DIY Squaredrop Camper Pod Build - Unloading, cost and weight

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Tour of the finished product is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqbWipyVg5agmNE

[@rogerlbl7316]

What was the degree of cut for the top/front angle? Thanks.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Squaredrop Camper Build, Part 4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3nThGibhL-hhJY Check out 2:00 minute mark….108 degrees. Thanks.

[@rogerlbl7316]

@@LivingOurAmericanDream Thank You.

[@rogerlbl7316]

@@LivingOurAmericanDream This is by far the easiest and most sensible build I've seen on KZbin. I'm actually going to be able to do my build for around $1800 simply because I already have the trailer which is 5x12 and I'm not that far from an RV salvage yard, so I will be able to get all the windows, doors and electrical components dirt cheap. I don't know if you originally came up with this particular design, but I'm seeing more and more of the square drop campers all the time. I'm tweaking mine just a little by adding AC, propane forced air furnace and small area in the back for an enclosed porta potty. Thanks again!

[@redcloud870]

Your videos of your build is by far the best series ever and most informational. "Thank you!"

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Thanks

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Matt, thanks for producing the videos and for answering so many of the questions. Your camper looks great (and I like the color too). Admirable work!

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

I have had the idea of separate pod and trailer for awhile I'm happy to see someone has done it ,,it just makes sense to me to keep the trailer useful and the pod is still functional without the trailer very nice

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Worked pretty good. I’m thinking of building another one and going a little smaller and lighter…

[@billwheeler4343]

@@LivingOurAmericanDream what size are you considering? I have the same Jeep as you and bought a 5x8 trailer like yours.

[@atomicsmith]

I'm definitely going to build one of these. Simple concept, well executed.

[@stevefulcher8031]

If you don't mind could you please explain or do a video update on how the camper is attached to the trailer. Awesome job by the way !! Definitely want to build one !!

[@skdjf987]

Thanks for posting your build. Awesome job! I’ve had this idea since we started looking for an aluminum trailer last year. I will have to make mine significantly lighter due to our tow vehicle so I’m going to use some foamie trailer build techniques.

[@angelicaortega3994]

Great job 👏 and thank you for your honesty and valuable information

[@BBQNerd]

Nice. For loading and offloading, I cut 1/2" PVC the width of the trailer deck. Lift the front or rear of the camper and slide in the pvc rollers and she rolls right on and off just by pushing it.

[@cheeto.1]

Thats exactly how we move big heavy Hot Tubs. Super Easy

[@TheDouglash]

That’s how I would do it. We move big storage tanks in this fashion (w/inflatable bags).

[@tjellis1479]

Call it a NearDrop haha😎. Well done and happy camping from Rochester NY

[@danielmarek3161]

Lots of great ideas, for versatility. Cool backyard. Appreciate it.

[@mikescomputercorner1204]

Love the way you have constructed your camper and the size is awesome . It becomes a good size with sufficient room to for your weekends away. I think eventually a foldable solar panel/kit that will connect to your battery giving you enough power to camp off grtid if you desire too.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

You stole my idea.. LoL 👍 great job man . Great to see what I was thinking in action. Now back to my original problem finding time to get it done... liked and subscribed 👍

[@Trooper33]

This is a great idea to get more use out of our SxS trailer!

[@edwinmoore4560]

For what I need to do. Need it to weigh less because my 1,000cc arc will be pulling it. I was told my towing should be around 1,500lbs. So I may use a aluminum trailer. This camper box will be set to fit my straight job International as a sleeper and a camper. Can’t wait

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Hi Edwin, I see your comments and apologize for not having a blueprint….I should have done one as many folks have asked. My camper is a bit heavier than I would like but we pull ours with a half ton truck so no worries for us. Building it to come off the trailer is handy but will be a bit heavier. Good luck with your build, I had a lot of fun making this one and have been very pleased with it.

[@thecrooner4jc]

You really did a wonderful job, and I might just have to copy you ( but using a 4 x 8 trailer). The pod design is awesome, and the turnbuckle/cable to keep it in place was especially a great idea. Keep on keepin on !!

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Definitely copy! I got my inspiration from the various KZbin videos I watched before embarking on this project. What a fantastic place for ideas. Good luck!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Love the camper in the design, and how it comes up and on the trailer that is slick, the one thing I would do is a moon roof for stargazing appreciate you sharing happy camping

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

it's very nice and reasonably priced at the time of the build

[@sylviaverrill6681]

Matt, it’s perfect! Looks super! I hope you don’t mind me coping it…

[@jj-eo7bj]

I got mine as a pick up topper you can use upper bunk to sleep on and can put cots down below to sleep under partly under

[@grrrrr2936]

Great job! I am thinking a door in back towards driver side might be better for me. Then maybe have a slide out kitchen on the passenger side similar to the the Rivian truck. Love the dual purpose trailer idea. Well done!

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

So many ways to build one of these and it’s a blast to design your own custom layout. I’m thinking of doing another and going even simpler. Thanks for watching

[@pablovillanueva3101]

Great build. I did similar with mine. Mine is a 6x10 trailer though

[@nathanrains9292]

Did I hear you...3000#'s! Nice build. Thanks for the information and showing us the build.

[@schlexpeditionsreviews4703]

Haha sounds like us 10 years from now.. we have a 3.5, 2 year old and newborn lol. Can't wait for more and more adventures together as the years go on 😁

[@jasonstarnes351]

Really like you build. Hope to do something similar soon. Can I make a suggestion? This may help or not, but I have been thinking about the loading off and on. Have you or anyone else thought about 4 corner jack? Like a flip up younger jack. On the front mount it above your rails, raise it up on all 4 corners and drive out. Just a thought.

[@corby404]

A 10 to 1 mechanical advantage, synthetic rope come along by Massdam would work well for loading.

[@mikecraig1889]

Really nice little camper! I love the way it's like a transformer (ha) If you did go with the 4by 8 trailor you could maybe do bunk beds ?

[@MO-vr1jg]

Well done.

[@curtesamoangelos5995]

Watched from Yosemite Kentucky. Interesting.

[@zuriel312]

Such an inspiration! Would you have the build list or PDF of your build. Im so interested!

[@Scrambler85]

Great video, lots of good information. 👍

[@gamajulio1]

Congratulations this is the best idea thanks a lot I am from leon gto Mexico thanks a lot for the idea

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Sweet! Thanks for watching the video.

[@cheeto.1]

Im in Florida sheet of 4x8 3/4 was $80. Its down to $35 now.

[@ToddOutdoor]

It works for you guys! I like it!

[@jimc5624]

Make a suggestion when on and off since tight tolerance maybe take some sacrificial wood on edge of trailer to help guide in and won't touch side of trailer

[@drylakesranch9880]

You have a tractor. Get some pallet forks for front loader and just lift it on and off. You can make pockets in the metal frame to insert the forks

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Hi…yes, I thought a lot about that but my tractor is far too small. The way the geometry works on this one is I would have to fork it from the back, so my center of gravity would be about 4’-5’ away from the loader arms, far reducing the lifting capacity of whatever machine is used. The pod weighs in at 1500-2000 pounds. Most loaders are rated at the pivot pins (makes their specs look more impressive). My machine is rated at 1000 at the pins, not even close. I’d guess, without calculations, that a tractor rated at 4000 pounds lift or more would be required to lift this pod. My other option was to have lifting lugs on the top, but then we have a lifting height issue along with capacity. It’s an excellent idea but a much larger machine would be needed….probably an agricultural type machine in the 60-70hp range with big lift capacity. Thanks for watching.

[@Taximan90]

I am interested in where you got the awnings and the folding mattress.. great build!

[@prettyinpink7058]

I love it!! Thank you for sharing your camper:-)

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Thanks, putting in a few updates as I type this, but it has worked excellent for us.

[@susanmboudreau]

This is a beautiful square drop I would love to see a materials list I just found you in this channel so I don’t know if you have any build videos but this is beautifully done and exactly what I like I have an aluminium trailer which is 5 x 8 which will save a little bit of weight as well let me know of any suggestions you have it’s a great build

[@GrannyGusBear]

Could you build it on a Ford Ranger step side instead of a trailer ?? Love your build and the color.🤗🐾🧸

[@sylviaverrill6681]

Matt, you just answered my question from your other video…. Jon V. Suggestion, some small pipe rolls would assist if you didn’t have the machinery.

[@jakeblanton6853]

There's another way of attaching the pod to the trailer that might be more convenient since you don't need to get down on the ground to unscrew the turnbuckle. It's going to depend upon the corner supports of the pod though. At each corner, you could put a tightening mechanism (such as chain binders) that connects to to some point on the corner and then extends down to either the bed of the trailer or the side rails. Turnbuckles on each corner could accomplish the same thing, but would not be as quick to access as the chain binder mechanism.

[@gailgreen1595]

Thumbs up 👍💯 Awesome 😊

[@frankwells656]

Great series! Thank you.

[@jonathanwhite9051]

It is awesome to see a fellow Michigander build something great! I'm going to try and build something like this out of an old v-nose snowmobile trailer I have. I am curious, what did you use for your joints for no water penetration? Great job!

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

All the joints on this camper pod are pocket joined (Kreg jig style) with wood glue. It’s coated on the exterior with two coats of house primer, then two coats of Raptor Liner truck bed liner, sprayed on.

[@opiegh3]

Great looking build. Speed. Up your process as you explain it

[@terebrate]

You can click the gear icon (Settings) and turn up the speed on any KZbin video.

[@stevebeals3862]

I have a platform with grocery rollers and use a boat winch to load and unload my truck camper.

[@jasonstarnes351]

This is awesome!!

[@TitanOverland]

Great videos! One question, who did you go with for the custom plywood sheets?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

I bought the 5’x10’ plywood sheets from Menards, special order.

[@EduardoJimenez-rk8nw]

One of the coolest campers ! What's the exterior height ?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Exterior height is 6-1/2’-7’

[@danlewandowski7402]

thanks for taking the time to do a fantastic job on your camper, i was hoping i could get a referal, the plug adapter on the back for the extension cord, where did you get it? and the windows where did you order those? i have a 6x12 enclosed that i want to play with and make a weekender out of it, thanks for your time and efforts, love the job, the orange is a bit over the top but i love it!

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Hi Dan. Most of the materials I used came from searching Amazon. The cord I think you’re referring to is this one: MICTUNING 13Amp 125V AC Port Plug... www.amazon.com/dp/B079M6BCW9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share For the windows and doors I bought from vintage technologies: www.teardroptrailerparts.com/ Good luck with your conversion and thanks for watching.

[@danlewandowski7402]

@@LivingOurAmericanDream thank you! Hopefully you are truly enjoying your camper pod

[@natasshaitan8945]

Sticking with the 5x10' size, can it be built with 5/8 or 1/2" plywood instead, in order to save total weight? Would be towing with a Nissan Rogue/Honda Accord. If yes, which should I use, 5/8 or 1/2"? Primary purpose would just be to park and backpack, I don't think using on too many rugged or rocky roads. Much appreciated, Sammy

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

You could go 1/2” or even less but make sure you have support for the structure. The 3/4” basically is stout enough to support the structure without framing anything inside the walls. Less thickness would begin to be structurally un-sound. Lots of guys frame in using thin metal and then attach thinner wood for walls. You’ll like the 5’x10’ better than these teardrops you can barely get into. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@rodrigocastroosorio9659]

Thanks for sharing very nice job 👏 ....you trust the Raptor liner works good under the rain ?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

So far so good on the liner. I was (and still am) skeptical for long term use. However, when I picked up my windows and doors the place had a professionally made overland squaredrop for sale and they used Linex to finish the exterior….a similar product. We’ll see. Thanks for watching.

[@PatrickDickey52761]

question. Have you thought about permanently mounting a winch to the front of the trailer? That way you don't have to use the ATV, and it might provide the extra tongue weight that you needed in the first camping video. Plus the winch can be used for other things.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

I have thought about it and it’s definitely a possibility in the future.

[@MercersJeep78]

I am planning on building one very similar on my 6x10. I was just wondering if your trailer has brakes or not? I'm looking at the idea of adding electric brakes to my trailer just to balance it out and more ease of stopping, less wear and tear on my JKU's brakes.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

My trailer does not have brakes. If you’re pulling it with a wrangler be very mindful of overall weight. I wish mine were a bit lighter but I sacrificed that for making it removable from the trailer and larger than a typical tiny camper.

[@wesleypipelayer7627]

I first had the idea to do a camper pod on my flatbed trailer about 3 years ago. When i saw your vid, i recognized your plan, and watched to see how you did things. My ideas are far different from yours, and one thing i was going to do different, is the method for loading/unloading the pod. Tell me what you think, if you could adapt yours to do it this way, and just generally what you think of the idea.... I was going to make large rectangular "hoops" that were positioned on each corner. Hard to explain in text. But basically imagine two lifting struts (braces, poles) that went across the front, and back. Think of military "stretchers" they put patients on. Two poles, can hold the weight of a body, while two men carry the person laying on canvas, stretched across the poles. Now, think of those two poles running across the front and back, and being made of 3/16" steel C-Channel or I-Beam. The beams would be inserted through the metal rectangular hoops. Next, i was thinking of getting a set of those lifting legs, that they use on Truck-bed campers. I would make a custom bracket that could provide a pocket for each lifting jack (leg), to lift the beams. So imagine, you are starting the process to load the pod onto the camper. The pod is sitting on blocks. You insert the beams across the front and back, inside the hoops. You attach the four lifting posts into the beam pockets. you crank all jacks and lift the pod. Then simply drive the trailer under the pod. then lower the pod, with the jacks. Likely you'd have to move the trailer a little bit, to get it in the right spot. And it might be smarter to use extra blocks, and instead of lifting jacks, use some hydraulic bottle jacks, set ontop of the blocks. do you think that would be easier than your method, or worse? Let me know your thoughts

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Fantastic idea!! I actually though about something like this but my trailer is not a flatbed so it would not have worked for me. I think this idea is great and would work well. Leave yourself plenty of clearance to get the trailer in and out once you’re up on the jacks. Would be great to see this in action….any videos we could check out?? Thanks for watching and commenting. Matt.

[@wesleypipelayer7627]

@@LivingOurAmericanDream ... No videos about it. It’s something I’ve always thought about building. But I’ve never gotten around to it. I think it could also work on your trailer. I understand you don’t have a flatbed. But I think it still could be done easily. Just by making a few guide rails, at each corner. Some pieces of steel welded onto your rails at slight angles like 30°, to help guide your camper box down onto the trailer.

[@davidr3648]

How is the bedliner covering the outside holding up? Is it keep inside or outside?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Raptor liner is holding up well, no deficiencies yet. It is stored inside when not in use.

[@Palmercot]

How did you treat the roof? Did you seal it or Paint it, too keep the water out?

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah that’s slick

[@stevesummer4057]

What I would like to see is all 5 that you get in there and lay on that mattress cause I can't hardly believe that 5 people could sleep and that would be interesting to see. Those kids must be awful small like baby you or something. I'm still very impressed with it and all the work it didIs infiguring that all out.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Lol! Thanks for the comment Steve…actually the camper is for my wife and I. Our three kids stay in a large tent, the tent we all 5 used to sleep in until this project was done.

[@crazylk10]

I am curious how the sealing with the paint you used held up? Would you still reccomend it over pmf?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

I tried the raptor liner because it looked neat. It has held up well so far. I haven’t done a trailer with PMF so I can’t compare. Thanks for watching.

[@christophermalone5954]

Do you have a list and how it was built that you can share

[@edwinmoore4560]

I would buy a blue print of the build if you got one

[@ezequielinver2798]

very good job.. my english is not good.. could you tell me the weight in kilogramos only of the camper.. thanks greetings from argentina

[@danmiller4199]

Where at in Michigan do you live I also live in Michigan an am looking to build something similar but bigger. Rough dimensions are 8ft x 8ft x 6ft. Any pointers?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Saginaw Bay Area. My pointers would be think about weight prior to build. And make sure to design in plenty of storage.

[@dcxdanny]

WOW... Orange, now that's an interesting color choice. And you mentioned 3 kids? Where do they sleep, on top of the camper :-) Anyway, a great video and camper project. On your trip, I hope you got "stoned" in Petosky :-)

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Kids sleep in a tent.

[@duggydugg3937]

would a dolly help ?

[@Packratssafari]

Any issues with the raptor liner. I hear that is separates. I'm beginning my build.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Not so far. However, I must admit I’ve stored the pod inside during the wi get months. I think the key is preparation of the surface. I sanded and cleaned extensively before applying 2 coats of exterior grade primer followed by cleaning and wiping again. Seems to have worked well.

[@frankchance557]

What did you use for exterior coating? Paint? Line-x?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

I used a product very similar to line-x….raptor liner. It’s a diy version of line-x.

[@beejoy6153]

What was the overall cost & weight?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHmwqaCHe8qVnas

[@cybersean3000]

Genius!

[@earladams6743]

Where did you order your awnings from? I would love to order them for my camper.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

I bought them from Amazon. Link is below, perhaps different seller but same product. Smittybilt (2784 8.2' x 6.2' Tent... www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCFKPN0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@williamhickstein685]

That is heavy. My 7x14 enclosed trailer is 2200 empty, and I use it for camper, hauling my Harley, and other uses. It's not good for overland but it works for me.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Definitely heavy. I’m planning on building Rev2 soon….smaller and lighter. Thanks for watching.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Matt, you mentioned you can tow it with your truck and with your Jeep. I don’t own either vehicle. My sincere question: Would you feel comfortable towing it behind a typical minivan (such as a Dodge Grand Caravan)? Those have a towing capacity limit of 3,500 pounds (most of the minivans I have seen with 6 cylinder front wheel drive). I have not towed something like that, but wonder what it might feel like on the highway, or if in a windy open area (Midwest states), when pulled behind a minivan. Any advice or feelings about that being safe, or inadvisable, or risky or “sketchy” or….?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Hello! I’ll start by saying the jeeps tow capacity is also 3500 pounds. Most vehicles have rated tow capacity based on the vehicles weight, wheel base and braking capability. My camper could have been built lighter and that’s what I would pay closer attention to if I did it again. I’d say you would be fine towing a camper like this on a trailer since it is low profile. Make sure your entire rig, camper and trailer together, is under the rated capacity for your tow vehicle and you should be ok. Thanks for watching and good luck! -Matt

[@ronniemiddleton5231]

I have a 08 town and country I have pulled a 16ft camper no problem in the Midwest (Chicago here) though it might have been lighter because it is aluminum not wood

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

@@ronniemiddleton5231 Thank you for your answer to my question.

[@ScottLeslie]

Nice tiny house when it's not on the trailer!

[@prettyinpink7058]

Can u post a link for doors and back door?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Doors and windows are linked in the description of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqbWipyVg5agmNE

[@prettyinpink7058]

Also link for awning

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Smittybilt (2784 8.2' x 6.2' Tent... www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCFKPN0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@chrisdalton2550]

Did you special order the 5x10 plywood from Lowe’s or Home Depot ?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Special order from Menards.

[@TechTins_Projects]

Why not embed steel wheels underneath that can be latched down. You then only need two trailer boards. With a simple 12volt winch attached to front of trailer. No other tools are required. Be an order of magnitude easier.

[@robden6356]

Thought of anything you would add

[@hectorfigueredo3803]

regards ....put foldable wheels on it to make it easier to get off the trailer

[@cesargonzalez1962]

So, I need to buy a tractor to pull the thing in and out??

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

😂 I suppose if you don’t have one and you can think of no other way, yes. Or….a come-a-long? Electric winch? Build it lighter than mine and move it by hand? Rollers? Skids? Wheels? Use a lever of some sort to move it? Just a few ideas to get you thinking on your own! Good luck.

[@charleschastain829]

Just put a hydraulic lift on tilt and just tilt trailer and pull out from under trailer

[@jj-eo7bj]

I did mine on the cheap got a video titled working mans camper use my cop car to pull her my empty weight came in at 1020 lbs like your idea of pull off and on

[@DopeyJack84501]

Seal the bottom and add some pontoons and hit the lake

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

🤔…..one of these could easily sit in a pontoon deck….

[@duggydugg3937]

square is it !

[@GCSol]

Man, everyone keeps saying the price of wood is going down. It sure hasn't where I live.

[@terebrate]

12:49 Awkward, but funny!

[@tomahawksteak6672]

Build it on some skids then have forks for your front end loader . Make laoding and unloading real easy and fast.

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Thought about that and also have commented here in that. Too heavy and bulky for my tractor.

[@kenjenkins8986]

Have you check the price of lumber now a piece of plywood cost you $70 did you pay that I don’t think so

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Haven’t checked my exact materials but as I mentioned, the plywood I used was $150 a sheet when I bought it.

[@grantboucher2696]

good vid, good build ....did you marry your sister?

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

😂😂😂 We had a server at a restaurant ask us if we were twins once! Funny stuff…..no, Monica is not my sister…

[@joshbrown5938]

Your not supposed to have but 350lb tongue weight

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

Hi Josh. Yes, typically 10% of trailer weight is max tongue weight, so 350 here. In this video the issue was more that there wasn’t enough tongue weight, not too much. Since then, I’ve rebalanced things and it pulls very nice. Thanks for watching.

[@kenmartin9227]

Can she talk? Lol

[@LivingOurAmericanDream]

😂 She’s actually just getting used to being on camera.

[@hughjhardon8080]

3000 lbs?! Yikes.