DIY Feature - Len Ingram
After 20 years of tent camping, Len and his wife decided to make a change and join the teardrop community.
Len built his teardrop in BC, Canada using our DIY Vaga plans. Here’s some insight on his build!
What made you want to build a tiny camper?
Looking for a sustainable way to continue our love of travel and the outdoors.
What was your experience level with the skills required to build a camper (wood working, electrical, metal work, etc.) when you started?
A lifetime of DIY including housebuilding and many other projects. The only area I have no skill or equipment for was welding.
What was the first step in your build?
Ensuring both my wife and I shared the belief that this trailer suited our needs.
What was your favorite part of the build?
Assembly.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
Creating the inside and outside sidewalls and placing the aluminum roof.
How long has it taken you?
3 1/2 to 4 months
If you're comfortable sharing, what was the total cost of the build?
$10K CAD.
Would you do anything differently?
I don't think I would router the roof aluminum. Shavings created havoc, embedding themselves in the RV sealant between the aluminum and the frame around the stargazer. They also got under the router base and scratched up the surface.
What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper?
The simplicity of using it. After 20 years of tent trailering (happily) this is going to be SO easy.
Any tips for someone that wants to build a tiny camper but doesn’t know where to start?
Take it slow, research, read carefully, ask questions, measure twice, check check check.
How did using Wander Tears DIY plans and having the resources provided affect your build process and time?
Infinitely. I would not have done this otherwise.
“Travel is an investment in yourself.”
Looking to build a DIY Teardrop Trailer of your own? Check out our detailed DIY plans to get started now and adventuring sooner!