is gonna be so much fun. Next spring you’ll be sleeping under the stars in something you built yourself!!
Very Inspirational, especially only building one piece at a time!!
Alan McCollum Thank you! That’s the best way to approach it for sure.
That is a good simple camper/caravan I like your video, I think maybe I will build my next one like that.Thank you for the ideas!
I'm still in the early design phase and the gathering of financial savings of building my first square tiny camper. The only thing that scares me of doing this is when I get to the electrical part of the build. The only thing I know about doing electrical is how to shock myself. Thanks for sharing your resources and helping to build up our confidence.
No kidding, you’ve got this! First thing...you only have to put as many wires in the camper as you want to, and you only run one of them at a time. Heck, some campers don’t even have any electrical. Just bring an extension cord and a power strip. Don’t let that stop you. It’s your build. Make it how you want it. Good luck and happy camping!!
I always say that I make 3 things with wood , sawdust, heat and mistakes! But building my little camper build has not only taught me new skills but really improved my execution of what I do build . Remember that mistakes are some of the best teachers in our lives AND 99% of the wiring in a camper can be simple 12V , don’t over think it . Look at this as an opportunity to improve your knowledge and experience with wiring and there are many people who you can reach out to for advice and expertise! Plus you could always take courses!
Spot on!
You’re a cool guy!!!!! I loved this video! Stumbled on it looking to see how hard this would be to do this myself, turns out not too hard if I do one piece at a time! Subscribed, thank you!
You got this! Go for it!!!
Thanks for all the info. I've been debating for about a year just because of lack of skills but getting the frame welded might be the right way to go for me.
You can also build on a bolt-together Harbor freight or Northern tool frame.
Thank you for this. Think I'm going to give it a whirl next fall. I plan on only building one piece at a time.
I hope you do! Good luck to you!
Inspirational video. Thanks.
When I'm ready to get my camper, I'll either consult you, or hire you if you're willing :) Love the way you presented the whole thing.
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
Love this video. Great to see a little of your personality coming out. Great job!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I need to stop being so stiff in front of the camera.
, thanks for your much informative sharing of your knowledge..great !
It’s my pleasure! Thanks for the encouraging feedback!!
Love watching your videos and really injoy the groups and jay is a great guy and is always there to give u a hand
Thank you! Yes it is a great group!
You may not want the cigarette or whiskey... I’ve seen many projects go to the junk pile because of them!!!! LOL
I’ll refrain!
Dear,
what are the dimensions inside of your trailler (length, height, width)?
Bedroom is 74” long 60” wide 52” tall
2:20 based on the time this was made I find this very funny.
Yep, I missed that one by a mile! I miss the pre-Covid world.
Can a small freezer be put in the teardrop camper and a workable cooking stove and the spices,silverware,cups and plates and bowls in the camper as we?
Do you know of a place to get wider aluminum trim? I’m pretty sure I heard you mention it in a video. Trailer is a few inches wider than 5’.
Hello new friend! Just stopping in to check out your channel! Interesting video for sure!
I’m glad you stopped by!
You're so great! I love your videos. Thank you!
Hey, thank you for watching!!
Brilliant again mate really enjoyed the video,love your tear drop 👍
Thank you!!
Very informative video as always, but where are the videos of where you built the frame, also the side frames and interior.
There only seems to be videos from when the trailer was almost built, and from when you were fitting the aluminium skin ect. Where's the videos from earlier parts of the build?
John P I didn’t start the channel until I was pretty far into the build. I really wish I had thought of doing TH-cam earlier on!
@@CampandCamera That's a real shame, as your build videos are great. whereas most other peoples videos are no where near as informative.
Thanks so much!
So I would like to start a camper and actually camp this summer. So build the box as you were talking about and add a little each winter. What are the basics that cannot be added later? ie wiring but not hooking it up.
Really, everything but the appliances are necessary.
Great video as always.
Thank you!
Thanks for all the info love the humor
You bet! Thank you!
i hate to asked this question, im sure the answer is already somewhere in your videos, but i cant find it. What are the dimensions of your side walls "the curve" im talking about, how did you do that beautifl curve of the trailer?
Thank you! The walls are 4.5ft tall and 9ft long. I drew boxes in a CAD program the size of the living space we needed, then started drawing arcs around the boxes until we found one that looked good to us.
Always remember the switch has to be on Sorry Dog 101
With teardrop designs, once you open the kitchen, if there is rain how does the water move away from the hinge that it doesn't end up in the kitchen?
I’m using a “hurricane hinge” that has a built in rain gutter. It overhangs the camper about 3/8” on each side. The water empties about 3” or so inches away from the camper.
Where can I get a blueprint to build a teardrop trailer. Do you have a blueprint of the one you built I love it.
There are some free prints in www.tnttt.com. I do offer drawings of my sidewalls and doors.
I've wanted to go camping for years, but my family just is not interested....especially my spouse. His idea of camping is a hotel with air conditioning and a pool, but then he's never been much of a family togetherness guy anyway. He'd rather be with his buddies so they can all smoke a joint and get high....not something I've ever wanted to do. I've decided that now I'm in my 60's, I'll have to go by myself, but I want to feel safe (not in a tent) and I definitely need air conditioning. Looking at campers that won't cost me my entire year's SS check. If my husband would make room in the garage, I'd sure give building my own a shot.
With all the resources available online, you could do it.
I work 60 hours a week and am lazy with my own time. How long did you spend per day average for the 6 month time frame?
A usual week was probably 2-4 hours in the evening after work, 3-4 days a week, then 6-10 hours per day Saturday and Sunday. That being said, I put a bunch of extras on mine.
Havent started, but ive set my mind on the weekender design i saw on tnttt site. Someday...
chuk101 Good luck in your build when opportunity permits!
I have been thinking of building my own camper, either truck bed or pull type.
I'm not sure if I want a tear drop camper, I think they are a bit small.
I want something I can stand up in and a kitchen in side, I don't like the idea of cooking out side in bad weather.
They’re certainly not for everyone. About 3:00 am I miss having a bathroom!
I kept hearing the Johnny Cash song One piece at a time! Scribbling some ideas on graph paper right now.
Good one!
Thanks for taking the time to video all this. You are a good teacher. You dont have a video of the wall build do you?
It’s my pleasure! I started the TH-cam channel after the framework had been done. I wish I would’ve started it earlier though.
@@CampandCamera I ahte to ask this, But i will anyway lol. Are you available for I.M for some personalized advised and questions?
Daves5wire Sure. Always glad to help. Send me a PM through FB messenger, and we can go from there.
We are going to build one just more less a bed and do the cooking outside no galley no cabinets 3x4 in sides 3x4 floor 1x4 in roof and we are carpeting the inside and outside is going to be covered in rhino lining just a simple build over a weekend and have ready for camping in march probably run solar to run everything . And of course a battery we got a cook table and we got a butane cook stove we come from tenting like the meetup video we want off the ground and out of tents.
W.A.B mobile entertainment Sounds like you have a good solid plan! Send pics!
Can these teardrop campers be built to be towed by bicycles with an area for cooking meals in alberta canada?
Nice job 👍 great camper 👍
Thank you!!
What if I have zero tools and have never built anything before. Do you think I could still build one?
Absolutely! It may take a bit longer, but with all the resources available today, you can do it. Learning something new is so exciting! Just start with a good road-worthy frame.
Yes you don't need a computer guided robot router table........ The pieces don't need to be Perfect. It's all up to YOU......
Michael, I've enjoyed the videos. Great job! Would you do a video on your shop and tools? I'm especially interested in your Craftsman bandsaw. Thanks, Terry - W4ALK
Hey, thanks for watching! I’ll put that on my list of upcoming episodes, at at least a segment in an upcoming episode. I’ll. Red to clean up the area behind the camera first!
I see your a Ham! 73’s!
@@CampandCamera Thanks & 73, Terry, W4ALK
Looks like you have lofting experience or some knowledge of lofting. Nice work from an old Loftsman.
Thank you!
“Only let one lion out of the cage at a time” - Jon Werner 👍🏼☮️
Sounds like a good retirement project.
It would indeed!
Good job
Thank you!
So, March of 2020? Sorry about that pandemic thing.
I've got a better idea how would you like to build one for me that I can pull a motorcycle with
wont facebook sorry
I want to build a truck topper tear drop
That would be cool!