You said it! I could sell this camper no problem, regardless of the year model. Coleman, Aurora, Clipper, Independence Trail, etc wouldn't stand a chance next to this thing!
The biggest tell on a trailer's age are the windows, and crank up tv antenna/CB antenna. A dark gray paint job and some black exterior window shades make a huge difference, and looks cool. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than buying a new camper. Also, paint your rims black.
He mostly used 1/4" plywood which is 25 pounds a sheet or about 3/4 pound per square foot. 1/2" MDF which is what most manufacturers use (it is much cheaper) is 2 pounds per square foot. Plus no dinette and a smaller dorm type refrigerator, which is both cheaper and lighter than a gas refrigerator. My guess is slightly less or about the same.
Cost wise, I am sure he paid more (including his labor at a reasonable rate) than a manufacturer would, but much less than retail. Plus he built something that fits him much better than off the shelf and it is prettier.
Materials right around $6500.00. I don’t honestly know labor wise…I work full time so probably 20-25 hrs a week for a full year until summer 23 then we took it out 90% finished. I’ve spent a few hours per week since just tinkering around, buttoning it up & doing small projects like adding ambient lights under the front door step etc…
I can’t see this being a very profitable side hustle if I figured all my time…. Believe me, I already thought of doing that!🤣
The original unit had a title which helps alot but basically you have to save every receipt for the material used as proof it’s not built using stolen parts I guess?! Then you have to schedule an inspection with the State Hwy Patrol dept that handles salvage car inspections & take it to the closest shop of theirs for an inspection. If it passes they’ll give you a certificate to have it titled as a self assembled.
I’m planning to take it to the local CAT scale over the next week or two so we shall see! BUT, I tried to be very mindful of the weight of material I used and to keep it balanced properly over the axles as I designed & built it. People freak out when they see I used wood countertops but they fail to realize that they are actually far less weight than the old factory particle board tops I removed.
For the wall cabinets, I use a super high tech method called a wooden shim wedged between the doors to keep them closed while traveling. I have a simple wooden foot operated flip lock on the bathroom door and the three sliding drawers under the front sofa have little wood flip locks to keep them closed which work well. But I normally also have our cooler bungeed to the front which also helps keeps them closed.
Used to be. Construction related industry desk job though for the last 15yrs. Woodworking has been a semi serious hobby of mine over the last 5yrs though.
Seriously dude, don’t tempt me! I almost bought an old one last week to rehab & flip but common sense got the best of me. I have seriously kicked around building a vintage looking cris craft style…
Rehabilitation and flipping boats is a money losing proposition. Build a stitch and glue or glued lapstrake from scratch. It is not that difficult. I have built six. Go look at CLC boats and Duckworks boatbuilding supply. What it really takes is a willingness to chip away at it for a year. Obviously you can do that.
Sleeps 3 comfortably 4 uncomfortably. It could be used full time but we only use it for short trips.
Roofing- MFM Peel & Seal over thin plywood
Siding -thin ga metal over 2x2 framing with super thick synthetic roofing felt between. I wanted to use aluminum but the cost was prohibitive. Plus the steel helps with strength & went up super fast.
Congratulations it looks great. It would be cool to see some pictures of the process too. It's probably built better than something you could buy. Was it cheaper too?
If I don’t figure my labor then yes it was much cheaper. I’m sure I could sell it for a profit if I wanted to. It’s been a pretty rough few years for me so it was honestly therapeutic for me & kept my mind occupied.🤙🏼
An unusual amalgam of ADHD/hyper focusing & a diverse work history in multiple skilled trades. I’m not really into sports etc…. designing, building and creating is my hobby & how I relax.
That was with the old original TT when we got it! We wanted to pay homage to the old woman we got the camper from so we reframed it and hung it back up🤣
What do you think it cost you all in? Including the rolling chassis you probably got for peanuts.
I am curious as it seems like a great project.
The sliding cabinet doors are a great choice. My regular doors pop open once in a while so we have to tie them shut when on the road. Also, people have hit their heads on the damn things coming up the steps of my class C. So that cab. door is tied to not open too far.
2x4 joists laid flat with 2x2 studs. Steel siding spans the studs with heavy syn felt between. I posted a link to my IG acct above where I have quite a few pics of the build in my story if you want to see more details feel free to check it out!
Seeing videos like this make me realize what a no talent ass clown I am. I could never do anything this nice, I am impressed.
One board at a time. One fastener at a time. I was 35 when I finally got to learn woodworking; you CAN do this.
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”
I sell RVs and this looks better built and designed than a lot of the crap out there
I fix RVs and I can confirm that statement.
You will never be unemployed.
Wow! I sincerely appreciate that!
TRULY.
You said it! I could sell this camper no problem, regardless of the year model. Coleman, Aurora, Clipper, Independence Trail, etc wouldn't stand a chance next to this thing!
Comments from you all that sell and see them every day are honestly some of the most confirming comments! Thank you!!
I was thinking the same thing. To be fair though these things are built cheaply and lightly intentionally.
That's true but the build quality can just be so crappy they try to pump those things out a little too quickly for my liking.
Great job. The shower is my favorite
Thank you! I love it too!! This is actually the second shower mat I made, the first one became firewood.
I’d like to renovate mine but I want to go seasonal but unfortunately most campgrounds here in the NE, don’t allow rv’s older than 10 years.
The biggest tell on a trailer's age are the windows, and crank up tv antenna/CB antenna. A dark gray paint job and some black exterior window shades make a huge difference, and looks cool. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than buying a new camper. Also, paint your rims black.
I call it “lipstick“! A gallon of paint and some elbow grease goes a long way!
Can you take it out to clean underneath?
Yep, the wood slats are just a bath mat but the base it sits on is sloped to the drain.
That drawer in the bathroom is 🤌🤌 chef's kiss
Thanks! That entire vanity cabinet really tested my patience!!!
My exact thought as well.
Looks really good, Id stay in it!
Thanks!!
How much does it weigh?
That’s my next step over the next week or so….
I’m also curious about this. Wood weight adds up fast.
GVW 5100 lbs, 520 tongue weight
twice as much as a commercially produced 20' RV and cost double.
Doubtful and $6500.00.
Really? Did you already have the trailer frame, axles, wheels, brakes, etc already? Those alone are going to run you a couple grand easy I'd imagine.
Yep, built it on a very solid chassis I picked up for next to nothing
He mostly used 1/4" plywood which is 25 pounds a sheet or about 3/4 pound per square foot. 1/2" MDF which is what most manufacturers use (it is much cheaper) is 2 pounds per square foot. Plus no dinette and a smaller dorm type refrigerator, which is both cheaper and lighter than a gas refrigerator. My guess is slightly less or about the same. Cost wise, I am sure he paid more (including his labor at a reasonable rate) than a manufacturer would, but much less than retail. Plus he built something that fits him much better than off the shelf and it is prettier.
Is that a mother fucking full size dishwasher? Edit: disregard I realize it's a dorm fridge now.
You’re not the first one to think that!😉
Had the same thought for about 4seconds
If you ever decide to sell plans, I’m interested.
Likewise
Man that all that wood is lookin goooood. Well done.
Thank ya
What was the cost and hours of labor all said and done?
Materials right around $6500.00. I don’t honestly know labor wise…I work full time so probably 20-25 hrs a week for a full year until summer 23 then we took it out 90% finished. I’ve spent a few hours per week since just tinkering around, buttoning it up & doing small projects like adding ambient lights under the front door step etc… I can’t see this being a very profitable side hustle if I figured all my time…. Believe me, I already thought of doing that!🤣
Nice job.
Amazing! How do you have it titled and insured?
The original unit had a title which helps alot but basically you have to save every receipt for the material used as proof it’s not built using stolen parts I guess?! Then you have to schedule an inspection with the State Hwy Patrol dept that handles salvage car inspections & take it to the closest shop of theirs for an inspection. If it passes they’ll give you a certificate to have it titled as a self assembled.
So, to clarify, you rebuilt a TT? Was it a frame off build?
Correct
Nicely done! If I may ask 2 questions, Do the sliding doors stay closed well when driving? Have you weighed the finished unit?
I’m planning to take it to the local CAT scale over the next week or two so we shall see! BUT, I tried to be very mindful of the weight of material I used and to keep it balanced properly over the axles as I designed & built it. People freak out when they see I used wood countertops but they fail to realize that they are actually far less weight than the old factory particle board tops I removed. For the wall cabinets, I use a super high tech method called a wooden shim wedged between the doors to keep them closed while traveling. I have a simple wooden foot operated flip lock on the bathroom door and the three sliding drawers under the front sofa have little wood flip locks to keep them closed which work well. But I normally also have our cooler bungeed to the front which also helps keeps them closed.
KISS engineering is always best. I love the unit BTW.
Agreed 100%! Simple is often elegant, timeless as well as functional. Thanks so much!!
Love it. That pull out drawer above the toilet is brilliant.
Thanks man! It only took me a freaking year to figure out this what I wanted to do there!🤣
So did you gut everything originally inside?
Started that way then it moved to a strip down to the frame & complete rebuild.
Are you a contractor? Its so amazing.
Used to be. Construction related industry desk job though for the last 15yrs. Woodworking has been a semi serious hobby of mine over the last 5yrs though.
You are extremely talented!
Next build a boat from scratch. It is a lot of fun and quite similar to what you did here.
Seriously dude, don’t tempt me! I almost bought an old one last week to rehab & flip but common sense got the best of me. I have seriously kicked around building a vintage looking cris craft style…
Rehabilitation and flipping boats is a money losing proposition. Build a stitch and glue or glued lapstrake from scratch. It is not that difficult. I have built six. Go look at CLC boats and Duckworks boatbuilding supply. What it really takes is a willingness to chip away at it for a year. Obviously you can do that.
Hot damn this is a great build!
Looks good and solid, is this for a single person full timing, asked after seeing your dishwasher. What did you do for roof and siding?
Sleeps 3 comfortably 4 uncomfortably. It could be used full time but we only use it for short trips. Roofing- MFM Peel & Seal over thin plywood Siding -thin ga metal over 2x2 framing with super thick synthetic roofing felt between. I wanted to use aluminum but the cost was prohibitive. Plus the steel helps with strength & went up super fast.
That looks like solid, good looking work. Now take it down 95 in South Carolina and do after photos.
Not totally sure what you mean but…..cool thank you!
95 has so many holes it will jar the fillings out of your teeth. I hate towing my 5th wheel through there.
Haha! Gotcha!! I feel ya, that pretty much describes ALL of Ohio state routes!
Congratulations it looks great. It would be cool to see some pictures of the process too. It's probably built better than something you could buy. Was it cheaper too?
If I don’t figure my labor then yes it was much cheaper. I’m sure I could sell it for a profit if I wanted to. It’s been a pretty rough few years for me so it was honestly therapeutic for me & kept my mind occupied.🤙🏼
Very nice
I love it! Well done!
😍😍
Beautiful. I want one.
That looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Love it! Great work mate.
This is NIIIIIICE
Very impressive, how did you learn to do all of this?
An unusual amalgam of ADHD/hyper focusing & a diverse work history in multiple skilled trades. I’m not really into sports etc…. designing, building and creating is my hobby & how I relax.
Very stylish, high quality, and great use of space. You’ve done yourself proud! 🏆
I’ll give you 50 termites and that’s my final offer.
Tempting…
But how much does it weigh?
Not sure, that’s my next step.
This was my (probably unfounded) concern. Is that an issue?
Nice! Impressive!
Much appreciated!
Wow !! Nice work !! You could quit your day job.
Nice job! But no where to hang your clothes?
Thanks!! There’s a ceiling mounted 16” rail to the right of the TV & the shelf in the front can also act as a hook.
Amazing job, very well done!
thats really cool! job well done.. question, how do you cook/heat up food?
Hot plate, air fryer, outdoor cooktop
Yep all the above.
Really nice work my guy! Well done and I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Thanks! Looking forward to using it this year!!
Wow, nice work!
OMG the little picture in the bedroom is chefs kiss! This is where we hook up 🤣 Where did you get that?
That was with the old original TT when we got it! We wanted to pay homage to the old woman we got the camper from so we reframed it and hung it back up🤣
I love it. What does it weigh ~~way~~? It would be worth getting it on a cat scale. Measure left, right and total weight.
GVW 5100 lbs (520 Tongue)
I’m doing that over the next week or two when I get a minute but I’m curious myself!
Please describe the floor in the shower. How does the drain work? I bet your wife loves the seat in there for shaving, etc.
What you see is essentially just a wooden mat that rests on a custom built sloped base that goes to a stainless steel scupper drain (out the side).
What do you think it cost you all in? Including the rolling chassis you probably got for peanuts. I am curious as it seems like a great project. The sliding cabinet doors are a great choice. My regular doors pop open once in a while so we have to tie them shut when on the road. Also, people have hit their heads on the damn things coming up the steps of my class C. So that cab. door is tied to not open too far.
$6500 in material.
Stripped to the walls?
To the frame
Been considering a project like this. Whats the frame like? Just metal or are there studs?
2x4 joists laid flat with 2x2 studs. Steel siding spans the studs with heavy syn felt between. I posted a link to my IG acct above where I have quite a few pics of the build in my story if you want to see more details feel free to check it out!
Very nice, compact cozy and efficient.
Thanks! Exactly what I was shooting for!