Bicycle Camper

This is how I made my version of a bicycle camper, and also the 85 mile camping trip I went on with my dad. I had a lot of fun making this over the summer.
Song as I arrived at camp:
Heroic Reception by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Source: incompetech.com...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Matthew! I'm proud of you man! I love it when people like you see something I make and do there own version, no plans needed. Wouldn't you say half the fun is figuring out the puzzle? That's what I think anyway. Failure is always part of it but that's how we learn to persevere. 85 miles in one day? WOW! Now you need to buy some Krylon Fusion spray paint and go wild on the body. Nice job Matthew Paul Ellkins

[@matthewschmidt4827]

Thanks! This makes it less impressive, but I actually did it in 2 days, because we rode so slowly. Figuring out how to build it, and fixing all of the problems I had definitely was a lot of fun.

[@masonkanyuh1020]

Paul Elkins

[@ianvaughan9198]

can over lap coroplast and use rivets and use washers thu rivets

[@shakyraburks816]

Paul Elkins You should make another one and show us how to install electricity and solar panels, so I can make one and install a flat screen tv like a 20 inch, and a Xbox 360 than I can get my own mobile hotspot and I will be straight! Cause I been eyeing this idea for like a year, just I want to install electricity to, but solar panels so I don't have to keep buying a car batterie and installing it! So if I do go traveling I'll have entertainment and I can charge my phone just in case of emergency and I would install Bluetooth speakers

[@shakyraburks816]

Paul Elkins Also a safe way, cause I don't want a fire to happen!

[@ronaldcheatham1784]

I'm particularly impressed with the use of lawn chair webbing. Considerably less weight than plywood. Yet structurally sound. Good thinking young man.

[@jjjsmith2497]

I too am impressed! The way he interwove them together was great.

[@jackandjackied3992]

I'm in Oregon, mine will have plywood, grounds are wet here! Awesome build!

[@lynngill1588]

great build ! I just watch the video you referenced so I could know about both. i am a fan of both & so I got good ideas for my own build , I also got a idea from a video on a small car trailer that I will use to make mine even a bit more different & hopefully give me a lot of room as Im a biggon

[@boboala1]

Made me smile! And remember my one long bike trek back in 7th grade. I would think your biggest problem would be to find some public/free access to camp or rest. Based on my experience in that part of the country every park and lake is private. You all's welcome here in Missouri! Tired? Kids want to swim? You all's welcome in MO! Free!

[@AndyTrampke]

boboala1 Where exactly in Missouri can you just park and use whatever park free? I'm in Missouri and you seem to be the most hospitable person here lol

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

Your son did an awesome job of building his bicycle camper and when he has put everything that he needs to go camping he can then go on a weekend camping trip with his parents and siblings

[@michaelhalpern7035]

Verrry cool! I love the way you used the lawn chair material! Good ventilation. Thanks for the video! Food for thought for me on materials!

[@strideraragorn3665]

Love the puppy. Dogs are a big help......the love they show can calm anyone.

[@missryanswers]

You're great, your video is great, the woman filming was great. THANKS for sharing!! It made me smile, and at the end..LOL!! Love your sense of humor and your willingness to laugh.

[@bestbaitsnoutdoors]

Great work. Great talking. Great video. Great story. Great dog. Thankyou for sharing it.

[@jonathankoehn7186]

Way to go son! That was awsome! Loved the lawn chair/woven floor! That was pretty creative! We need more ypumg men like you in this world!!!

[@hobbygamer6220]

Anyone of any age

[@spacetravler8461]

It is fast becoming number one on my bucket list to build one of these and travel from my home in Washington to Key West Florida the farthest away I can get in the lower 48.. Thank you for taking the time to show us. You are an inspiration little brother. All the Blessings.

[@josephinetyree1476]

AWESOME !!!! I am so ... encouraged by Pauls visions/creations....!!! Hope now that it is 5 yrs later, that you are 'living' your dream!! Whatever it may be...!!!God Bless.........

[@HalfHazzard]

Man, I love the simplicity and effectiveness of this camper. The way you made the floor was genius, and I love the windows. Thank you for sharing this video, I'm feeling inspired to go build one myself.

[@sweettina2]

What a remarkable young man you are! I love your camper! Keep working at things, tweak it, make it what you want it to be...just, never give up. I wonder if bigger wheels, like those on wheel chairs, would make it easier to pull. Tent material might make it lighter. I love watching videos like this, tiny houses, etc., and turning buses into tiny houses are awesome. And, yes, duct tape fixes everything! I can see that you are going to mark your mark in this world, good man! God bless you!

[@johninokla2635]

Sweettina2, why would he want to use tent material? You ever been in a tent while it was raining and touch the sides, even by accident? It causes the sides to leak and you end up with water in your camper, but that won't happen with coroplast. Great job Matthew. The one thing I saw that was troubling was you getting your mom to come get you when it rained. I thought that was the whole purpose of having a camper with hard sides. But then your dad didn't have a camper to get into and sleep if the storm lasted a long time. A place to get into fast when it starts to storm is what I am looking for and i think this is just the thing. 😁 Thanks to you and Paul for showing me how to do it and that it can be done. 👍

[@sweettina2]

@@johninokla2635 Well, John in Oklahoma, my sentence tells you why I suggested it. What do I know, I'm a nurse! He wanted the weight down. And, yes, yes I do know about touching the tent in the rain. I didn't believe it, my curiosity got the best of me. We ended up driving away, soaking wet in search of a hotel. In the middle of nowhere. Thanks for reminding me of that, John.☹😊

[@gjensen500]

Great Job Matthew! I love the design. And all the safety features. The window and overhang really add personality to your design. I would like to build one using aluminum framing with plywood and foam pad for the mattress and tow it behind my motorcycle. I would add a vent on top and a small propane burner for heating and cooking. And maybe a screened door for hot summer nights. Of course lights and a fan are a must have as well. I can't wait to build one myself thanks to you and Paul Elkins!!! Matthew, you are a creative genius! Thanks for Sharing! GJJ

[@guillermosantismusicchile]

the framework in the base was phenomenal excellent idea🙋🏻‍♂️🇨🇱

[@johnstover4584]

Get big shopping cart tires so you don't get a flat. Then create a water proof and stain proof varnish so rain just rolls off instead of accumulates. But good idea with the lawn chair fabric. They have a press that can press down the metal caps it would saved some time. But these diy ideas are great I am gonna build one of these type ideas one day.

[@holycrossplymouth]

Great job! A young man starting out on designing and building stuff - especially when enjoyed in the great outdoors. The 35 'thumb downers' probably have never tried anything more adventurous than using their fingers on a keyboard.

[@landlocked4771]

Really nice, I know I would like to lie down after riding 85 miles and thats with out taking a camper with me. Impressive job.

[@schlooonginator1227]

Cool. I too saw Paul Elkinès kits and was impressed. You version is neat. I especially like the floor design with ventilation, smart.

[@markdpricemusic1574]

Superb lo-tech and practical engineering! A pleasure to see people making things rather than buying and throwing away tents!

[@wehavealwaysbeenanointed4929]

I have an idea, to help with the drag time. What if you where to make a four sided pyramid and place it in the front of your camper? The shape will cause the air flow to go over the top a bit better. Think of it as a spoiler, type deal. Because it must have been like dragging a wall around. The shape of the camper is awesome! I think you did a great job! You might have a career in engineering, you never know! I really like you use of the lawn chair strapping! What a genius idea, to weave it! I was really impressed! Makes me want to build a supper cool camper! There is the video, of a man, that built this really cool little boat, out of some light weight wood? And glue and few switches. It has a little mother, and it's awesome. He also built a camper like yours, and a bunch of bikes and other cool stuff. My favourite is his little wooden boat. And then a other guy in Japan build one too! It's awesome! I can't remember the guys channel, but I'm sure if you search for it you can find it! Good luck in your future builds! Godbless.

[@louisaloi9178]

Kudos to your ingenuity & family support👍perhaps a future engineering student.To top it off a nearly 90 mile journey over northern Wisconsin's hilly terrain going inland a good deal uphill with a heavier hybrid/mountain bike with a gypsy caravan wagon style design amazing.From a 57 year old bicycle backpack camper if I wanted to tow a trailer only thing I would do differently is a narrower width and a rounded or swept back nose for less drag.Otherwise good job,Hope you use that as a school project design/build if assigned one with this video&camper road tested to present.Excellent job🏆

[@RMacca]

Awesome! Great to see more young people like me doing this, I thought I was the only one until the past couple months! Also, Paul is great. Awesome guy and his work is super helpful. People should definitely check him out.

[@vincentstrader]

Nice build, cool to see the idea of the lawn chair material for the frame. Congrats on your trip and build.

[@goslonomo]

Great project, Matthew. Very, very cool. And I bet yours weighs WAY less than 50kg. 50 pounds, maybe. And you can motorize your bike for under $200, and still use it as a bike.

[@Ming1975]

The wheels and frame was what I was curious about. Thanks for showing your idea!

[@alisondawson3421]

Such a smart, clever and pleasant young man. Congratulations mate, you've done a great job -- you should feel very proud of yourself as I'm sure your parents are. You have a great mind, I hope you continue to use it !!! Safe travels Matthew, good luck to you ! xoxox

[@alisondawson3421]

Don't be down on yourself Matthew, you took on a big ride -- maybe you were a little ambitious to start ??? Doesn't matter you only fail at something if you don't try. -- this is what I tell my four children. You're a winner mate -- keep going !!!

[@batki2596]

Awesome. I love it. Totally cool. I watched Elkins videos and have fallen in love with the idea. It really shows people don't need much. Everything is luxury and excess.

[@gabrielfranco245]

Awesome job brother,love the floor design.Great ventilation for those hot summer days.And that ride you went on with your camper insane effort .Proud of you champ.

[@imageblogger2142]

You're young and impressive. Keep up your inventive nature and continue to develop your skills. I commend you. Your folks must be very proud. All the best, Mal

[@edwardteach2616]

Hey man, that bicycle camper is awesome! This is what you need when you go hiking with the bike! But the only challenge is, going through the terrain and biking uphill. And it is awesome, if you want to go cross country with the bike and the little camper!Awesome man! 85 miles on a camping trip? Amazing! But try going through five or six states. And Canada and Alaska, it would be a fun and awesome ride!

[@freedomospeech8180]

Lol “ cause some duck tape can fix anything” ... your camper is so cool! Thanks for sharing

[@jesuscross9]

It's awesome, I love it. Specially the windows, that's genius. I'm really interested in these because I've been considering making a velomobile camper. A velomobile of course is one of those enclosed pedal cars but I haven't seen anyone incorporate a camper into one yet. It wouldn't be hard to build one and attach your camper design to its frame somehow. Great job.

[@Estabanwatersaz]

Great work and detailed video. Good presentation young man! Let’s see more please.

[@traceylmayo8414]

Australia says I love your campervan man I’ve been trying to plan to build one out of the same materials for the last couple of years I have so many great ideas for you just made it so simple for your new mate thanks for your ideas love love love cable ties ha ha

[@KiegKillsReality]

Bro this is awesome! Now I want to build one!

[@gregorythomas5607]

Nice going kid. Rode a lot of bikes in my life and camped at koa's along the way. Enjoyed the video. Safe ridings.

[@angelicoutcry3478]

Awesome seeing young people being creative and to follow through.

[@hytecbaker]

Looks awesome!!!!!! I want to do this with my son next summer :) We love camping and kayaking...... Great job!!

[@effyleven]

Nice job. Nice video. Well done that young man.

[@unguardedheart]

Matthew, this is the modern day version of a covered wagon (or a really big mailbox). I love it. You've inspired me to consider buidling one myself. Nice work!

[@gregorcykf]

Nice job. I like the change to outdoor chair webbing. I'm a larger fella, and that seems to be pretty effective.

[@101boertjie]

Well done young man, neat work and great thinking. I hope you have lots of fun with your camper.

[@michaelbyrd2043]

Way to go dude the the floor design that you used is a pretty awesome design and you even compensated with screen to keep out insects awesome man

[@matthewolsen4963]

U did an awesome job. U inspired me to make one so I can go cross country when im older im 12

[@arcking007]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. thanks for posting

[@deathuponusalll]

Awesome build! Loved the change in music for the break 😂😂👍🏼

[@worldr6477]

👍✌really informative DIY bike mini camper trailer, thanks for the memory and some good ideas.

[@clemblackman1003]

This is a nice job you did in putting together this structure and I've been working on a putting together my own build aswell but for my business which is in progress but won't be done until some things are out of the way then I can build . Not sure if I will use wood or bamboo as I heard that bamboo is durable. Out of curiosity what is like when your riding on the road with lots of cars and turning corners with cars on the road? continue to work on your dreams. Peace

[@cobe1uknowme756]

Wow thanks for sharing this! Getting ready to make one myself!

[@rikkety]

Very inspiring. Thankyou, Matthew and family.

[@Trainguy9000]

Great video and very good project, congrats!!

[@Standswithabeer]

Really good, man. I like the way you used corrugated plastic; the floor webbing with bug netting was so cool, too. I cycle-camped with a tagalong trailer (like your Dad's) in the '70's...wish I would have thought of something like this! You Rock! Make more...

[@billypoe3703]

The window idea is really cool. I like the webbing idea also. It must be far lighter than the Elkins design. The rain deflectors are a cool idea also.

[@donmahu9952]

I've always been creative and ventures type of guy Unfortunately none of my children or grandchildren caught the bug I love people like yourself who is creative ventures

[@TeacherFlash]

Amazing work bro

[@jameslewis1605]

I can see you toolin around town slummin with the homeless. Good job!

[@stclairstclair]

Matt, im 52, I've been a mechanic for a long time, i enjoyed every bit of your video, I was disappointed that you guys didn't ride out the storm in the camper! I would like to try and build a pop-up version of this with tent material to bring the size and weight down for riding.

[@steelethereaperyt7563]

Nice man! Your spin on this design gave me some ideas on how to keep it light and cost effective. The windows and the mesh in particular.

[@richardgilliam4126]

You have some good ideas to keep it light! The webbing was another good idea. But I think your dog wants it for his own dog house.

[@kelkel3883]

Wow!!!! Not only is it a nice set-up, but also some comments from Paul Elkins?!?!?!?! Way to go!!!!!

[@Edwerdman]

Awesome and you explained it well, can't wait to build my own,I'm planning to use light recycling materials from the forest ,except for a few items like the wheels , metal parts and a fire oven /stove .

[@aaronazo]

Looooovely making. Wish you lots of happy trips.

[@HPJFilm]

A very fantastic documentation made with a lot of professionalism. Compliment. It was fun to watch. Greetings from Bavaria in Germany, Peter.

[@JPatrickMcClure]

Great build + trip video, fun to watch - thank you!

[@marie-louiseroussel176]

Dude, that's awesome! Thanks a lot for sharing this! Hope to do mine next summer that would be so fantastic!

[@bevstickel5511]

Awesome! Loved your project!

[@cagedraptor]

really like how you solved the "floor" issue by using lawn chair webbing. fantastic.

[@DarklightSpirit]

Congrats, you took the bike camper concept and stripped it to its barebones that even i can properly get how its built

[@patrickjobling8676]

Good onya young fella .. should be more of it .. 😁

[@alanhelton]

Thank you for posting this! I've been looking to build something like this for a few years now...

[@khalidyar]

very good you are better than 90 % of the people who never invent any thing in their life .. keep going and keep it up ..

[@patr10t762]

Light hack... get a couple of dollar store solar landscape lights drill holes in top and hot glue them in. They will charge during the day and light at night. No switches or batteries.They are not extremely bright but will light enough to make moving about the cabin easier.

[@matthewschmidt4827]

patr10t762 how would you turn them off when you sleep

[@patr10t762]

+Matthew Schmidt. They automatically come on and have no switch. I would black out the bulb cover and put it on to conceal the light.

[@sincinatieverline398]

the ones from 99cent only stores have a switch

[@allissondiego1989]

Amazing project

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Looks great! I love the floor! Sometimes I sleep in the floor when my pup whines for me (the wife doesn't like her on the bed, #pug/glands.) And my body heat creates moisture and then I need to wait to air it out.I had planned to build one when I move and I am glad I saw this one thanks for posting

[@ginal.f.3462]

Excellent job Matthew!

[@MichaelMullane]

Nice work Matthew. Well made video as well. Keep it up man.

[@mctimoney]

Love the trailer, what an adventure, well done.

[@backyardcamper9182]

beautiful brother . keep up the good work

[@victormartin6608]

Excellent job young sir !

[@robertmiller8578]

This looks great and would work fantastic with a mountain bike with a pedal assist engine or a motoped bike also I was thinking of some moderately high winds I would add some way to stake it down just for added safety and support.

[@friartalk6060]

Absolutely awesome.

[@BrooklynAvenue]

Man, this was a great video, glad Paul saw it.

[@liveintehpast]

Very creative! Great job!

[@ijahtom]

Wow, thats very,very good. I like your strap floor idea. The hole Thing is awesome o. Thanks. Well wishings. All the best.

[@karenmessinger9609]

That's really cool! ! Good job kiddo!! Gives me inspiration.

[@davidguzman3309]

Congratulations! Great job out there!!!

[@tilongatao]

Cool project, looks very lightweight.

[@AdruMcOnTheBeat]

Congratulations bro, you are amazing!!! 😄😄😄😄 if you can enjoying, do it!!! And good journey the next time.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Funtastical!!! - Cheers, Patrick

[@Hamburgertodd]

Huge thanks for making this video I'll be borrowing some of your super clever design choices. Wanna see if I can take one of these bad boys cross country

[@dogwalkerdavid7168]

Damn thats a heck of a trek you took long ride

[@staginglightingsensation8505]

love your flore disigne . toghether with coraplast diy homless shelter and foldavam . to make the best of all.

[@billywilson1444]

Brilliant idea mate I'm going to make one just like yours.

[@brunoalejandro3192]

Sos un capo voz si sabes de la vida !!! Buenas rutas compa !!!!

[@midnightdave8023]

Dido to what Mr.Elkins wrote, great version, great project Matthew!!!!

[@micheleaday3902]

Wow Amazing Beautiful Bike Camper Its A Very Cool Great Job❤😂

[@patrickporco6972]

Good job...on the camper and the filming