beerdidtrev
New member
So I've been planning to build an off road teardrop camper for about a year. Big thanks to all you guys for the great threads, pictures and advice; I've learned a lot from you. But when covid hit the fan I decided I'd rather get a usable trailer that needs work and learn from that process before building my own from scratch.
I found this 5x8' DIY build online and thought it seemed like a decent deal. Due to CA's shelter in place order I didn't want to make the trip to southern Oregon so I asked my friend to pick it up and hold it for me since he was in the same town. When I finally made the trip to retrieve it I found it wasn't nearly as good of a deal as I'd hoped, but it still had potential and I was excited to take it camping and start making the necessary improvements to take it off road, but more importantly learn what I liked/didn't like in preparation for my future build.
On my way home I found a great spot to camp on BLM land next to the Trinity River. I was surprised by how decently it handled off road, but wouldn't try anything sketchy for sure. I took it to another local BLM spot the following weekend and backed it right up to a couple different spots on the creek, and managed to tow it up some fairly steep inclines with no issues.
The frame is solid but it's clear the builder was on a budget and cut a lot of corners to save on cost. They used plywood for all the trim, most of which is starting to separate. The worst part is the rear hatch, which didn't close properly and leaves a lot of wasted galley space. Also, instead of a hurricane hinge they used two utility hinges, covered by the roofing material, which appears to be a type of marine-grade fabric that's been painted. It seems like a good enough material, but I don't trust it not to leak where the hatch meets the trailer.
I removed it and will build a new one after I build new drawers, cabinets and counter top. I'll also run new 12v wiring, add a battery box, ceiling fan and interior lights. I'd love some advice on what to coat the underside of the trailer with; it was left completely exposed.
Those are pressure treated 2x4s and rigid insulation so I'll need something I can spray on which I imagine will make quite a mess. I'll be removing the axle anyway so I can lengthen/strengthen it with a piece of 1-1/4" square tubing. That way I can mount larger wheels and fenders, giving me a little more ground clearance. Any other advice on products, methods, or links to other builds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
I found this 5x8' DIY build online and thought it seemed like a decent deal. Due to CA's shelter in place order I didn't want to make the trip to southern Oregon so I asked my friend to pick it up and hold it for me since he was in the same town. When I finally made the trip to retrieve it I found it wasn't nearly as good of a deal as I'd hoped, but it still had potential and I was excited to take it camping and start making the necessary improvements to take it off road, but more importantly learn what I liked/didn't like in preparation for my future build.
On my way home I found a great spot to camp on BLM land next to the Trinity River. I was surprised by how decently it handled off road, but wouldn't try anything sketchy for sure. I took it to another local BLM spot the following weekend and backed it right up to a couple different spots on the creek, and managed to tow it up some fairly steep inclines with no issues.
The frame is solid but it's clear the builder was on a budget and cut a lot of corners to save on cost. They used plywood for all the trim, most of which is starting to separate. The worst part is the rear hatch, which didn't close properly and leaves a lot of wasted galley space. Also, instead of a hurricane hinge they used two utility hinges, covered by the roofing material, which appears to be a type of marine-grade fabric that's been painted. It seems like a good enough material, but I don't trust it not to leak where the hatch meets the trailer.
I removed it and will build a new one after I build new drawers, cabinets and counter top. I'll also run new 12v wiring, add a battery box, ceiling fan and interior lights. I'd love some advice on what to coat the underside of the trailer with; it was left completely exposed.
Those are pressure treated 2x4s and rigid insulation so I'll need something I can spray on which I imagine will make quite a mess. I'll be removing the axle anyway so I can lengthen/strengthen it with a piece of 1-1/4" square tubing. That way I can mount larger wheels and fenders, giving me a little more ground clearance. Any other advice on products, methods, or links to other builds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
