Custom Squaredrop camper build - Harbor Freight trailer frame

This is my custom built 4x8 square drop style camper. It took me roughly 2 months to complete - working a couple hours here and there. It was a fun project but it is for sale now in the SLC, UT area.
Music used is from KZbin Studio
Artist is NEFFEX
Titles are: "Believe"; "Dreaming on"; "Inspired"; "Til I hear'em say"; "Hustlin' "

[@rudysquest]

Please help me get to 1,000 subs!!! I appreciate everyone watching this video and commenting!! I’m going to be building another one but also I’m going to post a video soon of the materials I used for this videos build :). You are all great people!!

[@jamey2116]

What keepsthetop water proof

[@skywatcher6064]

Rubberized paint

[@ashleymcclain315]

How did it hold up did bumpy roads shake it to pieces. That's my worry about the one I want to make

[@rudysquest]

Thanks for watching. We made it!

[@f-ickle1200]

with music like that, i don't think so

[@rudysquest]

Update - Total cost of this build including the trailer frame was around $1200

[@johnw65]

Nice job Chris, I like! I started with a 4x6 v-nose trailer for $2K, Added Insulation, AC, Door, Windows, cabinets, TV, AM/FM DVD front deck, luggage rack, and awning for an add'l $2K...

[@rudysquest]

@@johnw65 that’s awesome! That’s what I want to try next.

[@johnw65]

@@rudysquest I'm discovering that on our DIY trailers, they're never 'done'... I'm constantly spotting some little thing I want to add. Like maybe a foldup room to attach to the ramp on the back for an indoor privy/shower and outside galley like the teardrops have....

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

Use wing nuts and make the box removable just incase you need to use the trailer for anything or for maintenance ease.

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Nice build. The only I would do real different, is make it so I can stand up in it. I'll be darned if I'm going to take on a project of this magnitude, and then not be able to walk upright inside of it. I'm only 5"7', and my wife is less. So 5'9" to 5'10", floor to ceiling would do for me.

[@Chuckles..]

Beautifully done simplicity without spending $8000 and taking a year to build. Commercial RV builders are out of touch with reality.

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

Not at all they make products with planned obsolescence so you have to spend more than it's worth to repair or to buy a new one.they know exactly what they are doing

[@Billy28376]

@@scootersonlyrepair6773so true. That’s how everything is made now

[@williamltmetz6969]

I've been watching a lot of channels of people making teardrop designs I'm like why can't somebody just make a square one and then I found this channel perfect finally a square one I'm 61 years young I like it easy to make i don't need a teardrop.

[@chickenfriedsteak9330]

I could be completely wrong, but my guess is teardrop build is more aerodynamic...basically, far less wind resistance, equaling more speed & better gas mileage?

[@jimholmes2555]

I'm going to hire this guy to build my camp trailer, Look how fast he works!

[@user-de3mg1hg5l]

That's great! People think they need everything built in, like electric and sink etc. but I would just have battery lights and a couple jugs of water. And bring a generator for AC if it was hot and a buddy heater for heat. Cook outside.and a cooler for ice cold drinks .

[@gregsteele9002]

Excellent ! I also built mine at 4'x4'x8' rectangular. I wasn't worried about aerodynamics either because I pull it behind a van anyway

[@larryfulmer]

I'm considering turning a aluminum trailer I bought from Lowe's to carry a golf cart behind my van.. into a square camper trailer. 5x10. But I'm going to build the sides at 6foot. I pull behind a van as well... that sometimes the spare room on a light trailer would be so very welcomed....

[@christined.3728]

I love the bolt lock on the door, but the hinge screws are on the outside. And the smoke detector kinda made me chuckle.

[@robertbragg9364]

A box for the front of the trailer from harbor freight and one of their quiet generators to go inside the box and you're on your way! Great job, it looks good 👍

[@oldfarmer9004]

Nice for a weekend trip. I like the simplicity. It actually has all kinds of accessories. Like a little bag awning or something. Well done.

[@Trevor-nb6cn]

This just laughs in the face of Airstream, these are modern lines!

[@vornamenachname8783]

nice, simple and solid work, still for cargo and as camping trailer, exactly what I like. What I had done additionally: I would put rubber granulate stripes under the wood. Sooner or later will be there, so it is good, if the wood won`t have water contact too long. Thanks for your video, I really like it :)

[@SuperCyril2]

That camper is $40,000 at a RV dealer. Great job!!

[@highcountrypackrat8215]

Dude that is awesome! I’ve been looking at trailers because we’re planning on moving away from where I work so I want something I can camp out in during the week. I was actually looking at harbor freight trailers just the other day.

[@user-xl4lr3jp5y]

Excellent job thank you for showing us how it's done.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤

[@puppx13]

Looking good. Thanks for the video.

[@robertlaporte2998]

Step by step explaining works better with reasons of how and why!

[@mlangfordcamper]

Building tiny campers is my after work thing so much fun

[@1984redcloud]

Nice.. The $ticker $hock for a commercial overland trailer has lead me to build my own. When ever I am done, (haven't started yet, lol) it may not be as pretty but I will have a pretty penny in the bank. Nice build my friend. Thanks for making this video.

[@jcooney6950]

Great build. I am definitely interested in knowing more about how you did this.

[@TheBellvueRanch]

Nice build!

[@donaldfrazier5244]

Gotch cha subscribed!

[@geeeemn5010]

Nice work! Cool trailer!

[@rudysquest]

Thank you!

[@murphdoesit]

BRO this is TIGHT! thank you for sharing!

[@F-N-C]

That's dope dude! I was barely even able to put mine together! lol

[@jrchefal]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewchapman4313]

Very cool build man! You’ve just earned yourself a new subscriber. Looking forward to what you do next!

[@rudysquest]

Thank you!!

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

Gosh these builds used to be so fun before lumber exploded in price! Now tow that thing to my deer hunting spot!

[@brianmellinger7981]

Nice job 👍 😎

[@donaldfrazier5244]

Im going to give this a go,but with a bigger trailer that I already own! Also using poor man’s fiberglass for the skin!

[@jackrabbit89jo]

Wow great video! I plan on doing a similar build very soon!

[@octavianomora5712]

Nice rig for hunting or camping 👌

[@rogerlbl7316]

By far my favorite build on KZbin. Quick and basic. The only thing that is making me second think my build is, a used 20ft pulled behind camper that needs a little TLC can be bought for close to the same price as a DIY build, plus it already has appliances, water, bathroom Etc.. really on the fence 🤔

[@rudysquest]

I appreciate that!! That is a tough choice for sure, I wanted a camper like that but for me I was limited by my tow vehicle which is why I went this route.

[@anthony-ju6qo]

Great design but it's leak city. Don't travel or leave it out in the rain. If you used vinyl siding over tyvek- then wood, it would be 100x better. Also making a curved nose instead of a flat one ,would make it aerodynamic.

[@rogerr8029]

Great music, good vibes

[@DariusViktoree-pv2jp]

Nice work.. 💯💯💯

[@jessemullins8144]

It’s perfect!

[@OOICU812]

Nice job.

[@user-xl4lr3jp5y]

❤❤❤❤❤You did a wonderful job. Made so much better that the ready made factory types should take Notes on what quality is all about🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@EduardoJimenez-rk8nw]

Very cool !

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

Sooper dooper trailer man! 😱😁👍👍🇺🇸

[@wildcatDIY]

Nice video bro. Gave me some ideas..!

[@noahriding5780]

Thank u. this was fun to see.

[@skywatcher6064]

VERY NICE JOB, I have plans to do the same on my 5 x 10 with ramp. Will build it on 4x4 skids so I can winch it on and drag it off . I,m contemplatng using insulated garage door panels for sheeting, I like your design.

[@rudysquest]

That’s awesome! Skids would be nice so that your trailer is multi use. Good luck with the project!

[@iwantosavemoney]

I like it brother simple fast and will last a long time I need something like this just for deer camp

[@mlangfordcamper]

You will be to 1K soon with this kind of response almost 200K in one year that alone is impressive how did you do that

[@rudysquest]

Good question lol - Just lucky I guess.

[@johndufrasne1641]

Awesome idea

[@rudysquest]

Thanks a lot!

[@hotsausage504]

Chris this is awesome bro. I plan on building one sometime in the future. I may have some questions along the way. Hope Youre still here to answer them.

[@rudysquest]

Hey! Thanks!! I’ll do my best to answer them. I check the comments pretty frequently.

[@rudysquest]

Best of luck!

[@christiancordero4060]

Badass only thing I would change is the hinge for the door has all the screws exposed I can unscrew them and go right in

[@rudysquest]

Good point lol. I had plans to cover them with trim but that’s a valid point - things to remember on the next one

[@user-de3mg1hg5l]

That's the point of building your own, save money and customize to your liking.

[@stephendall2329]

Built mine with the door to the rear, only drawback is getting in without a Jack stand when not hooked up to truck causes it to lift in front.

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Think can use foam panels for lot as better insulation and lower cost. But good video shows easy

[@jamesgeorge1709]

😅Wouldn't you just love having this guy for a neighbor?

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Awesome.

[@helidude3502]

This dude works fast !!!! 🙀 He must not be paid by the hour🤷‍♂️

[@walnutcreekwoodworksofjack3520]

Almost exactly like mine.

[@jeffmay1024]

Everything look great. My worry is your trim. I hope it doesn’t leak on you.

[@HammerWrench]

Great build! I’m doing a pop up camper converted to a hard side salon on my channel.

[@MrJeep75]

Nice build, could use some cabnets

[@bugoutadventures]

This may be an opportunity for you to help those who have recently lost everything. A roof over their heads. Great work! I would love ❤️ to buy one from you, only I am one of those who live with family because of a disability. God bless you 🙏 ❤️

[@worlore1651]

Can probably fit a fouton in the space. If you add more space around the wheel you can add a counter and more space. Probably only 12 inch tho.

[@ronblack9615]

How well does it tow nice clean build

[@bobsugrue2703]

I want to build one, but removable maybe with some I bolts & turnbuckles.

[@corgifamily85]

I want to make this so bad.

[@stevesnyder4384]

I’m homeless, living In my car. This would be a Godsend. A roof over my head, a place to actually lay down and get a proper nights sleep… I work, I have a job, just trying to come up with first, last, security for a place, plus utilities deposits, ect, ect, ect…

[@TheTruckWhisper]

Subscribed 💯💪🏾

[@wildwoodtop]

Custom SquareTop 🤟

[@jeorgedavid3239]

Too cute

[@ScottRidesHonda]

Be careful how you insulate around waterproofing. When cooling the inside, expect moisture to buildup on any surface it cannot permeate from the inside out. The opposite is true for heating. That's why we don't just waterproof the shit out of regular houses.

[@ronriley865]

Nice work🔥🔥🔥What type of weather seal paint did you use for the roof?

[@rudysquest]

I actually used Rustoleum Rocksolid 6x deck paint. It completely seals and waterproofs. It makes a super rigid surface. The first coat went on really thick and the wood completely absorbed it, then I added a couple more coats for added waterproofing

[@Chaseypoo321]

Could you send me a list of the materials you used?

[@zachsheffee8458]

Why don’t you add a slight pitch to the roof so it’s about 5 feet in total Height?

[@joebotz1243]

Did you change the axle so you could drive over 45?

[@angelabyrd5337]

That’s sweet! Do you have build detail?❤

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

I have a 7x10 trailer frame I want to do the same thing but I need at least 7' inside height and a place to do it.

[@PatrickDickey52761]

Would you be willing to post the materials used and prints for the trailer online? This looks almost exactly like what I'm wanting to build (with some minor modifications). And, what's the total weight? (I"m assuming you've sold the trailer by now, which is why I'm asking about the designs)

[@zezoab]

Lol blueprints? Its just a fucking piece of shit box on a shit trailer

[@danemmerich6775]

Great Job and great video! What size trailer was it?

[@rudysquest]

4x8

[@cynthiataylor8140]

Very nice but where is the plans, for the rest of us that may not be a carpenter, thanks

[@starrlehner1881]

Why not aerodynamic to help with pulling?

[@jethroOffroadAdventures]

How did the paint an wood hold up? As far as pealing an the wood cracking

[@fladave99]

I like it. Dont get the tear drops.

[@30092001]

great trailer !! I want to build one like yours .. do you know what is the weight of your trailer ?

[@rudysquest]

I didn’t officially weigh it but I tried to keep track of the material being used. My best estimate is between 700-800 lbs. tongue weight was about 85 lbs.

[@rickmahomes]

Nice build! What kind of tow vehicle did you have for this trailer? Also did you keep the stock tires on the Harbor Freight trailer?

[@rudysquest]

I have a Jeep Renegade - pulls perfectly fine. Also, I did keep the stock tires on it.

[@RedfishInc]

How does it pull? Does the square front offer up much wind resistance? How does pulling it effect your gas mileage? I'm curious because I am building almost exactly this design and I'm second guessing whether or not to round off the front any.

[@rudysquest]

I went back and forth on rounding the front too. It does pull fine. I didn’t really notice a big drag with the flat front. Rounding the front or doing a v nose might give a bit more space inside. I just went as simple as i could.

[@fladave99]

I would put a little v on the nose. A flat front will add resistance and could also buffett especially when passing trucks

[@firefighter2699]

About how much does it weight just curious. I like the design. Thinking about doing it on a northern tools 5x8

[@crash5225]

What is the stuff you used on the corners of the trailer? I'm having a hard time figuring out how to build a door on mine

[@rudysquest]

I used some really inexpensive galvanized steel roof flashing. Works great, a little flimsy but with the right screws, it held strong. I used lathe screws. The doors are tricky. That was one of the last things I built because I didn’t know how to approach it. However, I used 1x4 as the frame, plywood for the outside, 1/8” whiteboard for the inside and used wood glue and wood screws to hold it all together. I also insulated the door with 1/2” foam board.

[@lindaSee89]

Can you tell me your final weight trailer and build?

[@shawnconway7890]

Awesome job. I’m in the process of building one myself. What brand/type or rubber paint do you use for the roof? Thank you

[@rudysquest]

I believe it was rustoleum rocksolid deck coat that was the 6x thickness. It creates a waterproof barrier.

[@shawnconway7890]

Ok I will look into that. Thank you very much and stay safe

[@firsttimerplantingseeds]

hey buddy, thanks for the video . any chance you can share the blueprint and total material list ?

[@rudysquest]

I did make another video with explanations and materials. I don’t have blueprints unfortunately..

[@ronb6182]

It's not a square drop it's just a square but that gives less chance of hitting your head. Thanks for posting. 73

[@marcster13]

For anyone considering buying a trailer. I just went through a nightmare and not sure it's finished. It took a total of 3 stores. I went online to look for the closet store that had heavier duty one in stock. The store closet to me had none, so I went to the second closet. They told me they do not have any. They had one sitting up front on display. It turns out the one on display they are counting as inventory. I told them I'd take it and they told me no. They know these trailers are often hard to find so they trick people into coming into that store location for the trailer, only to be told they actually do not have any, even though it's sitting right in front of everyone as a display. Very crooked or at least dishonest. Anyhow, they at least call another store but it's pretty far. They confirmed they had the trailer I wanted in stock. What was interesting is the guy was clear to me that they had both matching boxes. At the time this seemed odd to say but I didn't pay much attention to it. I get to the store and pick up a couple of items and tell them I'm there to pick up the trailer. They bring it out in two boxes. The guy gets nervous because he has to fill out the title stuff. Had a 'how to' binder, I assume the store created so the paperwork gets completed correctly. It was a disaster. He was coming things out and stamping in the wrong place. I was like hey man are you sure you know what you are doing. He asked a couple of people for help. They assured me all is good with the paperwork. I ended up going to the store next to me to have a manager review because it looked off to me still. She made a correction but no stamp in front of the title. I went to get the title and registration a few days later. They basically laughed at me. Told me to get an affidavit and correct the stamp location. I went to the store closest to me again for this. She was very helpful but had to call the store manager in the place I bought it from originally. I went back to get it registered and after a lot of people reviewed the paperwork they decided to do it but advised it could come back later as not valid. So it was a nightmare going through all this. Lots of my time wasted. I hadn't even put it together yet. Now get this. I open the large box with all the parts because I wanted to paint it with a paint that would not fade like the factory paint does. What's odd is i unpack a front cross member. In my head I'm like oh wow, I thought this only came with the light weight version of the trailer. I'm like sweet, they upgraded. I take all the red parts out and paint them. Looks great. Lots of time spent on it. I planned on putting it together this weekend. Even though I've watched at least ten videos on how to put it together I decided to read the manual. I almost crapped myself. The manual is for the smaller trailer!!!! They gave me the wrong trailer!!!!! I paid for the heavy duty version and they gave me the lighter version. Wth!!! It turns out this goes back to the comment about two matching boxes. They gave me the small box of the heavy trailer which has the wheels and springs. The large box is all the framing and axle of the lighter trailer. What a joke! I've put so much time ahead work into this already without even assembling it, even have a wood deck purchased and cut. I can't return it at this point with all the registration fees paid, the frame painted and the store being an hour away. I will put it together and see how it turns out. Not happy about it at all. This also means the next person will get mixed boxes, or maybe it happened before me and I got the mixed boxes. This is just a warning for anyone thinking of getting a trailer. First, call the store to see if they are trying to be crooked by showing a display as available inventory online. Two, when they bring out two boxes make sure they match! If you make it to three, demand a manager completes the paperwork and that the manager goes slow. Any corrections or scribbles will require you to go back and get an affidavit later. If someone from Harbor Freight contacts me and makes this right I will let everyone know. I will be sharing this in many places to get the word out.

[@user-pm9vi6vo7g]

does the 1200$ include the trailer also?

[@allanherrera9549]

What kind of screws do you use , the type and size, I have a 4x8 hf, and I need to do an enclosed cargo trailer im in orem located thanks 🙂

[@rudysquest]

I used structural screws for framing. I also used structural bolts to hold the wood to the metal frame. I think it was 3” screws. And 4.5” bolts.

[@TheDouglash]

Using those screws did you have any edge or end splitting? Did you counter sink and/or predrill for the screws?

[@oldschooldiy3240]

Like the build, maybe I'll get a "Round Tuit", and build one myself! Silly question though, no criticism, just curious, Why does everyone put the door on the side? I'm thinking a door in the rear(like the ASCAPE trailers) would be better....my opinion only....

[@rudysquest]

I thought about adding a rear access door as well- having two might be better in the long run.

[@trystonthompson4444]

Can you comfortably take that going 60mph pulse?

[@ventman929]

Great video, thanks!! How or what mods did you do to the HF trailer? what mph is safe with the HF? i am about to buy one to custom build just like yours only i must go 6ft in height :)

[@rudysquest]

Thanks!! All I did to the frame was have the joints welded. I don’t recall the mph but they are dot compliant tires. So I’d assume that means you are good for freeway speeds up to 65. But I don’t recall the actual number.

[@kmartinsmusic]

What are the measurements of the door and window and where did you get them from?

[@rudysquest]

1 window is 24x36 and the other is 24x24. I had to custom make the door. I think it was something like 36 tall by 24 or 26 wide.

[@sanketjain9036]

What are you welding at start of the video? Did you make any changes to the HF trailer?

[@rudysquest]

I was welding the joints to reinforce the frame. That’s the only change I made to the frame. Everything was still bolted together but welded at those joints.

[@stuartmenzies3928]

Roof looks dubious

[@Rohamsanat]

I wish you success. Thank you for visiting my works. I am a designer and manufacturer