DIY Teardrop with Poor Mans Fiberglass. WE LOVE IT!

In this video I go over our teardrop build. How it was done, and what we like about it.
TIME STAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:45 Frame and Floor
3:00 Walls and Construction
3:34 Poor Mans Fiberglass
6:32 Windows and Doors
7:50 Trim and Hatch
9:46 Roof Rack
10:30 Roof Vent
11:39 Inside the Drop
13:35 Kitchen and Electrical
18:22 Weight and Tow Vehicle
19:45 Decals and Name
20:11 Likes and Dislikes
21:30 Building Advice
Welcome to The Amish Potato’s Channel. My name is Cj Miller. I was raised Amish in Shipshewana, IN. I was Amish until I was 16 years old, when I started dressing “English”, drove a car and partied on the weekends. This is called Rumspringa.
I did this until I was in my late twenties. I then briefly joined the amish church, left again, and moved to Idaho where I discovered the truth of who Christ is, married my lovely wife and am now sharing my story on KZbin.
Thank you for watching and enjoy!
Email me at;
[e-mail]

[@dennisrocker]

I'm impressed. I am aware that the small things like cabinets, lol, take so much time to make function correctly. I am a carpenter with experience building exhibits that are built to disassemble and put back together. By seeing what you've accomplished, I will gladly call you a professional teardrop builder. I admire the results of your journey and the excitement that you bestow. Peace.

[@FishingwithCristina]

14:27 hello I hope you're doing well. For the napkin roll crush the roll with both of your hands. It should prevent it from coming out when you don't need it.

[@michellemontgomery-jones2579]

The little camper is adorable! You have so many good ideas. I couldn't let my husband watch though because he'd be wanting to make one himself.😟😁 You did a fantastic job on it.👍 God bless!🙏😊🙏

[@theamishpotato]

Haha. He has my permission😋

[@deepsouthNZ]

You're a very skillful and pleasant young man well done to you mate

[@RAcreativewoodworks]

Great video been watching your videos and find you funny at times. I live in Michigan and have Amish friends I am close with so I can relate to a lot of what you talk about. God bless you and your family later

[@tinahuffman2788]

Looks great!!

[@rociinolte9473]

Excellent video!

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Nice work. Nice to see you back on.👍🏼💙

[@selfesteem3447]

CJ, GREAT Channel 👍 Sending love to you and yours.

[@snapmalloy5556]

Nice work! Well done man

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

Very impressive. Great Job.

[@anonymous554]

I like the canvas idea pretty slick. Feather fill will fix all flaws

[@homegrown1015]

A sweet camper, CJ! I'm very impressed with the design and your ingenuity. Your RV experience was very useful...I was at the Indiana Jayco factory twice..we had to have a major repair done that could only be done there..we were very satisfied with the Jayco warranty...we also live in Michigan up in the thumb area. Have a blessed summer!!

[@asformeandmyhousewewillser2290]

Great Work!! 😄❤️😄❤️😄 Looks Amazing!! I Always Wanted a Cute Tear Drop Camper!! ❤️👍❤️👍 God Bless Your Family. 🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️

[@rosiej1942]

I've seen these kind of campers in some antique car shows here in Lower Northern Michigan and always wondered about them, as the owners didn't really tell much about them. TYFS great job on building it.

[@fionaljackson9699]

I wish I could make a cute little camper like that. Also with the paper towel I either tie a string around it or put a big elastic band over one end.

[@dhackens]

Good info 👍 Thanks , have good one .

[@paemtff9412]

Nice build, brother. Keep up the wonderful work. Head on a swivel; keep on keeping on, my friend. I’ve had Amish ems and firefighter friends and they are truly awesome friends for life.

[@richardrickett3593]

Nice camper you are hilarious!

[@lkmsl]

Awesome!

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

Nice!

[@scottdeano8397]

Greetings from outskirts of Kalamazoo michigan..great videos

[@The1davidb]

Really looks great! I sure identify with the waning enthusiasm and the procrastination though. That’s me

[@andyp5853]

I'd say great job 👍 👏 Mr

[@jeffsprunger3702]

Too funny, I’m from LaGrange. Great video!

[@shellyc8086]

Love the camper and glad that you shared it with us! I saw on another KZbin video where there are paper towel holders that hold tension on the roll and click when they turn, so the wind isn't able to move the roll. Our family just did a build out of an enclosed trailer. We put in 6 sets of cot bunks, kitchen, fold up/down table/counters, vertical clothes storage with pull out baskets, lights, windows, dividing curtain which doubles as a projector screen(we used the same drop cloth fabric that you used for your exterior). It sure is fun to build your own camper. My family really enjoys your channel.

[@donaldgraham8290]

Beautiful perfect

[@stevenfaber3896]

14:38 - Coat hanger! Creates a nice spendthrift stop also.

[@abcxyz-io7wt]

Nice 👍💝

[@netdog713]

cool- a CJco trailer! Time to find a barn and start a factory!

[@donnahong5998]

CJ, We just sold this year our Camp Inn rain drop. The dome light and cab lights had two lamps one red and one white (normal light) the red lamps were used at night to see and not get blinded but the main use was to keep the bugs away. Just put some red twinkle light up in the cab and use those at night. PS bungie cord for the paper towels. Also I found on our teardrop I preferred the Lifetime kids folding table (80425) as it is short and once you put the cooler on top is the perfect hight to pull from the cooler. Before inflation they were about $20 at the warehouse clubs I see on amazon it is now over $40 but sometimes Aldi has a knockoff but that is seasonal. We also had a sink in the teardrop, but preferred to do the dishes on a separate table and to save the center space for prep and cooking. Good luck figuring out your layout and what works best for you.

[@terryschaper3152]

Thanks for the great video!! I have a Westfalia camper van and had the same paper towel problem anytime a window was open, especially the driver's or passenger's window while driving. The wind would completely unroll the towels. The low tech solution that worked for me was switching to Viva brand towels, they tend to stick to themselves a bit on the roll. Good luck!

[@theamishpotato]

I will give this a try. I want a van to😋

[@dlansburg2673]

Viva paper towels will not unravel,signature cloth I think is the type,nice job

[@claudiaeckert9320]

Looks great! Now you and your family can have fun.

[@yellowstonekv959]

Great job CJ! I admire the skill and talent some folks are born with to look at something and figure it out. As far as the paper towel holder goes, what about building an open side wooden box to contain the role, with one end on a hinge to open for role replacement. That way the breeze can't get behind the roll to spin it. And thanks for the chuckles (nickelback fans are sissies? ...lol! ) 😆 Love your videos!

[@theamishpotato]

Thanks And thank you for the great tip on the paper towel!

[@aherring10]

About the paper towels: Pinch the roll so the inner cardboard will no longer be round.

[@Calumetto]

Thanks for having grounded advice. I see some of these and shake my head. I just started gathering stuff. If it comes together, I'm thinking of calling it NemaTowed.

[@natewarner]

Not normal content, but closer to _my_ normal content. lol Thanks!

[@fletcher3913]

The camper looks good on video. You could think about moving the axle forward an inch or two the lower the young weight.

[@johnp4673]

6 years? You said the Amish can build 5 camper a day. Your fired. Lol great job I love it.

[@FishingwithCristina]

19:24 OMG you made me laugh with the name of your van😂😂 I love your video I'm planning to make a small teardrop trailer myself. Hopefully it comes out as beautiful as yours. Mine will not have a kitchen area though.😢

[@theamishpotato]

Awesome! Make sure to enjoy the process!

[@therealz360z7]

That came off really nice Carl. Obviously I've never worked in that industry but if I seen that in a campground or on the road I'd never guess it's a homemade job.The papertowel problem normally I'd say duct tape but in these scenario plan b is a bungie cord.

[@theamishpotato]

😂 duct tape. Has me laughing. Yep plan b might work better.

[@Sillyworld82]

That Nickelback jab was out of left field 😂😂😂😂

[@melcarter6422]

Great pointers!! I live in NWI & say I’m going to work remotely and live in a tiny house in Idaho:) it’s good to know that you built it without a lot of tools and without a garage. While I have both, I think I’d prefer to build it outside…probably so that I don’t build it too high & not get it out of the garage🤣. It will be a foamie. I have a small 2.4l car. As for the paper towel…small piece of wire attached to carabiners attached to the ends via wire (even garden tie wire on its own might work) thru a small drilled hole in the holder. Small jewelry lobster clasps would work too. Just make sure your wire is long enough to account for the depth of a full roll of paper towel.

[@scg13803]

I have a suggestion for more storage, we have two convoluted drain pipes 8 in diameter under our trailer, to hold folding chairs, and rug, the other awning and poles. We made covers that fit into each end and lock in place. We have a third underneath that holds our american flag.

[@theamishpotato]

A great idea!

[@hauptmann6]

To your wooden door lock. If it's stupid and it works, It's not stupid. If you're back in SW Michigan, hopefully I will run into you someplace.

[@davidgibson9866]

Thanks for Posting such a great video I really enjoyed seeing your teardrop someday I may make my own and I think if you help your brother you should make a video on that too thanks again

[@theamishpotato]

Definitely send me some pics of your build if you do! theamishpotato!@gmail.com

[@macmarc5183]

Whenever you put a new roll of paper towels onto the bar, just squeeze the whole roll, so that the cardboard has a crinkle in it, and it will only dispense to the crinkle

[@rockyroadranch72]

Wow! Good job! I'm impressed. Oh, and good job calling me out for trying to imagine your long torso and short legs. I nearly choked laughing. :-)

[@kevinswanson3910]

I did the same just seen your vid,good job, mine is 5×5×8,but the trailer is 5×5×10,my trailer comes off so I can still use the utility trailer

[@michellealvermann1377]

We bought an ice maker we love ir

[@jeffh1266]

I'm reminded og Johnny Cash's song, "One piece at a time" LOL

[@shoptimestudios]

Well Done. Im looking at a new build soon. Its aways nice to see a fellow Michigander do cool stuff! I currently live in Ontario and would love to know of any cost saving tips you might have. Things are a bit pricey up here and the cargo hatch is a great one to start with. if you have any connections this way I would really appreciate you letting me know. All the best, William

[@theamishpotato]

That’s awesome you’re building one! Yes the components are expensive. The best option is to just make a trip to southern Michigan to these rv surplus stores and purchase what you need before starting the build.

[@pringlized]

Great video CJ! I'm seriously impressed. Can't believe you said the "kid napper van". Hilarious. My buddy has one of those, and we always tease him. Thanks for the honest share. I'm in the planning stage of building an overland square drop style. I learned a lot from you. How did you decide on the name Hedgehog?

[@theamishpotato]

The name just seemed to fit. An overland square drop sounds exciting! That would be my next build

[@purejoy1658]

Interesting video! For your paper towel problem... would it work to screw a piece of leather above the holder that would rest on the roll in case you can't always get the Viva brand paper towel?

[@theamishpotato]

I like this idea and my dad has a leather shop. Thank you!

[@hauptmann6]

Could you move the battery box to the back side of one of the fenders? Would move it to the center of gravity, and still not rob interior space.

[@gregoriancatmonk6904]

Bondo could work for the screws.

[@meandthemrs7403]

Great job CJ. Isn't there a way to charge the battery with the trailer light hook-up? Isn't that how they do it on the big campers? You would know better than me.

[@theamishpotato]

Yep that is one way to do it. It might happen yet but I would have to run a separate wire to the back of the tow car because I don’t have the 7 way truck wiring.

[@jasongooden917]

Chevy Kidnapper 😂

[@quicksilver4547]

Turn the paper towels around and have the paper coming over the top. They don't unravel as much/ or not at all.

[@VdubSPAZ]

All right so I don't know if you got your paper towel thing solved yet or not but what I would suggest is using for a simpler terms flat stock pieces of wood in other words one by something in thick and then attaching another piece of that same wood and basically making a U-shaped piece for simpler explanation drill two holes in it and run it down through it with your paper towel going through it the piece of wood that is at the bottom of what would be the u-shape for simpler terms put pressure against the paper towel roll for Banning it from unrolling and was it just a slight lift off you can still use your paper towel roll as intended if you haven't figured out you would also have to offset the holes just a bit so that way it would create a swinging effect as need

[@marthasundquist5761]

Bungee cord front 1 side tube to other

[@marthasundquist5761]

They make ones with small hooks and cords, usually some in a tub of various sizes bungees you buy.

[@Land_an_sea]

Paper towels problem: harbor freight tiny bungee around the role hooked to itself

[@carolynstrecha2371]

Is Das Dutchman Isen Hous still open in Middlebury? Born & raised S MI. Haven't been in years.

[@theamishpotato]

It is. It’s huge now

[@indigo196799]

There are many weight of cotton canvas drop cloth available. from 8 to 12 oz. Which would you recommend? The thickest the better?

[@theamishpotato]

hhmmmm. Not sure. I would say the lighter one so it's easier for the paint to soak through. As long as its 100% cotton.

[@notmycupotea]

kidnapper van lol!

[@waynejessee]

We use a rubber band to mind the paper towels.

[@justdave6666]

Hi, could you share the link for the door, please?

[@theamishpotato]

Mine is a 30x20 baggage door turned on it’s side from eBay. They make actual teardrop doors www.ebay.com/itm/184837253634

[@71Psalms]

Why did you come back to the Midwest?

[@Robert_Sparkman_01]

He loves us. God's country.

[@theamishpotato]

Some things that went on with the wife’s family. We probably aren’t here to stay.

[@fngonzo]

Try to turn the of paper towels 180 degrees.

[@Purifiedinfire]

Sounds difficult to paint the back of the fabric after painting the trailer. Did you lay it on a workbench or a table or a driveway. Or what? Seems it would get wrinkled and a mucky mess no?

[@theamishpotato]

I might not have painted the back of the fabric. Did I say that in the video?

[@EO.studios]

I'm in Michigan to SE I would love to see the camper and pick your brain

[@theamishpotato]

Are you building one? We can meet up. I’m in sturgis, mi

[@martna1]

Turn the paper towels in the opposite direction, away from the hatch.

[@txoovhaam4012]

Are you still buiiting teardrop camper for sale in this time?.

[@theamishpotato]

I’m not but if you’re interested I probably could

[@Robert_Sparkman_01]

How much did you have in this project, in terms of cash?

[@theamishpotato]

Somewhere between 4-5000.

[@michellealvermann1377]

My mom uses a paper clip on the side of the paper towel

[@wendyhayes1983]

Where do your kids sleep?

[@barryblackwood6050]

In the kidnapper Chevy van😮

[@christinestephenson1742]

I'm surprised you left Idaho for Michigan, of all places! I would have gone to Ohio or Indiana, considering Michigan is captured territory with a tyrant for a governor. RV looks good though.

[@bobbylaguardia6680]

Ohio's governor is terrible too

[@christinestephenson1742]

I had heard rumors about Ohio's governor, but didn't know for sure. Is he a Rino?

[@Reddog1255]

Maybe you vote for Trump so he can grap your wifes kitty

[@MikeAG333]

Paper towel? Can't you American's go camping without paper towel? It's crazy that every teardrop on KZbin features a paper towel holder.