DIY Feature - Jake and Shelbie Long
Jake and Shelbie's main reason for wanting a teardrop was for the freedom to go away at any time and enjoy the outdoors. They have a few things left to finish in the galley and then their teardrop will be complete. They are so close to being able to live out their dreams.
Jake is working on their build in Tulsa OK, using our DIY Vaga plans. Here’s some insight on their build!
What made you want to build a tiny camper?
For my wife and I to travel and see the places we’ve always wanted to see like the Florida Gulf, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Redwood Forest.
What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
My career is electromechanical based, and I would rate myself as an advanced DIYer, but that aside the wander tears customer service and support is amazing and would make this project do able for many people that have the proper tools.
What was the first step in your build?
The first step was going to the local machine shops and weld shops to ask for a quote for the trailer frame, then getting a loan for our bank.
What was your favorite part of the build?
Well, I would say the last screw but the galley cabinet drawers and counter need to be installed still so, I’d say the wood working and using tools like a router that I hadn’t really used before. I guess my favorite part was picking up more tools and skills to use of future projects.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
The aluminum, but only because the aluminum I got had a paper film on it instead of a plastic film and it rained and dyed the aluminum weird colors and after trying several chemicals I had to sand and sand and sand and sand and polish and polish and polish and polish and then it looked pretty good.
How long did it take you?
5 months and I’m almost done. Just a couple thing to finish in the galley.
If you're comfortable sharing, what was the total cost of the build?
Around $9,500 or so.
Would you do anything differently?
I would buy the aluminum with the plastic film for sure.
What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper?
The future trips and the freedom to go away at any time and enjoy the outdoors.
Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
Look up the Wander Tears Timelapse’s of the total build of the Vaga. That is when I more realized that it was something I could do.
How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided affect your build process and time?
The plans and support help a TON. The service and support are 10 of 10 and the plans are well thought out and easy to read.
“ROADS WERE MADE FOR JOURNEYS, NOT DESTINATIONS.”
Looking to build a DIY Teardrop Trailer of your own? Check out our detailed DIY plans to get started now and adventuring sooner!