DIY Feature - Ethan Warren

Jun 24

Ethan originally wanted to build a teardrop trailer to rent out and make some extra money. But after a lot of hard work, he decided to use it for himself and is now on a 3 month road trip with his DIY camper!

Ethan already had started his teardrop when he got our DIY plans, so you’ll notice it has a different shape than a traditional Vaga, but it turned out incredible!

What made you want to build a tiny camper?

Originally I wanted to build one to rent out. Teardrops looked small, so I figured easy to build right?? Well ya it ended up taking a lot more time and money than I thought so then half way through my build I told myself I would use this camper myself and explore every state in the US. So that’s what I am currently doing!

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

I have always been doing hands on projects growing up but nothing this detailed before. Was definitely a learning experience! I have had wood and electrical experience but working with metal was a challenge.

What was the first step in your build?

I bought my trailer frame from a welder.

What was your favorite part of the build?

Honestly, the electrical was my favorite😅. There’s just something about getting all the electrical components wired up and neatly connected to my fuse block. Then to install solar and watch my battery charge up fresh every day was super satisfying!

What was the most difficult part of the build?

I would say the galley hatch was hard, but what really got me was the positioning of the gas struts and the placement of the door handle latch (catch plate).

How long did it take you?

It took me about a year to build, but granted I was away at Norwich University for most of that time. My primary time working in the camper was last summer and over Christmas break.

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

Mine cost me about $6,500

Would you do anything differently?

Many things 😅 … no I am happy with how it turned out. I am definitely looking forward to getting home after my road trip and fixing up everything that is wrong. My trailer frame almost snapped in half, my fenders blew off, my galley door is coming undone from the hinge. I guess my maiden voyage should not have been a 3 month road trip lol

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

Going to the epic camp sites out west where you need 4WD and because the camper is small with good ground clearance I can just go!!

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

Honestly the easiest way is to get in touch with Danny and Paige. They have made the DIY process very manageable! I unfortunately had my trailer frame before their plans so I couldn’t use their dimensions which would have made the process easier.

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

The biggest thing that helped me was having all the product links in the plans. It helped me so much in figuring out what to buy and what tool to use!