Teardrop Camper

[dually]

I cannot take credit for the vast majority of this undertaking, as my father is the genius wood-worker; I am just the financial backing and electrician. I will just post the pictures of progress now and then create a summary of the construction process.

The basis of the project was to build a fairly self sufficient camper that is light enough to be pulled behind my 2.5L Outback and doesn't cost in the realm of $8k+ like a LittleGuy Camper. After much deliberation between Dad and I, we decided on building a design atop a Harbor Freight trailer. The camper is a modular design that has the ability to be removed and placed on another trailer. I wanted a fairly extensive electrical system to run 12vdc outlets, car stereo, led lights and a roof vent fan. Along with those requirements, I felt the addition of an air conditioner would entice the better half to join me on more bike trips. So, needing an AC system, I settled on a Progressive Dynamics PD4560 panel that will fit both needs AND charger the 12V battery.

Quick Specs
Built on a Harbor Freight 4x8 Trailer w/updated hub bearings/seals
Progressive Dynamics PD4560 panel
Fridgidair AC
Pioneer sound system
LED lights throughout
2-GFCI outlets
2-USB charging ports

Here is the construction so far; as stated before, this is the work of my extremely talented father!

13724129_10205547732406300_9167816789899864643_o.jpg
13731981_10205547732246296_2411261491107898948_o.jpg
13719676_10205547732286297_4872606220882653707_o.jpg
13767131_10205547732726308_7062557323796880750_o.jpg
13765682_10205547732686307_5283795558197001301_o.jpg
13732061_10205547733126318_2911145129679492009_o.jpg
13708203_10205547733006315_7535174969725345600_o.jpg
13701199_10205547733206320_7487990162512439170_o.jpg
13765978_10205547733486327_5083916275712704142_o.jpg
13765829_10205558835123861_7738093820786702980_o.jpg
13708350_10205558835043859_8770022513433722548_o.jpg
13767262_10205558835083860_3728115618065120581_o.jpg
13765811_10205558835563872_9118515508103154812_o.jpg
13738220_10205558835603873_1156134586822056871_o.jpg
13767306_10205558836523896_1551851930060506484_o.jpg
13710482_10205558836483895_2920094869426373569_o.jpg
13734885_10205558835883880_353654382207647018_o.jpg
13735795_10205558835923881_6670543062805736763_o.jpg

[Matthew Strongin]

That is so cool.

[Jeffrey Borisch]

That is so inspiring.

What is this gadget called?

13708203_10205547733006315_7535174969725345600_o.jpg

Not totally sure what it does but pretty sure I need one.

[Too Tall]

Genius. You are fortunate.

FWIIW I've been searching for two years to find something similar lightly used.

[guido]

Nice! That looks like it is going to be great!

I have my eye on these things: Build-your-own Teardrop Camper Kit and Plans

Great getaway planning starts in 3,2,1...

[dually]

Nice! That looks like it is going to be great!

I have my eye on these things: Build-your-own Teardrop Camper Kit and Plans

Great getaway planning starts in 3,2,1...

Do it and don't look back!

[AngryScientist]

Very cool!

Yours is sleeker than mine for sure. I built a "micro camper" off the same platform and a weekend of work in my driveway a few years ago. i chose a much simpler design that i threw together myself to simplify things greatly. It turned out to be a great, fun project that i've used a lot. very fun!


the start:



finished:



hiding among bigger cousins at D2R2:

[cp43]

That is so inspiring.

What is this gadget called?



Not totally sure what it does but pretty sure I need one.

Pocket hole jig.

It allows one to quickly and easily join two pieces of wood at a right angle.

Looks like it's being used here to attach the wall to the floor.

Kreg Jigs(R) - Pocket-Hole Joinery - Kreg Tool Company

Chris

[dually]

Pocket hole jig.

It allows one to quickly and easily join two pieces of wood at a right angle.

Looks like it's being used here to attach the wall to the floor.

Kreg Jigs(R) - Pocket-Hole Joinery - Kreg Tool Company

Chris

Exactly it! My dad, Bob, designed the wall to floor interface as a tongue and groove. It was great forward thinking, but nearly came to bite us in the ass when we went to place the wall/bulkhead assembly. We had the glue spread on the tongue so time was ticking (about 10min before the glue set up). With some rubber mallets and redneck engineering comalong system, we got it placed perfectly!

Chris is exactly right; we (Bob) used the pocket hole jig to inset the screws to make a seamless surface.

[Shoogs]

Dually that's awesome!

[dually]

Time for an update.

Hatch has been fabricated and wiring is 90% complete (the pics are from the last wiring session, knocked out a good chunk last night)

13895485_10205583101570507_6426512519578853076_n.jpg
13891864_10205583101890515_8084149511632015506_n.jpg
13627194_10205583101930516_2516378280975334061_n.jpg
13886237_10205583102130521_4078468738197506858_n.jpg
13892271_10205583101530506_3811874412411911865_n.jpg
13887045_10205611760886972_8820351332828436072_n (1).jpg
13907148_10205611760846971_7256876192650077601_n.jpg
13920697_10205611761246981_8323571599732648370_n.jpg
13907112_10205583101490505_4830789620080377705_n.jpg
13906616_10205624235238823_8235875711201270940_n.jpg
13901594_10205611760926973_2304289512926935501_n.jpg
13900094_10205624235198822_9187137079635078550_n.jpg
13891950_10205624235318825_6246418436418920418_n.jpg
13880396_10205611761366984_8476720840471411436_n.jpg
13935139_10205624235278824_1972766521554463863_n.jpg


In order to finish the wiring, I am in need of locating (4) 4x10 .040 aluminum sheets, painted preferably. I'm prepared to pay freight, but it seems as though for 4 sheets, the cost is upwards of $250! That's more than the cost of the aluminum... I'll keep searching.

[SlowPokePete]

This is 2 cool.

SPP

[dually]

Wiring is complete! Checked out my DC side of the panel and everything functions as it should. I forgot my 30A adapter at home, so I was unable to check the AC function. Aluminum skin has been ordered, and should arrive next week; the end is near.

The wheels went on last night as well. I cannot believe how light this thing is! The tongue had maybe 30lbs of weight, so the axle may have to be moved rearward, which I wouldn't mind because it would be reminiscent of the old school teardrops. Pics soon.

[dually]

Found some wheels that should fit. Envision a brushed aluminum exterior, black door and these wheels: Cragar 69551222 | Buy Cragar Delux Wheels at JEGS

[dually]

a random question: why the pass through from the galley area to the living area?

this thread has me seriously wanting to build one.

Thats the escape hatch. Or a slot for the air conditioning... haven't decided haha

[AngryScientist]

Another D2R2 in the books with the microcamper providing 3 fun nights of lodging. This years upgrades included 2 solar panels for the roof, which charge the deep cycle marine battery. this powers the exhaust fan in the roof which pulls a huge draft through the small space and keeps it cool in even the hottest weather. mine is still a work in progress that still needs some interior and exterior work, but 100% functional. Love this thing!

[dually]

While I've been slammed with school/work and racing. Bob has been hard at camper building
14047228_10205744337841313_4941218574733748456_o.jpg
14095732_10205744337801312_1984268047732034337_n.jpg
14051713_10205744337761311_6588150060779976875_n.jpg
14063957_10205756592867681_8940402853568648765_n.jpg
14067499_10205756592907682_2355049078679112339_n.jpg
14046093_10205756592827680_4024262397946244328_n.jpg

[Chauncey Matthews]

Sweet! You're camper has outclassed that trailer by a factor of 10!

[rwsaunders]

Tell Bob that for the pimp factor alone, he's got to match the trailer wheels with whatever you're going to pull the trailer with and that the aluminum skin looks just awesome.