Utility trailer teardrop/ off roadish camper build

[jonesw3]

After selling my last trailer, M101a2, I have decided I want a teardrop type camper. I already had a 5x8 big Tex utility trailer so It would be a good base to start. This is going to be a very tight budgeted build. I don't plan on doing anything too rough with it. Just mainly Forrest service roads and backcountry dirt roads. And with football season coming up, prob a lot of tailgating with it.
I started off by doing a spring over axle lift on the trailer to give it a little more ground clearance.

It should be able to clear 31s now which is plenty for my needs.




Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

Next I started on the basic framing of the camper.

I'm using 3/4 in cabinet grade plywood




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[jonesw3]

I found a good deal on a door on eBay. I love the size of it. It will make it easy to get in and out and haul larger items if needed.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

After getting the door frames up and test fitted I was able to finish the back, top and front plywood.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

I then started the search for Windows. It took me about a week before I found some the size and price I was looking for.

I went ahead a test fitted the roof vent while I was at.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

Next I coated all the wood with thompsons waterproofer.

Per the instructions, it's has to sit for at least 30 days before you can prime and paint the wood. So after a long wait, I got to start priming.

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[jonesw3]

I applied 4 coats of primer. Then I put 4 coats of kool seal of the top and front slant.
Then I bedlinered the bottom, a little ways up the sides and the rest of the front.

Then I did 4 coats of Valspar durmax paint on the upper part of the sides and the back.
Once that all that dried I was able to permanently install the doors and windows and seal them up good along with the outside trim pieces.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

I then installed my ARB awning.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

After the awning install, I mounted my rear porch light.

Alabama Overland
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[jonesw3]

That leads us to today, almost 90 days after I started the build. I wasn't feeling the white trim so I decided to paint it black. I think it looks a lot better now.

I started insulating the inside today as well but didn't have much time to get it finished.
He is a shot of the interior before the insulation. ( the cot was in there to get some measurements for the bed platform. But I kinda like having all that extra room so I may just leave the cot in it for now.

Alabama Overland
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[rnArmy]

Very nice; you make it look so easy!

 

[xbombtek]

Good job. Looks great!


Roll Tide!

 

[jonesw3]

I finally got a chance to try out the trailer this weekend.

Alabama Overland
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[b63215b]

Very nice build. Some good ideas, can i asl why you decided not to have a rear galley for cooking? Was it due to the side rails and being tough for aide doors?

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[FMF]

Great looking build!!! What did you use for the outside trim?