DIY Feature - Carter Hopkins

Features

Nov 11

Carter has always wanted an off-road camper. After considering buying one for years, he realized he would regret it if he missed the chance to build it himself!

Carter is building his teardrop in Dallas TX, using our DIY Vaga plans. Here’s some insight on his build!

What made you want to build a tiny camper?

I have wanted an off-road camper forever. I had considered buying one several times. But I enjoy wood working and knew I would regret it if I missed the chance to build a trailer.

What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?

I have done quite a bit of wood working over the years. I've built some furniture but mostly build cabinets. It seemed to me a tiny camper was much like a big (albeit more complicated) cabinet on wheels. I have a welder and have done some metal work but I didn't trust myself to do the structural welding needed for the trailer. As to electrical, I was quite inexperienced when I started the build, with no experience in 12 volt systems.

What was the first step in your build?

Finding someone to make the trailer! Once I got it, I sanded off the surface rust and Raptor lined it. Then I started on page one of the plans and got to it!

What was your favorite part of the build?

I've had a lot of fun throughout. Build day was super fun when all that cutting finally come to shape. I am wiring the trailer now and I must admit I felt quite a bit of pride when I flipped the switch on my first circuit and the lights came on!

What was the most difficult part of the build?

I think cutting the curve was challenging. I tried a few methods to draw a good one. Best advice on this is included in the plans: CUT SLOW! I didn't have as steady of a hand as I would have liked, which led to some additional work to sort out. But I made it!

How long did it take you?

I started in late August. So I've been at it around 10 weeks. My goal is to finish before the holidays.

If you're comfortable sharing, what was the total cost of the build?

Roughly speaking... around $2k for the trailer, $2k for the wood, etc. and maybe just under $2k for all the electrical stuff. Another $700 for the aluminum parts, latches, etc. Best guess is that I'll have it finished for somewhere around $8,500.

Would you do anything differently?

So far, it's going fairly well. I've learned a ton! I think I would spend more time mapping out and cutting the curve. I got it all to work but could have improved my performance on that bit!

What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper?

I can't wait to go to Big Bend National Park, find a spot overlooking the canyon and unplug from the world!

Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?

That's easy... you start with the Wander Tears plans! I have quite a bit of woodwork experience but was truly intimidated by the idea of building a trailer. The plans break it down into managable steps. And the best part is that WT has done all the thinking for you! Just do what they say and you'll have yourself a trailer.

How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided affect your build process and time?

Holy smokes. I can't explain how helpful they've been. The best thing about the plans is the confidence they inspire. I would have never attempted this without the WT plans. HUGE!