DIY Feature - John & Crystal Moore
John's teardrop build all started with his wife's need for a Lobster Roll. Three months later, they ended up with a teardrop camper! John said that using our DIY Vaga Plans was the only way he would go about tackling this build.
“I believe we were one of the first to complete our build using the plans, and I have never even held a router before starting. To be clear, I ordered a router because it was in the plans. I didn't even know the speed was adjustable.
We got it rough built and hit the road. We are now over 6,000 miles and have another 10,000 planned in 2022. Staying in Yosemite Valley in a couple weeks.
The point of all this. If on the fence... get the plans and give it a try. I was a beginner but with the plans you can build something that travels the country.”
John and his wife Crystal are Ironman athletes and have been using their tiny camper for all their races. Here is some insight from John about being a first time teardrop builder, his experience, and how he came across the idea to create a tiny camper of his own. Here’s what he had to say:
What made you want to build a tiny camper?
My wife said she wanted a Lobster Roll. Best one on the planet is the Portland Lobster Company, Portland Maine. Traveling during COVID was limited and we have a small Mazda. Buying camper was not an option due to cost and delays early in 2021, so build it!
What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
I put sheetrock up in a garage once.
What was the first step in your build?
After buying the plans? Ordering the tools because I did not have any. Router, joiner, pocket jig, t-square ... different size jigsaw blades.
What was your favorite part of the build?
The day the sides went up and it actually looked like I was going to make it. Adding the siding was a big day.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
The hatch, but I made rookie mistakes.
How long did it take you?
About 3 months. Worked on it almost every day.
If you're comfortable sharing, what was the total cost of the build?
I did not track costs, but wood was very high at time of build. 3/4 plywood was $84.00 a sheet. COVID. Trailer was $1,400, ION battery $500, I believe I was in the $6,000 range.
Would you do anything differently?
Protect the floor better. Have a storage container plan before building storage shelves so plastic bins will fit. Ensure the cooler will fit on a slide out because wrestling a full cooler is no fun. Maybe match aluminum color to car color.
What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper? Or what are you most looking forward to?
We pull it easily with a Mazda CX-5. We can go anywhere. We have also used it as a quiet place for studying at the house.
Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
Start with the plans. Too obvious? With the plans we were able to order the bigger items (and tools) from the build lists before we even had a trailer. There was no build for us without the plans.
To follow along with their travels, be sure to follow @coach.crystalmoore on Instagram.
“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to make. ”
Looking to build a DIY Teardrop Trailer of your own? Check out our detailed DIY plans to get started now and adventuring sooner!
