Building a wooden micro-camper

In this video, I transform a rusted and worn Harbor Freight, 4x8 trailer into a super lightweight wooden trailer. Then I used it for my summer job and towed it 21,000 miles over 107 days. $650 total build. It towed easily with my four cylinder car. The window air conditioner was far more than needed for keeping it cool on a warm summer night even though it wasn't insulated. I lived in this camper full-time from June 2020 to January 2021.
#microcamper #tinycamper #smallcamper #diycamper #camping #homemadecamper #smallcamper #tinycamper

[@flisms]

Screws and glues!!! 21,000 miles!!!?? Really? That's crazy! I love watching small trailer build videos. Yours was a unique approach. Enjoyed it.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the vid. Greatly appreciated. In my one-year review video, of that camper, you can see the damage from where a semi truck backed into the camper. It held up really well. I've learned to trust glue very much in woodwork after building cabinets and such over the years. Often the glue is so strong that it will rip the wood from a surface when forced apart from another surface. Plus I'm always broke, so I had to build cheap hahaha!

[@FBPrepping]

A new dimension added to the word "handcrafted". What you did with that sheet is awesome. Congrats.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@colinlawrence2186]

That is one awesome little trailer thank you so much for sharing it in detail I'm sure you are an inspiration to many people God bless you and stay safe out there 🙋‍♂️ 🇬🇧

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you for checking out the vid! God bless you too, my friend.

[@kcb5336]

So glad I clicked this vid. Been binge watching builds and the thumbnail on this isn’t that impressive. That rear door pulling out a little before it hinges is absolutely brilliant!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you for checking out the video, my friend! Greatly appreciated!

[@logmeindangit]

Just a thought, here: if you used hinges with a 90-degree bend to locate the pivot point (pin) at the back inner edge of the side walls, while having the door still be recessed, would that have worked? That way you wouldn't have needed to put the doors on sliders, even though that seemed to be an ingenious solution. Also, did you weigh the trailer when it was complete, and then again when loaded? Small cars are often rated to tow only very modest weights, around 500 lbs.

[@mikekrabal]

@@logmeindangit Thanks for the questions. The door slider method was kind of a desperation move during the build. From the beginning of the build, there were two goals I didn't want to compromise on. One was a recessed door so that the metal roof would overlap and help keep the weather out. The other was a clean, minimal-hardware look of the rear doors from the outside. I wanted the doors to look as 'all-wood' as possible, like the sidewalls. Though I should have filmed the failures, I tried to mount hinges six times in as many configurations. The biggest issue was that when the door was mounted by hinge to the furthest stud in the rear, in the recessed position, the outside edge of the door would push into the sidewall plywood and stifle it from opening more than a quarter of the way when I tried to open it. There was a bind. Then I thought of using kitchen cabinet hinges for the way they operate, but since they're countersunk I'd need thicker, heavier doors, or heavier framing on the inside of the rear doors (*granted the sliders aren't exact light). Still, the sliders may be lighter than a thicker sheet of plywood for a door. Another thing I found was that the top of my sidewalls are curved inward to allow the sheet metal to overlap one inch on either side. When I tried hinges alone, this curve in the sidewalls and the doors created a fitment issue and there was too much of a gap once the doors were closed. Overall, hinges alone would work for the rear doors but I learned you'd end up seeing the framing used to hold the hinges, and it would be less finished looking, or you'd sacrifice most of your roof overlap. One of these days, I'll weigh that thing. A lot of people have asked about that. I've been hauling motorcycles on trailers, by car, for years without issue so I figured my car would pull it alright. Heck, I have no idea what my car's towing capacity is haha. I am very grateful you chose to share your thought and it was worthy of a detailed response. All the best.

[@JelvinCS]

I love the simplicity of your build! You have inspired me to try that out myself :D

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, and thanks for checking out the video. I hope it helps with your build. It would be great to see your results once you're finished.

[@garyarbogast6703]

Very nice! Simple, light weight, easy to tow, affordable, dependable. Who could ask for anything more?

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir. And thanks for watching!

[@arunsai3358]

This simple and great at the same time 😊 Would love to see what you did inside, like bed and cabinets

[@mikekrabal]

Check out this video for a good view of the inside. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2nkKKYmaZ_esk I didn't finish the inside. I just put a mattress right on the wood and rolled with it. Thanks for checking out the video, and safe travels to you!

[@martinhernandez6506]

Good evening Mike, thanks for sharing your awesome build ! It doing what you wanted it to do ! That's all that matters, keep smiling !

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir, and thanks for watching!

[@bonniface-qd9ux]

Excellent job. Simple but smart. I'm impressed and I'm sure I will use your blueprint to get some ideas. Genius

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@CrudelyMade]

I like the approach of wooden dowel pins , sliding door frame, etcetera.. simple, neat ideas. that might have other potential uses.:-)

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the trailer!

[@stephanfrank7763]

Hallo Mike, thank you for this video. Without a professional garage or workshop, without professionell (and expensive) tools. Building a camper like normal people do. Many thanks for not rtying to sell plans for teardrop caravans. ;o)

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, sir for checking out the video . I appreciate it, and I hope it's useful to others. There's no limit to what we can build as long as we have the will to do so. I do finally have a garage to build in, but it took me 40 years to get one haha. My tools are all about the same though. I'm building the next one now. Hopefully it will be done soon. All the best to you!

[@COMtnPilot]

Solid work Brotha! Love the build! 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you and thanks for checking out my vid!

[@toddbartel6300]

I got a 7x 14 old camper frame. Strengthened the corners and added a extra piece of metal on back too protect rear bumper. Had the wheels moved from inside too outside too ma,e it easy for tire changing. Got 3/4 inch plywood for flooring. Finish it in spring time. Mine will have shower toilet and a bed with a sink too plus cooking area. Insulate it too. Nice build

[@mikekrabal]

Sounds like a great project you have going there. I like that you're putting in all the accessories, too. Would be cool to see how it turns out. Thanks for checking out the video and my build.

[@rogermuir3514]

Good job!!👍👍 nice and light trailer.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir, and thanks for checking out the video

[@bajar.m.6953]

Don’t forget to check the wheels bearings and spare tire. I see a lots of trailers on the highway with a missing wheel. Great job 👏

[@mikekrabal]

Good call! I did replace a wheel bearing in Tennessee. I forgot to mention that in my follow-up video. Thank you and thanks for checking out the video!

[@palletwoodcamper]

some good ideas thank you, helps me with my build planning

[@mikekrabal]

Anything I can do to help, is the goal. Thanks for checking out my video. I watched your video and that wooden teardrop is hands-down the best looking teardrop I've ever seen. You guys did a FANTASTIC job building it! I feel like such an amateur hahaha! Take care

[@palletwoodcamper]

@@mikekrabal thx mike , the image is our ideal looking camper but due to my monility scooter ere hsving to make a squaredrop , it remains coloured as shown and made all from pallet wood , hence wht your video caught my eye. I think its gonna end up like yours from the eternal shape, but some fancy wood cosmetics will make it more retro .. :)

[@mikekrabal]

Oh, I see. My mistake. May your build turn out great! I hope you will continue too share it with us on KZbin. Thanks!

[@cuernavacadave]

Great little trailer. I’m always looking for something that my corolla will haul. I kick my butt 1000 time for selling my Boler!! Hind sight is 2020! Great job, thanks for sharing.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! My saab towed that thing easily over 20,000 miles.

[@joshuaclewes1883]

I love the Saab!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. It's been a good car and was great for pulling the trailer. This past January it broke a balance shaft guide, but I fixed it and it's still kicking. 183,000 miles so far.

[@tonygallo8570]

Did an absolute wonderful job it does its purpose looks great

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir. And thanks for checking out the video.

[@allancarn7863]

Just watched your video on 9/14. Great job great idea of pull out rear door. I will experiment this concept of a back room extension concept. Cheers Al

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, and thanks for checking out my build. That's a great idea for the back room extension. I'd love to see what you come up with. I'm thinking the next one I build will have slide out kitchen shelves.

[@persistent25u]

Great job, I really like your camper!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@videomejoe]

Nice job Mike, smart build.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks, my friend. Thanks for watching as well.

[@darylbeyersdorf7932]

I've read several comments and you have answered several questions in detail. . Awesome...

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. I hope those details will help others in their builds. Thank you for watching, as well.

[@1ico007]

Great job mate, ecstatically wonderful but structurally inadequate.

[@mikemeyers4016]

Wow thanks for the motivation!!!!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for having a look!

[@mr.chaosvicious5968]

One of the things I would have done is upgraded the plywood on the sides from 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Yes, it MAY have added a bit of cost and weight to the camper, BUT it would have also been sturdier than the 1/2 and it would have added just a bit more strength and rigidity to the camper. I say that because I was always taught (by my papa and some other older folks that I knew) to take whatever you are going to build components and take them up at least a notch, possibly two, to ensure the longevity and strength in whatever you built and that it won't just fall apart on you.

[@OhighOSkater]

I think I’m going to build something like this. I want to take a trip to California and something like this would be perfect for my little Acura 3.2TL. It will be a lot cheaper than hotel rooms the whole way lol. I hope that trailer is treating you well

[@mikekrabal]

Awesome! I wish you the best on your build and your road trip. Thanks for watching!

[@johnw65]

Great Job! Thanks for sharing

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, sir. And thanks for checking out the video.

[@Freetalkfm]

Great journey , at a great cost , the destination is closer

[@jackmahones3855]

Thanks mike well done. Inspired me to make one myself

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir, and that's awesome to hear! I hope your build goes great

[@manowar4046]

Good job.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@pprattpratt]

Love the sliders for the doors, gives me some ideas for my next trailer build..great job on the camper..

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir. Thanks for watching. I'm thinking about doing a slide out kitchen on the next build. Would be cool to see what you come up with, too.

[@llbailey9946]

​@mikekrabal I'm not totally grasping the door slide. I see it for closing, but when open the door the hinge looks like it will bind prior?

[@disciplemaker7488]

Love the look!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@flexapex9801]

Oh I love the trailer I have an old harbor freight rotting in my backyard I think I’m gonna following your lead.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! I appreciate the kind words and wish you the best on your build! It would be great if you post your build in a video as well so we all can enjoy it. Thanks again!

[@AssortedVideosforALL]

this more simple video than all the others... thanks much

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheREALOC1972]

During Covid My Gf and I rebuilt a 1973 20' Shasta Camper that I bought a couple years earlier for $40 at a real estate auction so we could stay in on weekends when we go out of commuting distance for car shows. I have a 66 International Truck hot rod and she has a 65 Plymouth Belvedere, we live in Jacksonville but we regularly go to 2-3 to Savanah Georgia, Daytona, Orlando and sometimes go to Penacola, Mobile and even down to Miami a few times a year. Paying $15-$20 a night to stay at a state/national park in the camper we paid almost nothing to buy and rebuild is a LOT cheaper than paying $100-$150 a night on a hotel room, it literally paid for itself the first year we did it. We have used for 9 days strait last year for Cruising the Coast and did well, since then we have talked about doing it full time once we retire.

[@mikekrabal]

Man, that turned out to be a great deal! I'm happy to hear that you rebuilt it and actively use it. Those road trips you've been on sound fun. Sure would be nice to see pictures of your finished project. Thank you for checking out the video. I greatly appreciate it!

[@TheREALOC1972]

@@mikekrabal Had we thought about it we would have videoed it and uploaded it to to here but we didn't think it, The one thing that we did when we painted it was we painted it with Silver Majic Tractor paint we got from a Farm and Home Store, alot of people just do the cheap Rustoleum paint, which works but we wanted a more finished look and tractor paint is cheaper when though you have to buy and add a reducer and hardner it's still cheaper, our paint cost us $35 for the gallon, $9 for the reducer and $13 for the hardner. those prices have gone up but it's still cheaper, the only draw back is it takes a week to completely dry as opposed to the 20 minutes for Rustoleum but it looks better IMO and it also alot more durable than the Rustoleum too.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for the paint tip. I used Rustoleum on my last project. It turned out decent. Maybe I'll look into the tractor paint on the next one. Especially if I can save some money.

[@TheREALOC1972]

@@mikekrabal yep, that's what I'm here for, to help people. I've never rolled on or brushed on tractor paint but I don;t see why you can't, it's a spray on paint but I build Bobber Motorcyles for a living so I already have that but I don't see why you couldn't run to Harbor freight and get a cheap paint gun and 8 gallon air compressor, I have a 21 gallon tank and it never even comes close to shutting down to refill so a 8 gallon one should be more than fine.

[@mikekrabal]

Do you have a website to see these bikes you build?

[@eltonkatana3718]

Sei un grande! Hai la mia totale stima!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, my friend!

[@TeezerDriz]

❤ fabulous job.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

That came out awesome nice job.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@johnnyhall4856]

Thats AWESOME!!!brother 👍

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir. Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@Tsiri09]

Looks wonderful!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you ma'am, and thanks for watching!

[@fredfreiberger7878]

Thanks I appreciate what you shared

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. Sorry for the late response. I just discovered a list of comments I'd never seen and I'm replying.

[@eutimiochavez415]

U did a great job!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@mikem9006]

Outstanding video, very informative, looks like a project I want to do for camping!!!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you! Thanks for checking out the video, too. I hope your camper build goes smooth!

[@averagecamper695]

Nice Job. I'd like to see how you finished out the inside.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, and thanks for watching. I built that thing in a time crunch, as I needed it for work. I only finished putting wood panels on the ceiling. Later on, I put an AC in it. It's still barebones on the inside.

[@jeepsanddragons]

I also would like that

[@ytfeverguy8367]

Nice build.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@slowpokecamper]

Nice job man.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you.

[@OverlandTrailer]

Nice work Mike. Refurbing a Harbor Freight trailer is never fun. You made it better than new. A fun build.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. The next build, I'm starting with a new trailer haha. I'm going to go have a look at your channel. All the best.

[@brucefiset5736]

Good job, well done.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks you sir. Thanks for watching

[@patrickjobling8676]

Gotta tellya pilgrim .. thats a super nice lil camper ..i canny wait furr mark 2..😁pip pips and carryon pilgrim

[@mikekrabal]

Thank ya, sir. And a big thanks for checking out the video!

[@dottiec8002]

WOW, you are really talented.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, my friend! I hope you enjoyed the build.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

Great job man 👍 thanks

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you for checking out the vid!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Ingenious solution to the door hinge issues, BUT I believe there is a special type hinge you could of used to where you wouldn't of had to do such

[@mikekrabal]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video! Greatly appreciated. I thought of using hinges without successfully finding the one that would work at the time. Since then, I've found one that would work. I may use them on the next build.

[@canadiansaabfreak6530]

Love the SAAB!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks. It's been a good little car so far. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@brettiusmaximus8059]

You mentioned the floor thickness of 3/4 was more than needed, what did you end up using for the floor?

[@mikekrabal]

I used half inch.

[@brettiusmaximus8059]

@@mikekrabal Thanks, trying to work out how to do my deck/floor for my utility camper.

[@mikekrabal]

@@brettiusmaximus8059 Glad to help and I hope it turns out well for you.

[@thomasholiday4094]

Proud of you both.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@F-N-C]

Well, I'm about to attempt to build this. Fingers crossed lol

[@mikekrabal]

I wish you the best on the build. It will be a solid unit. In 2020, a semi truck driver backed into mine while I was sleeping in it. It was 1:30am. Scared me to death. Thought I was going to be crushed. Instead the camper just pushed sideways and didn't collapse in. Saved my life. I hope to see your finished product. Feel free to reach out when you're done. Thanks for watching!

[@mikethefenceguy]

Badass sir. The ending is hilarious

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@yardsausage]

that is so cool..i have watched many camper builds thru the years and i wonder if anyone has ever used balsa wood in non critical parts of the camper for weight reduction?

[@mikekrabal]

I think balsa wood would definitely have it's place in any lightweight build. I guess it comes down to how the builder engineers their pieces. I wouldn't count it out. But hey, I'm no engineer. Just a backyard building hillbilly. I hope you'll check out my other camper builds on my channel. They are way neater than that one. Thanks for watching!

[@nmartin5551]

Nose around youtube and you will find a guy with a channel using foam board for non-stressed furniture. And I’m sure you know there is a group that builds lightweight campers from it!!

[@toomanychickens1771]

That's a great job, no fucking around, just get it done, and what a brilliant solution for the doors!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@melinda5777]

I'm new to your channel. This is my second video! Last night I watched the complete build video of your most recent, (i think) build. It was about an hour long. Loved the voice over instead of music! You drove coast to coast pulling this? What was the final weight and which route did you take? Very curious! Thanks in advance. ✝️🙏❤🇺🇸👣🍍☘🤗

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for your time in watching multiple videos. I greatly appreciate that! In 2020, I pulled that little camper coast to coast a few times, (roughly 21,000 miles). I lived out of it as I worked a travel job for the professional motocross series. Our job was to make the tracks look pretty for television with sponsor banners and hospitality tents. When the other guys on the crew would go back to a hotel room each evening, I'd just stay at the track where we were working and I'd sleep in the camper. It, and a cooler, was everything I needed. I brought along a makeshift shower too. The final weight was 426lbs. As far as the route, we would start the racing series in California. So, I had to drive out there from the east coast. Then the series would work it's way east, then west to Washington State and back to the east coast and finish up in Indiana. Later that year, I took a side gig in Florida and pulled the camper down there to live in for that job. Thanks for the questions!

[@melinda5777]

@mikekrabal WOW, that's the kind of thing I would dream of doing. You saved a lot of green backs that way! East Coast. It sounds like your from the West coast. LOL. Thanks for the response, I liked that too!

[@epenaloza52]

Where did you get the metal top from?! There was a short rain here were I am and everything on the inside got wet

[@mikekrabal]

I bought the metal from Ferguson Supply. They are an HVAC supplier. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@epenaloza52]

@mikekrabal I look it up, and it's just showing up as a plumbing supplier in my area

[@mikekrabal]

I'm sorry. I don't know of anywhere else to purchase it locally. Maybe a local HVAC contractor will sell you a sheet. It's worth a try.

[@workinonlifetilidie]

Looks clean bud great job

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir, and thanks for watching

[@doneown503]

Very nice !

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@lindaSee89]

Wow beautiful

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you!

[@solarpoweredboat]

Great micro camper, and video- thanks What will you do differently next time?????? Thanks

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you for checking out the video. It's greatly appreciated. On the next build, I plan to make a one-piece rear door, and a slide out kitchenette setup on the opposite side of the camper as the door hinge. I plan for larger windows on the side and a window in the rear door for a more fun/whimsical look, and I'd like to incorporate an outside shower somehow for multi-day camping. The shape of the side panels may be modified to include more rounded edges for a more fun look. It's all about making fun, functional, and economical projects.

[@phjohnso]

really love this super nice camper video - can I license this for reuse please??

[@mattstopa9436]

Don't need 3/4th's for the floor. My man!!!

[@mikekrabal]

I took off 3/4 and installed 1/2 inch. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@mattstopa9436]

@@mikekrabal Yup. I was quoting you there, sorry. I always see people over engineering these things. LIke they will have a cat bed with 1/2 inch plywood. Plywood is incredibly strong. 1/2 inch for that use case seemed great!

[@mikekrabal]

Oh, I see what you mean. I'm sorry and I totally agree with you. It's been a while since I've seen the video. I forgot I said about the 3/4.

[@mattstopa9436]

@@mikekrabal All good. Thanks for the build info!

[@williamponath4798]

thanks

[@Curt100]

I love it bro!

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you! It was a fun build.

[@Oldwestgunner]

I was gonna do this for hauling equipment. Mini cargo trailer for cheap i figure.

[@mikekrabal]

If you do, I hope it turns out well and is a fun build. Thanks for watching!

[@chosenone828]

Beautiful but a lock on the outside is just asking for trouble once you're in it and someone has evil motives. But other than that I loved how simple and resourceful your build was especially that your first picture was of Oklahoma. Yeeehaw❤🤣

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! Darn good point, and I had never considered someone locking me in. However a tractor trailer nearly killed me when it backed into the side of it while I was sleeping in it one night. It was crazy! Oklahoma was my 48th state visited. Some of the nicest folks I ever met there.

[@chosenone828]

@@mikekrabal I'm from Oklahoma and oh my goodness , maybe a censor or cameras so you can have ease while inside. She's beautiful and gives me hope since I'm opposite of rich and trying to decide if I go 30k rv or 6k trailer. I think I'll go this route. God bless you and all your travels.

[@mikekrabal]

@@chosenone828 Thank you and all the best on your build!

[@robertheuer7670]

im wanting to do something similar but us the trailer or trailer camper for some overland....my frame is going to be welded plus the bolts

[@mikekrabal]

Sounds like a good idea. I hope you'll share the build with us on KZbin. Thanks for having a look at my video.

[@robertheuer7670]

you are welcome!....i will try to atleast take some pictures of the build

[@psdaengr911]

Should have sealed the surfaces and edges of the plywood before mounting it to the steel frame. The plies of that interior grade plywood will convey moisture and delaminate. That will make make the difference between a disposable requiring restoration and a legacy camper needing a little maintenance. .

[@mikekrabal]

That's good advice for sure. I still have a lot to learn. What's even worse than that is a semi-truck driver backed into it and punctured a giant hole in the side one night while I was sleeping in it. The camper held up well and just slide sideways while not caving in. Scared the heck out of me! We have since scrapped the body and reused the trailer for another build. Pulled it almost 30,000 miles before scrapping it. There's another video on the channel showing how it held up after a year's use. Thanks for watching!

[@super_rae]

I am attempting to rebuild a similar (traditional teardrop shape with plywood walls and with aluminum roof) - I found there was rot at the bottom of the walls and the floor - the underside did not appear to be waterproofed and the walls were mounted inside the steel trailer lip. Short version being I think I need to seal the edges as you suggest when rebuilding... what should I seal them with? epoxy? I had not intended to rebuild the camper but bought it used and discovered the rot one year in...so I essentially have no idea what I am doing...camper by KZbin. Any advice appreciated.

[@amyrodgers9887]

could we see the inside? Love the port holes

[@mikekrabal]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video! Just last night, I posted a video that shows the entire camper inside and out. Here's the link to that video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2nkKKYmaZ_esk

[@martyfly8619]

I'm all about the simplicity and freedom. Low cost is an added plus. Nicely done ! Any idea what the total weight after build is ? Considering the trailer is around 250lbs. to 270lbs. Thx

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for leaving a question and checking out the video. It weighs 426lbs total. As a guy who's never had much money, I had to build it as cheap as I could. It sure helped me feel free as I pulled it around America in 2020. Good little camper. Safe travels to you. Freedom means more than ever right now.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I'd like to see how it holds up after a couple of years of use.

[@tommysimmons5266]

Really, you take it somewhere and hide

[@thistexanspov6337]

Hey if you get even 1 year for $650 what more could you ask for

[@Itried20takennames]

@@thistexanspov6337Totally agree….if it falls apart after a year or two, already paid for itself and someone who likes building will probably have ideas for and want to build a “new, improved” version anyway. Don’t think he is building it to ride out the apocalypse…just for a comfortable cheap place to sleep while traveling.

[@Ziro666cpm]

@@Itried20takennamesit’ll be good as long as he maintains it iv had a wooden trailer for a few years and I maintain it like cutting new bords out when something splits

[@Itried20takennames]

Might, or might not, but if DIYing…..in 5 years you likely have thought of changes and improvements, and want to make a new one anyway. And still likely cheaper than rentong or buying during that time.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

Nice job! I like the sheet metal roof and the portholes. Starting with the same trailer, I lengthened and widened it with wood framing, so my inside dimensions are about 11'4" L x 56" w x 63" H. We enjoyed it for one camping season, then Covid cramped our style. Maybe next year. I used HD's 1/2" basic plywood, and wouldn't do that again. Warping and not uniform thickness made it a pain. I'd use 3/8 Smart Panel siding, and I'd make it another foot wider.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! Greatly appreciated! Your build sounds really cool. It would be awesome to see a picture of it. There are few limits to what's capable with a little know-how and imagination. I haven't heard of Smart Panel. I'm about to build another micro-camper, (just bought another trailer) so I'll look into that as an option for the walls. Thank you for making me aware of it. Safe travels!

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

@@mikekrabal I took a few pictures with my phone, if you'd like me to send them. Smart Panel is OSB based, and has a heavily embossed wood pattern face, grooved to look like boards, and comes with a very durable primer. I recently discovered it is available without the grooves, too, and used that kind to build a box for my utility trailer. The manufacturer is Weldwood, I think. Have fun with the new build. I just read yesterday that lumber prices are way down. Hope the local suppliers (yours and mine) reflect that, because the high prices are sure project killers.

[@mikekrabal]

@@stephenandloriyoung5716 Thanks for the info on Smart Panel. It sounds like a really useful product for these types of builds. Fortunately, lumber has came down around here too. A 2x4 in WV is $2.98 from a high of $7.37 at our local Home Depot. I'm not sure how to share photos on KZbin, but if you have a suggestion I'd like to see those pictures for sure. Would you consider making a video of your camper? A lot of folks like me would love to see it.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

@@mikekrabal I thought of email for the pictures - maybe you don't want your email address on YT, though. I should be able to do a basic video using my phone, but I haven't looked into how to upload to You Tube. Might have to take counsel from someone under the age of twelve.

[@mikekrabal]

@@stephenandloriyoung5716 Hahaha, yeah the younger generation is so much better at the digital stuff! I just subscribed to your channel and if you make a video I'll get notified to watch it. And you're correct, I'm leery of putting my email on here.

[@taetherton]

Good job when I don't have break for bending metal rubber hammer an bend the metal over 2x4.

[@mikekrabal]

Good tip. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@samuelhelderman]

Such a great video. I subbed

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you, sir!

[@huxmetalworks7371]

Oh can you tell me how it has held up and what would you charge if you built another one thanks

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video. That camper held up really well until I disassembled it to rebuild a new camper on that trailer. The reason I did that was due to a semi truck driver backing into it when I was sleeping in it one night. It suffered enough damage that I had to fix it or scrap it. You can see me scraping it in this video. And there's another video on the channel with more information on that trailer as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJXFZXWuos2afbM The camper sat out in the elements for two years before I scrapped it. Really no issues at all. Stayed waterproof with my temporary body work. The only thing I'd change would be using plexiglass/acrylic windows instead of glass. Someone else broke one of my windows in a separate incident. Sounds like it's better to keep the campers away from the public hahaha! That would be the biggest change!

[@mikekrabal]

Also, as of that video I had towed it 21,000 miles. By the time I scrapped it, it had more than 30,000 miles towed.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

EXCELLENT to see what can be done and pulled by a small car, what was the gas millage change

[@mikekrabal]

My car gets 500 miles per full tank. Pulling the trailer, it got about 420 miles per full tank.

[@jcwoods2311]

@@mikekrabal Cool build Mike, love the simplicity. There's a small stick on airfoil system made by many manufacturers, 1st name brand AirTabs, that will greatly reduce the drag on that flat-backed trailer. Not that expensive, easy to put on, just orient them correctly. You can feel the difference pulling it, and the back of the trailer will be a bit cleaner. You'll likely gain 30-40 miles of range back per tank. I was surprised with my cargo trailer, worked very well.

[@fdfd9781]

Şeyi çok merak ediyorum zaman ibaresinde 1 yıl önce görünüyor, acaba onlarda da hacı feçen sen 650 ye nal olmuşya bu sene kaç okur acaba? Zam, enflasyon... Yoksa o biz Ortadoğu kafasından çıkamayanların kaçınamadığı kaderi mi acaba?

[@robertoler3795]

well done

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you sir!

[@wyattmackenzie4967]

how much does this weight? and is it possible to have something like this transported by bike or....foot? LOL

[@mikekrabal]

It weighs 426 pounds. I think it's far too heavy for foot or bicycle, unfortunately. It can be moved around by foot, but it feels heavy doing it like that. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@coalcamp8784]

Where did you get your roof metal. I’ve searched everywhere and can’t anything wider than 20”

[@mikekrabal]

I bought it at Ferguson's HVAC supply. I recently bought a 4x8 sheet of aluminum from our local sign shop. That could work if you can't find the galvanized sheet metal. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@hellhound1389]

Built a camper that fit in the bed of my S10 but I built mine out of aluminum and made a clam shell door set up where you used the main entry that was an old screen door from a house then you could undo the latches on the inside and it could open wide to still use the truck as a truck

[@mikekrabal]

That sounds like an awesome build! I especially like that you focused on keeping the bed of the truck usable. Very practical and original. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@michaelmorar1]

What is the height of the walls off the deck? It seems like you might have gone with 4’ that aligned with the plywood 4 x8? If so, what do you think would be the optimal height for a cargo trailer on a harbor freight like yours? Did this height work for you ?

[@mikekrabal]

If I remember correctly, I think the interior height was right around 42 or 43 inches. I did use a 4x8 sheet, for the walls, and installed it lower than the deck to cover the trailer frame. I don't really have an opinion for an optimal height as it is determined by the needs of the owner. For that trailer, I didn't need it to be tall. I simply used it as a place to sleep each night for the travel job I was working. No standing room was needed. To answer your question, it worked great for what I needed. Thanks for the question and for watching!

[@jared7871]

I'm about an hour south of Harrisburg PA

[@mikekrabal]

I'm pretty familiar with Shippensburg and Chambersburg. Nice areas of PA. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jared7871]

@@mikekrabal im greencastle. Next town south of Chambersburg

[@ashleychanelle1997]

I have an idea in mind to rooftop tent but set up one of these as a greenhouse… possible?? Any watchers have advice?

[@mikekrabal]

Hi, and thanks for checking out my video. I encourage anyone to build what they can imagine. The way I built that little camper is a decent starting point. It's bare bones and open for customization. If you do a rooftop tent, you'd need to add more sturdy framing to the roof. The way I built it was to be as lightweight as possible, so the roof couldn't support a person. I think a greenhouse could work if you used that style of framing and replaced the plywood wall panels with plexiglass or something similar. I don't see why that wouldn't work. Good luck with your projects!

[@jerrytalley802]

Where did you get your metal, that’s cool

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for watching. I bought that metal at Ferguson Supply. It's a 26 gauge sheet of galvanized metal like they use in duct work. 4x10 foot.

[@jerrytalley802]

I wonder where I could get something wider for a 7’ or so build, thanks

[@mikekrabal]

@@jerrytalley802 I'm really not sure. I used to install duct work for a living and haven't seen anything wider than four feet. I'd also like a wider piece to build a wider camper so me and my girlfriend can fit in it better.

[@MarkMayhew]

how much did it cost to build?

[@johnw65]

With lumber going crazy, that 1/4" ply is looking good! I'm thinking of making foam-laminate with 1/4" ply both sides and framing doors and windows with wood as well as a more conventional roof like you made. Notching foam and inner ply then glue and screw from outside. What's the details on your roof metal?

[@mikekrabal]

That sounds like a solid plan. I'd also like to build with more materials to keep the heat out and the cool in. That roof is 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal. The same stuff they use for duct work. I got it at Ferguson supply in 2020 for about $49, I think. It's a 4x10' sheet.

[@showspotter]

whered you find a 4x8 sheet of metal or aluminum, cant find any at the big box stores around me

[@mikekrabal]

I buy those sheets of metal at Ferguson HVAC supply stores. They're galvanized. They run from $45 to 75 dollars depending on the size and gauge. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@emilflognoid1532]

Beauty!!

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks, my friend.

[@JudiChristopher]

That turned out beautiful... How does it look now? How is it holding up?

[@mikekrabal]

Hi Judi. Thanks for checking out the video! It looks much the same now. Unfortunately, a tractor trailer driver ran into the side of it last summer and damaged it. Even with that, structurally it's stills sound. Instead of collapsing in, the trailer just slid sideways. I'll be making a close-up video review of it in the coming days due to interest from viewers.

[@JudiChristopher]

@@mikekrabal OMGosh... So Sorrry to hear about the wreck... Hope you and your family are okay... a Travel Trailer wreck is SCARY... What do you think this travel trailer/micro camper was worth after you finished it? Hopefully you had insurance on it... So sorry they hit it.

[@mikekrabal]

It was kind of terrifying being awakened by my camper sliding sideways at 1am. I'm happy to have not been crushed haha. The truck hit my camper in a parking lot. Since it was custom built, I didn't have insurance on it. I plan to repair it soon. Fortunately, I was the only one in it at the time. I'm really not sure what it's worth on the market. I'd like to hear suggestions. Personally, I think too many of the 4x8 campers offered are overpriced at $5k and up. That's why I built mine.

[@JudiChristopher]

@@mikekrabal MIKE... YOU were IN the Camper when it was HIT!!! Holy Moly!!! Did the person that hit you KNOW they hit you? Did they PAY for the damage? Oh MY Gosh... So Scary... I'm glad you're okay. Praise the Lord.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you. Yep, I was in it sleeping. The semi driver was a co-worker. He didn't see the camper and backed his semi into it. Afterwards I told him about it. He gladly paid me for the material to replace the damage, the wood, stain, etc. It was a great test to see how strong the camper was despite nearly being killed hahaha.

[@TheLingnerFamily]

No ventilation? No air conditioning or heat

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the vid, and for the questions. Here's another video displaying the trailer in greater detail after one year of use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2nkKKYmaZ_esk I did put an A/C in it at the last minute. Didn't need heat since I was only traveling with and sleeping in the camper in the summer time. Never had any ventilation problems since I didn't use rubber or gaskets to seal the rear doors.

[@flyinggyros9745]

Very nice.

[@mikekrabal]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@montereyspike]

Hi. Great job on your camper. I was wondering what you did for A/C and how you powered your air conditioning. Thank you.

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for checking out the video! Greatly appreciated. For the A/C I used a regular window unit. It was a small 5000 btu model. I powered it with a small generator. I ended up cutting a hole for it in the front of the camper, above the tongue. It worked great. Not the trickest setup, but it was close to the cheapest setup. Here's a link to the video where I review the camper after one year. It has more info regarding the A/C, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2nkKKYmaZ_esk

[@montereyspike]

@@mikekrabal Thanks. I'll check it out. Back in 2012-13, I traveled from California to Maine and then Florida and back, over 30 states with my dog for a whole year sleeping in a restored 1956 Benroy teardrop trailer. Not the easiest year of my life, but definitely one of the best. Great job on your trailer and thanks again for getting back to me. Rich

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Great!! But it’s a shame you didn’t put insulation in the roof

[@mikekrabal]

Thanks for watching!