DIY Feature - Charlie McCormack

Features

May 26

With the unpredictable weather that Ireland brings, Charlie wanted to be able to just get in the car with his teardrop trailer attached and go.

Charlie built his teardrop in Galway, Ireland using our DIY Vaga plans. Here’s some insight on his build!

What made you want to build a tiny camper?

The reason that a teardrop camper works in Ireland is that a lot of beaches have height barriers to stop camper vans but a teardrop fits under anything that the vehicle will get under. Also with the price and availability of hotels today, a teardrop gives you freedom to go anywhere at the drop of a hat.

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

I am a stone cutter by trade. I do have past work experience with welding and metalwork. I have basic woodworking skills. I am a no electrician but always wired my own cars, boats etc so have the basics.

What was the first step in your build?

Buy the plans and there is no going back. I bought the plywood sheets and cut the contours first.

What was your favorite part of the build?

I enjoyed every part. I would go from one part to another so I did not get bored.

What was the most difficult part of the build?

Working with European sizes was a challenge. Our sheets are 1.5 meters wide. "Where there's a will, there's a way" and there is..

How long has it taken you so far?

I would estimate six months of maybe three nights a week.

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

I would guess €5500.00

Would you do anything differently?

I would not change anything but I would take maybe half the time if I did it again.

What are you most looking forward to?

Being able to go at the drop of a hat. Weather in Ireland is very unreliable so if a good day turns up were gone.

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

Buy the plans so you can start to build the inventory. They will give you an idea of cost too. There is a facebook page for builders with loads of help.