DIY Feature - Barbara Owen
Barbara has always been drawn to a less is more lifestyle. She knew her car wouldn’t be able to tow a big camper so that’s when she decided a teardrop trailer would be the answer.
Barbara started building her own DIY Vaga in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What made you want to build a tiny camper?
I have always been drawn to a less is more. Instead of a tent its a bivy sack. Tiny houses. I have a car so can't tow a big trailer
What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
I've worked in mostly non traditional areas, starting as a heavy equiptment operator and moving in to maintenance as a Carpenter and Millwright
What was the first step in your build?
lol Buying the plans!
What was your favorite part of the build?
I like all of it. The planning and problem solving and seeing it all come together is awesome!
What was the most difficult part of the build?
Honestly time and not having enough of it. I am still working full time and have a long commute, once home cooking dinner and chores. Once everything is done then I can sneak down to the shop, but honestly there is not enough time.
How long did it take you?
I got my frame from the welder in February and its been slowly coming together since then.
How much did it cost?
I have kept all the reciepts but have not done totals yet. Living in Canada it has been more expensive because of the exchange rate.
Would you do anything differently?
I wish I would have done a couple of things different while building the frame, adding blocking for the stabilizers and extending the hitch out farther than I did.
What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper?
Its going to be awesome to travel and save money by not having hotels.
Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
I love watching the videos and am learning from the other Facebook users mistakes. The resources on the FB page are amazing.
How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided affect your build process and time?
I could not have done it without the plans.
“Daring to plunge into the unknown may very well land you in paradise.” ”
Looking to build a DIY Teardrop Trailer of your own? Check out our detailed DIY plans to get started now and adventuring sooner!