My homemade camper

[Chief Redelk]

Well I got tired of tent camping and decided to build one of those little sleeper campers. After looking at tear drops I designed my own style. It has some aerodinamics to it. It's made to be removable off the trailer and set up as a small camping house, therefore it's build on skids like a portable building. Pictures of it are posted at <http://www.flickr.com/photos/chiefredelk/ > I intend to set up a family sized tent when my wife comes along. We will have a place to change clothes and will have a porta potty in the tent. Coming soon, a canopy for the front door so you can get inside even when it's raining without getting wet.The tent may be made to join the camper. I joined this group hoping I can learn some tricks from you folks and maybe share a few of my own.. I have a generator if needed, but in the winter I am using a 350 Watt inverter powered a 115 amp deep cycle 12 volt battery. SO far I have been able to run my c-Pap Machine (for sleep apena) and a small single bed electric blankett for up to 10 hours at a time. I slept late just to see how long it would go. My inverter has a LOW battery cut off alarm and it never cut it's self off the whole time. I also use the disposable propane bottles while camping and am re-filling them quiet well. At the moment I am considering making a gas driven alternator for quick charging my deep cycle batteries. Of course in the summer I will need the generator for the air conditioner so I won't need the batteries..I did draw plans for the camper and even took video and photo's while building. Someday I intend to have a video about how to build this camper. Since I build boats it's build as if it were a boat. Strong, water proof at every seam and very light. Four adult men could easily lift all 4 corners..Have a good day, Chief.

[hamilton]

Very Nice Chief!
You are a talented man. Just goes to show what hard work and determination can achieve.
Your daughter is following in your footsteps too!
My three daughters are independent individuals as well.
Keep up the good work!

[kimrb266]

My neighbor made his own trailer that he designed after the Airstream.  He calls it the "TINSTREAM" and it really resembles the Airstream.  His trailer consists of bunkbeds, outside kitchen, shower and more.  In order for his wife to go to Bluegrass festivals, he had to make the accomidations pleasing to her and I'd have to say, he achieved his goal.  

Anyone who can make their own camping trailer is very talented.

[ScouterMom]

VERY cool!

I've never built a boat, but my son and I are both very interested in strip-built canoes and kyaks.  We have built 2 scale models from scratch (not from kits) and hope to be able to build a full-size canoe someday when we can afford the materials ( and the garage workshop space!) I grew up canoe camping and my son is a very active Boy scout and canoer, too.

We are big DIY'ers and have refurbished 1 1/2 vintage campers - (1/2 because our current PUP is always a work-in-progress!)

I think you will find loads of ideas for your camper here and that your ideas will be very useful to regular camper owners , too.  Many of us like to share ideas to modify our rolling homes!

I'm curious - what materials did you use? esp for the roof? to keep it light and watertight?  

a big issue with older ( or inexpensive, used) PUP's is roof repairs. Many PUP's get sags or leaks - most are some combination of foamboard, aluminum skin and / or fiberglass.  Your method may be a good one for rebuilding an entire new roof for some people, esp if it is sturdy and very light.  A drawback to 'building' a new roof for a PUP is getting a tight seal to the lower box and light enough weight for the lift arms/ cables to lift, while making it sturdy enough to hold the canvas attached.

Welcome to the board!

Laura

[robpoe]

Wow!!! That thing is cool!

I'd love to see some inside pics!

[eldasilma]

very very cool

[Chief Redelk]

VERY cool!


I'm curious - what materials did you use? esp for the roof? to keep it light and watertight?  



Welcome to the board!

Laura

Sorry It took so long to get back. I am on several groups and busy. At the moment making an air plane.

The roof is wooden. Luan well braced. It has untreated canvas laminated onto the wood. Painted well to fill the weave..