What started as a search for a fun project became a two-year family effort filled with new skills, problem-solving, and plenty of time spent together. With a love for tent camping and only basic woodworking experience, this builder set out to create a minimalist camper that would make camping more comfortable without requiring a new tow vehicle.
Along the way, his wife, children, their significant others, and even his mom helped bring the camper to life. Here’s what he learned from the build, what he would do differently, and why the journey ended up being just as meaningful as the finished camper.
Brad build his camper using the DIY Vaga plans in Colorado Springs, CO.
Q: What made you want to build a tiny camper?
A: I was looking for a cool project and we love tent camping. This tiny camper is a significant upgrade from our tent while still being somewhat minimalist and easily towable without requiring a new vehicle. Plus the design was solved for us by the Wander Tears team!
Q: What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
A: Some very basic wood working skills (fence repair, garage shelving, swing set repairs…) and near zero electrical or metal skills.
Q: What was the first step in your build?
Researching, acquiring tools, and building the recommended workbench to hold the mitre saw and table saw.
Q: What was your favorite part of the build?
A: I tried to never build alone: My wife, two sons, two daughters, two of the kids significant others, and even my mom when she visited! They all helped get it done. Together we learned new skills and practiced problem solving while spending 1:1 or 1:2 quality time together!
Q: What was the most difficult part of the build?
A: Designing the electrical took me the longest, though on reflection it wasn’t hard, just sort of a new language. Sourcing aluminum was most confusing for me… more detail below. RV sealant was most painful (but essential!).
Q: How long did it take you?
A: Ha! 2 years and 3 months from kit arrival to first trip. During that period I was working full time in a new job that had me out of town a lot, plus two children got married/moved out, and another got engaged, for a total of three kids that left the nest. The youngest is in high school now with all the activities that entails. Also, we chose to spend some of my time off camping, hiking, skiing, etc in the mountains to remember why we’re doing this in the first place. It could definitely be done faster if I wasn’t so distracted, but if I could go back two years, I wouldn’t change anything; our path was just what we all needed! Plus, I know it sounds cliche but the journey was the best part - this gave me the confidence and desire to start my next project!
Q: Would you do anything differently?
A: We ordered pretty much everything on the spreadsheet all on day 1 (except aluminum). I was thinking it would go fast and having everything on hand would be helpful. By the time we got to some steps, specifically electrical, I made different design choices but I was way past being able to return any of the items. I’d recommend just ordering things maybe 1-2 sections at a time, knowing most supplies are either available in town or ship quickly. Aluminum was harder to figure out and source than I expected so although I’d wait to order, I’d try to figure where/what I was going to order sooner. We found an industrial metal fabrication shop that doesn’t usually work with individual consumers. The sides and the diamond tread were easy, but for the top/hatch we initially ordered “0.040 clear ‘batch’ anodized Class 2”. The “Batch” we received had large abrasions on the sides which is apparently normal and a function of the batching process. After several calls with the Sr Manager and an explanation of what we were trying to do, he let us trade it for “0.040 clear coil anodized Class 3” which looks fantastic.
Q: What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper? Or what are you most looking forward to?
A: The learning/growing process of tackling something like this was exactly what I was looking for! Now we’re excited to explore new places to camp!
Q: Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
A: Just do it - and don’t give up! A pro-tip passed to me by someone doing a similar project: Make sure whoever you live with is onboard with the plan. Even better, make sure they’re your teammate(s) for this project and you’re in this together!
Q: How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided help your build process and time?
A: Oh dude, no telling how long this would have taken if I tried to figure out every design choice and every cut! Honestly, the idea wouldn’t have even occurred to me if I hadn’t stumbled upon one of their videos. We’re thankful to Wander Tears for doing the hard work and producing all the YouTube content! Also, we couldn’t have done it without the WT Facebook builder group and the many builders out there that shared their successes, missteps, and post-build adventures along the way!
