DIY Feature - Josh and Haley Haneline

Jul 29

Josh saw a teardrop trailer parked in storage, went home and started researching them. He came across our YouTube video when researching and said, "I can do that.”

What made you want to build a tiny camper?

We felt like our 20ft camper was too much for just the two of us and getting it back into areas of boondocking took some effort. I started looking for teardrop trailers after I saw one parked in storage and ran across your Youtube video when researching and said, "I can do that.." So strictly out of boredom and cheapness, I decided DIY was the way. Plus its cool to say you made it when people compliment it. :)

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

I wish I could say zero. My degree is in engineering and my hobbies are woodworking and home renovation, that being said... I do not think you need prior experience to take on this build. Just a willingness to learn, make mistakes, and know everything can usually be fixed by throwing more money and time at it. Stuff may not always come out perfect, but seeing the end product and knowing the effort you put into it makes it worth it in the end.

What was the first step in your build?

The frame, I contacted various fabrication shops to get quotes on having a frame welded up.

What was your favorite part of the build?

The first was seeing boxes and parts dwindle away as the build progressed. The second was when the aluminum went on as it started actually looking like a camper.

What was the most difficult part of the build?

Dealing with plywood, moving it, cutting it, bending it.. plywood’s just a pain to deal with.

How long did it take you?

3-4 months

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

$10k was the total. If I could do it again I could likely save $1-2k. Timbren suspension and a custom welded frame were the biggest additional costs.

Would you do anything differently?

We found out about halfway into the build that we were pregnant with our first, so I wish I would have started the build with the intent to add a cot or area for a little one.

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

So far we love the convenience of pulling up somewhere and it being ready to go. No setup or teardown necessary.

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

START. Every project once I start I am committed, its just starting that is the hard part.

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

Using plans definitely cut down on the timeline quite a bit. The amount of research I would have had to do to replicate these plans would have been a monumental undertaking. Having them shaved 1-2 months off the build time