DIY Squaredrop Camper FULL BUILD Walkthrough

[@paulrhodes3094]

You are not a DIY builder. You are a professional builder without a company. Fantastic.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much.

[@ThexEpicxMechanic]

Man if you weren't showing build footage, I would have never believed it wasn't a factory camper. Amazing work!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you kindly

[@astrawally8448]

Mate, brilliant build and turned out awesome. A few questions and thoughts: 1. Why did you choose a wooden frame for the cabin vs say using RHS or square steel tube? I am debating this point right now and interested in your views and experience. 2. Double ply walls - understand you needed the structural integrity, but did you consider a laminated or hollow core approach using thinner ply on the outer (8-12mm), then borders/bracing for the insulation layer, then another thinner play or faced laminate on the inner layer? Not saying you did it wrong, but I saw a lot of wastage and effort in cutting out your inner ply. 3. Did you consider the aluminium composite sheeting rather than plywood for the walls? 4. I love the shelfing layout - I will likely steal your ideas :) 5. How did you get front - rear balance? This has to be one of the best camper build videos out there, really good you focussed on how you built it and not showing off what you built.

[@LTZ_Z71]

Seriously well done! Easily one of the best I've ever seen.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks so much

[@ghetto_tog]

This thing looks gorgeous and super practical! I see you went with a totally different approach than the common fibreglass design. You've summarized a whole build into a short video where others would have made a whole series out of. Having said that, if there was a detailed series on how to build this, I probably would have watched it! Great job and hope you have many great adventures with the trailer!

[@djalaladv1289]

Good job and this is the best video I have seen in KZbin about all details many tanks from Algeria 🇩🇿

[@ChilledBeans]

Wow, thank you so much my friend. I really appreciate your comments.

[@tsetendorjee9040]

Thank you for sharing us your DIY Squaredrop Camper FULL BUILD Walkthrough ! From Washington DC.

[@PRH123]

That woodwork looks really very good. Better than a commercial trailer. Adds weight of course but it must make using it very enjoyable.

[@chrisstratton987]

Chilled, Damn!!! That is BAD ASS!!! Well Done!!!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you

[@palletwoodcamper]

you just cant beat the outdoors can you , I just love watching this type of video to inspire me . by the way I love your name Elvis

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you.

[@timothyhinman7689]

This is one of the best looking and practical home built campers I have seen yet. I would definitely use this video as something to design a light weight camper. The outside looks so professionally built, you would never know it was not store bought. Great job!

[@ChilledBeans]

Much appreciated

[@BonesFPV]

What a beautiful well thought out camper. Congrats. I hope you are enjoying it.

[@jameskleist9176]

Vicrtoria "the education state" well that explains it that you did such a great job in telling how you built your teardrop. Nice!

[@malcolmwhiteman8689]

Hi Elvis, Great Job, I am about to head in the same direction with a square drop build and found great information about products and build ideas, Many Thanks

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you and good luck. Stay tuned, I'm planing to put together a video of all the mistakes (what not to do) and similar soon

[@alanrobisonPD1960]

What an amazing build!! The details and finish work really made the square drop. Simplicity was also a major feature that so many other manufacturers fail to accomplish or see as a necessity. Again, I’m really impressed, thanks for taking the time to show the building ideas. This is Alan, greetings from Riverside in Southern California.

[@ChilledBeans]

Hi Alan. Thank you so much for you awesome message.

[@davidoetting1551]

Ausgezeichnet! You could make rear door open further so you could stand while cooking. Well done.

[@karldc83]

Amazing build and info. I'd like to do something similar and live in Vic , this is so relevant to me. I have an old 1970 coleman poptop I'm thinking of converting as it's not enjoyable setting up and packing down. You've given me a lot of inspiration. Thank you!

[@jimhunt4425]

Mate! You're the king. Everything about this video was incredible. Congratulations

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate your comments Jim.

[@TRAILLAD]

one of the best diy teadrop videos i have watched on yt (belive me i have watched a lots of them) 👌👌

[@74dartman13]

It's absolutely gorgeous! Looks like it rolled out of a factory, but built better.👍😎

[@cyclemoto8744]

Well done. Thanks for sharing

[@carlfogarthy6508]

Grandeeee!!!!! Bravissimo Plus, the total cost is 5k AUD which is less than 3k EUR for a caravan that worths at least 10k EUR! Great, congrats for the design and mostly for the very accurate handacrafting! Ciao

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you! I am a grandpa rider on HONDA motorcycle from Japan. Enjoying camping ,touring and upload video. Your mini camper video is so nice! Awesome! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you very much for your kind message. Greetings from Melbourne.

[@LokiMelb]

Only just found your videos. Looking to build something very similar. Is great seeing your learning from your build and the details you go into. Thanks heaps

[@rustypanels1917]

great job Elvis, I plan on building a slide on camper for my 6 X 4 trailer, wanting to go prospecting 2 or 3 days at a time. I am in Melbourne, Happy travel's. Shayne.

[@BDL090754]

Wow Elvis, I have seen heaps of these DIY Squaredrop, / Teardrop campers, and I have to say this is one the BEST I've seen, - great job mate, I am slowly in the process of making mine, but I don't think I will have the patience or knowhow, to do anything like yours, it is a very nice rig indeed, and your commentry and explanation of the build was very informative, and quite helpful, - I am also from Melbourne Victoria, so this fact gives me great inspiration to get mine finished. Thank you

[@ChilledBeans]

Brad I really appreciate your feedback. It's fantastic that you are building one too. I wish you all the best with the build.

[@michaelatkin2562]

Good job. The graphics make it look very professional!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you.

[@jc9930]

Wow. Great job. The decals makes it look like you bought one that is professionally manufactured.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you

[@jlo7770]

Sweet build man you really thought of everything. Always love learning simple stuff I should know but wouldn't think of like overlapping the top metal with the bottom to obviously keep water out. A lot of attention to detail and great use of the space you got, I like the hand made paper towel holder.

[@ChilledBeans]

Much appreciated.

[@gettinglostinoz7359]

Just saw your collection of vids related to ur tear drop , great build mate , inspired to build similar . Thanks ,

[@chibanoojisan]

It's a very nice video. Now I'm making a camping trailer like you. A transformative camping trailer FROM JAPAN

[@clintjoseph7126]

Mate that thing is bloody excellent. You are very highly skilled. Hi from Brisbane!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much.

[@paulcombes3782]

Congratulations Elvis , this is the most practical camper I've looked at . Great video and awesome outcome . Thanks mate .

[@ChilledBeans]

Much appreciated. I think I should put up an updated short video with additional practicality improvements. For example we learned that you want to have as much working space on the kitchen bench, so I've ended up installing powered fridge inside the toolbox. Things like portable table and chairs, we now just keep inside the sleeping compartment, because these you always take out and setup when you get to a spot, so better to leave toolbox for the fridge which you then don't have to pull out for the entire camping trip. I've also installed the stove under the bench where you can just open the lid if you need to use the stove, or close if you want more working space. So far we have been really happy with practicality side of things.

[@carlietarawa768]

This is really good self build explanation. So helpful and informative without waffling on to much. All the key points I've wanted to know about a self build. Even down to a little mini model example😆😆 The Man!! Thankyou, Thankyou

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks for your awesome feedback.

[@colin_nizer]

Your accent trips me out some sounds like Australian, Russian and West Indian. Good job on the square drop

[@ChilledBeans]

Hahaha, It trips me out too.

[@babypxcamper4078]

Thanks heaps for this - things to think about while we are doing our 'square drop mini camper build'

[@mikecarr1484]

Mine is made with one inch square steel . Stainless panels . Aluminum frame . It will never rot or burn down . Only weighs 550lbs

[@ChilledBeans]

That's fantastic. I wish I could weld aluminium.

[@Scrambler85]

Very impressive work and a beautiful build. I am finishing a van conversion and I appreciate your thoughts and labor..Definitely a thumbs up 👍🏽

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much. Yes, it was lots of work, but it's very enjoyable and rewarding. Van conversion sounds awesome too. All the best with it.

[@harrymills2770]

Very practical, relatively light build. You give up some weight with a good, steel chassis. They make lighter, aluminum chassis. For me, that little extra weight was not significant, because it's still very small and light behind my pickup. I know it's back there. It definitely affects my gas mileage and acceleration, but it's still small enough that I can keep up with traffic and not be resigned to the slow lane and/or be a traffic hazard on mountain highways. If I were building my own, it'd be a square-drop where the back door is the entire back wall, and it's hinged at the top AND the bottom, so it can work as a ramp or weather protection, as needed. Just have it latch good and tight with side latches, and use a hinge pin (or pins) to decide which way it'll open. Run the pin through the top hinge, it's a back porch. Pull the pin and run it through the bottom hinge, and it's a ramp. Make it the absolute smallest toy hauler that's practical. I don't have any toys, but I would like that option. But all the toy-haulers out there are man-height. But I really like the highway and off-road performance of a good teardrop or square-drop mini-camper, and I think there's middle ground, there, for somebody with smaller toys, like 80-cc dirt bikes or snowdog snow machines. Nothing high-powered, but still mechanized, to extend your range from base camp. Toys you can take with, without making a production out of it.

[@mdbizzarri]

Fantastic build, great explanation, and the video editing was perfect! The build is $3400 USD, which is 1/4 of what a similar trailer costs in the US, and built to a much higher quality. I think that trailer could probably easily go through some serious mountain trails with how well you built it. I hope ya'll have some great times ahead!

[@t7.ialshaidi659]

great work 👌🏼👍🏼😍

[@tbrosow]

time for a proper fridge, nice build

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks. Couldn't agree more.

[@Gullyrats]

Looks professional, Well Done. Lots of little hints. I’m in Melb also & considering such a project

[@obiwon8717]

Brilliant video, thank you! The trailer looks awesome and not hand made. Have loads of fun with it, happy camping!

[@matoage]

Looks fantastic, thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@scottm6986]

Easily the best video I’ve seen so far 👍

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much

[@luso4454]

One of the best teardrop builds I have seen. Great job. I wish you lived in the US, I would ask you to help me build one.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much my friend

[@kevinlanders2499]

Nice build, I am thinking of doing a similar project with my son. Cheers 🍻

[@rickbartley9255]

Very nice work Elvis. It's a very professional looking build.

[@dfn808]

That camper looks fantastic. Awesome job 👍

[@al311272]

Well done. That’s a good looking build.

[@ChilledBeans]

Much appreciated

[@bertvanderzee2870]

Beautiful construction

[@peterdewar8592]

This is a great build, it would be nice if someone could build a tent room that could attach to the side, so that you could stand up to change. It would make it easier for us older guys.

[@ZentrixBeats]

Looks very cool.

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherAU]

Great video. I’m about to embark on this journey

[@traceyhobbs8331]

Looks better build than anything on utube so far, iv seen cheaper and more expensive and this seems something in between.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much.

[@camrob1973]

Great build and great videos. Excellent work. Well done!

[@ChilledBeans]

Much appreciated.

[@TheJanope13]

Looks great mate, like a factory build one! Perhaps some upgrades you could think about are using eye to eye leaf springs and beefed up front spring mount, allong with getting the same hub and wheels to your car so you can share spares.

[@ChilledBeans]

Great suggestions. I thought about eye-to-eye but will leave that for the next trailer, as I'd have to pull apart existing hangers and weld new etc etc (and I'm a bit over it at this point). But I am just installing a new spring based pivot coupling with brakes at the moment. Wheel matching is great when you know you will keep the car for a while, but problem is when you replace your car then you are in a pickle again.

[@jayandy2]

Great build and great video. I think you’ve inspired my next project

[@williamshoemaker6233]

Best looking DIY I've seen , Awesome Job!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks so much

[@philj2670]

Amazing! Beautiful job.

[@user-ty1gh9dt1z]

Great video very informative! I'm sure it achieves all of your criteria. Cheers Steve

[@uaecarsboats]

Hi mate amazing build , attemting to build one of these . Your video is my ispiration. Good luck

[@markturbit9974]

Great job Elvis enjoyed the video. It looks so professional , it looks like you bought.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you so much.

[@danielnafinlandia]

First video with a great explanation and using meters as a dimension standard 😅

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you. And here I felt guilty that I'll cop the slack for not using feet and inches :). I guess you have to thank my eastern european upbringing...

[@tonygrey3340]

Hi Elvis, thanks for taking the time to produce this video. I really appreciated the way you split the build into the 3 phases. Your step by step process showed how straight forward the build could be. I reckon I will watch this video many times to make sure I understand your build process, because the finished product is very impressive. I am sure you invested many hours into the build, it would be interesting to understand how many man hours you have invested. Thanks again for making the video.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks Tony for your detailed feedback. This is a quite difficult question to answer precisely, but I can give you some indication. I've built the frame in under two weeks during my holidays (working mon-fri). However I then had to spend time fiddling with bad bearings and tyres from an old trailer (if i didn't do that i'd save quite a bit time there). I completed the phase two within next 6 months working part time (after work and some weekends)... and then the next couple months I built the accessories (again just working after hours/weekends). It's quite hard to accuratelly timebox it though. I was pretty dedicated with the build during the 6 months, but it wasn't all of my spare time either as you need to rest as well and family and other commitments. During the whole build I had to make numerous unnecessary trips to far shops (which I could have avoided if i had more experience and better planning)... so all in all, I have wasted some time on the build too. So yeh, hope that gives you some indication... Good luck with your project.

[@bmertelj]

This video is an amazingly inspiring gift to many people. Congratulations and thank you, Elvis! 👏 Sorry to ask, but could you summarize the approximate quantities/lengths for materials in a list? If not, maybe somebody else that is just building it? 😅 If there is some European builder here, which replacement material (brands, names, measurements) did you use?

[@adamshame2BMissed]

Great job! Thank you for sharing. You certainly attained your goals, looks professionally made. Building my second one now, first was teardrop and now doing a square drop "overland" style. Agree, it was challenging, but loved the build process and learning along the way. Cheers from Canada.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you. And that's awesome. I'm really interested in building another one using 30mm composite for the shell, as it's apparently equally strong and heaps lighter. Weight would be my main objective for the next build for sure. I liked your teardrop build... it's really nice. Good luck with next one

[@NANKEL1]

There is nothing like a nice dry warm bed when its raining, you have done a good job on this build. I have a 21 foot van and I'm thinking of down sizing to a square drop, at the end of the day all I want is a nice dry bed. Good luck with your next build they say with caravans it takes 3 to get it right, you have 2 more to go

[@ChilledBeans]

Yep, that sounds about right :) Thanks

[@krautmaster7922]

Awesome video! You went through the same thoughts that I did! Its a great inspritaion and I will start my own build this year!

[@TheJoeman11]

Im planning my own now!

[@ChilledBeans]

Fantastic. Stay tuned, I'm just in the process of making a video listing all my mistakes and how I'd do things differently. I'm hoping it will help people not make the same mistakes I did.

[@eugenioguerra5958]

Very nice. Good job. It would be nice if you could put the links in the description of the parts and where did you purchase it, or the specks so we can find them in the US. Thanks for sharing

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks. All the product links are in the video description.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Very impressive! Thanks!

[@jerry_b]

Very nice build. Good job.

[@massoodmokhtar1717]

Excellent job!!

[@danielkryk6454]

Wow. Looks great 👍

[@waynemembrey499]

Awesome job, you must be very proud being able to camp in a great camper (project) you built yourself, some great ideas as well, eg the fold down seat 👍

[@cwilliams4227]

Nice job! Great summary. How did the Tare weight turn out?

[@ChilledBeans]

After I included all the extras (stabiliser legs, roof racks, solar panel, brake system, toolbox etc... (and mind you I haven't used the lightest materials either), it's around 900kg. It's on a little heavier side, but it's rock solid... very strong. If I build one in the future, I' probably try use composite panels or something like that.

[@theoutpost2189]

Excellent job mate, it looks fantastic. Love this shape its almost identical to mine- im leaving early in the morning to drive to QLD and pick it up, so excited!!!

[@ChilledBeans]

Thank you. Wow, that's awesome. That's going to be such and exciting trip. Where did you buy your one from?

[@canadian4wd654]

Awesome job 👌 nice little unit, looking to build something similar !

[@cygankj]

Witam Super przyczepa perfekcyjnie wykonana 💪👊👍. Pozdrawiam serdecznie ✌️.

[@atvcampingadventures1728]

Amazing job mate well done 🍻👍

[@gmcguy]

Great video!! Nice details and thanks for sharing

[@brasillivre4034]

Very very very nice my friend. Thanks

[@cjh1774]

Nice job mate.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Great Build ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Well Explained Also. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jamiecaudill5915]

Nice work!👏👏

[@midan44]

Great report, nice work, I enjoyed watching it a lot and useful information, thank you

[@ChilledBeans]

Fantastic, it's my pleasure.

[@frankttt604]

Well done!

[@rogerdepretto440]

Done well . Would have had wheels set back more so you wouldn't need stabilizer and just level with just jockey wheel.

[@ChilledBeans]

Thanks... Stabiliser legs come handy when the camping site surface is uneven sideways too - which I often encountered... Also it prevents trailer jiggling when you are tossing in bed at night... or doing anything else ;)

[@mattobrien2010]

Fantastic build 🙌

[@MrMycalifornia]

Good job, coming through the same process, my main problem is overbudget

[@ChilledBeans]

I'm hearing you. I'm not sure what the building material prices are like in states, but here everything went up in the last year or so. I think i spent around 5k on mine, but now the same think would be around 8k probably. But it's still much cheaper than buying new one.

[@MrMycalifornia]

2. 1.1k, wood 🪵 expensive to, frame materials. But I am building xl version:) with heater, refrigerator. Price build up quick I still need to buy aluminum for skin and trim 8k so far.

[@MrMycalifornia]

1. I think I will end close to 10k. Biggest spending was timbren suspension for wide tires 1.5 k, 2 🚪 and one window

[@ChilledBeans]

@@MrMycalifornia Yes, I'm hearing you. My base build was 5k, but then I spent more money to rebuild axle and add disc brakes, and I added solar, and also wired in a fridge... so you are right, that would have pushed it up to around 7k. But if you do it in stages, you don't have to have everything in the first release. We used ice box first few camping trips without solar. And for my next trailer, i'd also invest in a bigger suspenssion and tires. It's great that you did it right away so you have the right setup from the start.

[@harvmac69]

Nice build man!

[@sergio98o]

Hello! Could you make a video explaining the support systems (water and power). how many batteries did you use? Can you share the blueprints that you did? Thanks!

[@ChilledBeans]

That's a great idea. I'm currently in the process of upgrading some of the electric systems... for example installing solar panel, water pump etc. I also want to re-build the toolbox and install a draw fridge there. So once I complete that I can do a video explaining full electrics. I only use one battery for now. I have installed 160W solar panel kit, and in the full sun, it charges my battery very quickly. Having a water pressure pump is a must, as I didn't like using the manual pump tap... it was annoying and not enough water flow. A cheap ebay pump (8l per minute flow rate) was under $50 AUD, and it was very simple to install, and works really well.

[@sergio98o]

Thank you for your response👍🏼 congrats, awesome camper

[@allancarn7863]

Hi Mate I commented at the very beginning of the build. Your finished build is so impressive. Your quality just cannot be repeated in mass. Its just that good. However you are perfectly positioned to make a business. Unfortunately you will be just too fussey with quality. Know the feeling. Your professionalism knows no boundaries. The quality of the presentation is perfect. Im trying to build one same dimensions with a part pop up roof at the rear with rear entry. No galley. So its capable of camping or cargo carrying if necessary. Ambitious task. Great fun. Cheers..Al

[@ChilledBeans]

Hi Al. Much appreciated. And all the best with your build.

[@pringlized]

Shasta is my build name. Only mountain I've summitted

[@jeffstrobl641]

Great job, very nice work.

[@magnuswoolf4868]

Superb thanks

[@maxwiz71]

I can't believe that comes in under 750kg. All that heavy gauge steel, layers of thick plywood, 60kg of water, ... They are often built with much lighter steel frame and composite foam/polycarbonate panels to get in under that weight and have enough left over for all your camping kit.

[@ChilledBeans]

You are right. I'm pretty sure i mentioned somewhere, at least in another video, and many comment responses that the tare weight is 920 kg.

[@jagerpowell453]

I really like it but only thing Id like to change would be the ability to stand up straight in the galley area

[@ChilledBeans]

That's a great observation. I actually fixed this now by simply changing the angle brackets to a bigger/longer ones, and now it lifts the door high enough so that I can stand (i'm 6"1). My wife can stand there without problems even with original setup. I'm also rebuilding the toolbox in order to put the 12v fridge in there, as that frees up room in the kitchen which you really need when cooking etc.

[@jagerpowell453]

@@ChilledBeans I appreciate it! Hoping to find a trailer soon that will work to build my self something similar this summer. Really exciting.