DIY Feature - Keenan Reynolds
We are excited to feature Keenan Reynolds and his dad Kirk! After a cross-country road trip with his wife, Keenan realized how much they loved the road and quickly discovered the community of teardrop builders. He thought that he could definitely build one of these, especially with his dads help! Keenan mentioned this idea to his dad, and he quickly offered to gift him an old utility trailer he had lying around.
“Growing up my dad was, and still is, super handy. He was always doing projects around the house; building this, fixing that, you know... dad stuff. I'm pretty sure my dad could build or fix just about anything, no really, he just built a CNC (a robot that cuts wood and stuff) from scratch it's kind of like... really impressive.
As a kid I was always in his shadow; and naturally I learned a thing or two. Fast forward to being an adult; both of us are hobbyist woodworkers. You can find in the garage on any given weekend working together on all sorts of projects. So when I asked my dad if he wanted to build a teardrop trailer with me; I knew this would be a project we'd both enjoy. Thankfully he didn't hesitate to say yes, because I don't know if I could do it without him. It's been really fun project that we are doing together, and even now I'm still learning so much from him. It's going to be great to have this trailer that holds so many memories of my dad and I together, and I can't wait to get out and use it once it's complete.”
What made you want to build a tiny camper?
Ease of traveling and seeing the country, we have a goal of trying to see most if not all of the NP.
What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
I would say I was fairly skilled in woodwork and my dad is very skilled in just about all the areas needed for the build.
What was the first step in your build?
Cutting up an old utility trailer and rewelding with longer crossmembers. It was a 4.5x8 so not quite the dimensions to follow the Vaga plans without modifying them. So we cut up the old trailer and repurposed all the steel we could. The remaining steel we bought from a local supplier and my dad has welding tools and experience so he was able to weld me up a frame, which saved me a ton and allowed me to get exactly what I needed for the plans! After doing some research we added a Timbren suspension to the frame, I wanted a really smooth ride, so I’m hoping that’s what I get!
What was your favorite part of the build?
The woodworking/cabinetry; generally the assembly portion of the build.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
So far, probably the welding portion, we also modified the galley dimensions to give me more leg room I’m 6’ 4”.
How long did it take you?
So far it’s been since Mid March 2022.
If you're comfortable sharing, what was the total cost of the build?
So far I’ve spent about $3800.
Would you do anything differently?
So far nothing, we’ll see once I’ve used it and taken it on a couple of trips.
What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper?
I’m looking forward to sleeping in it for the first time, it will be so satisfying.
Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
Just start or you never will, once you invest you’re money (frame) it really gets you motivated to get going.
How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided affect your build process and time?
The plans are great, really easy to follow! The Facebook page that comes with buying plans as a resource of other building from the same plans is invaluable and being able to ask questions and get quick responses is so valuable.
“It was so exciting to see this build take shape before our eyes, and really have it start to look like something! Still a lot of work to be done but I’m hoping we’ll have the trailer done by August or September so that we can take it on a trip or two before it starts getting cold here in the northeast.”
Be sure to follow @keenanlukereynolds @keenanlukereynoldsdesign and @rarebear77 on Instagram to follow along with their build!
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
Looking to build a DIY Teardrop Trailer of your own? Check out our detailed DIY plans to get started now and adventuring sooner!
