DIY Feature - Luke Mincey

Feb 16

In hopes for an easier way to go on impromptu surf trips to the coast, Luke started to create his own teardrop trailer with the help from our DIY Vaga Plans. He spent the winter building his trailer and by the time spring hit, they were able to take it on a test run!

Luke built his teardrop in Hillsborough, NC using our DIY Vaga Plans.

What made you want to build a tiny camper?

I wanted to build a tiny camper for ease of travel. I love surfing but live in land, so a tiny camper seemed like a great solution for quick, impromptu trips to the coast. I also love being outdoors and have a small truck with not much towing capacity.

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

This was my first camper build! I have acquired some of the necessary skills from working as a carpenter but there was a sizable learning curve.

What was the first step in your build?

I used and old trailer so the first step reworking the trailer into a 5x8 base.

What was the most difficult part of the build?

The electrical system was the most difficult part of the build due to lack of experience. Applying the plywood to the curves was the most challenging aspect of the carpentry portion.

How long did it take you?

I think it took roughly 4-5 months but progress was hindered by a cold, dark, wet winter!

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

I really didn’t keep tabs on costs. I knew, once I committed, there was no turning back haha. If I had to estimate, I’d say around 4-5k.

Would you do anything differently?

I messed up on the hurricane hinge installation and cut it to fit between the two trim pieces. I used a different thickness of material for the flooring which impacted several other dimensions. I put switches for some overhead cabin lights in the galley. Three poor decisions!

What has been the best part of owning a tiny camper? Or what are you most looking forward to?

Our first trip was a blast. I was unsure about how much my wife and dog would enjoy tear drop camping but they loved it! I am so excited that spring is here and we can go camp whenever we want!

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

Baby steps. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Mistakes and failures are just a part of the journey. Don’t fall victim to paralysis by analysis. The plans were a great resource to get started and a wonderful guide along the way. The addition of the wiring diagram was extremely helpful. The embedded “warnings” about what to avoid doing were major time savers. The plans saved me at least 20 hours of time spent planning. Well worth it!