DIY Travel Trailer: First Trip!

This is the first inaugural camping trip in the DIY Travel Trailer! In all, we travelled 700+ miles in the DIY Travel Trailer and believe it or not... nothing broke! The solar panels and 12v system were able to keep the Dometic cooler, charging station and led lights all in full operation during the whole trip! No leaks or any repairs were needed either.... but I did take about 40lbs of extra tools, screws, tapes, glues, etc,.... just incase I needed to repair something along the way;)
We are super thankful that all went smoothly and we were able to enjoy the trailer after quite a long build. And very thankful for you guys watching this build progress from a used axle all the way to a travel trailer. Join us as we do our normal camping activities.... fishing, foraging, campfire cooking, meadow golf, relaxation and more!
Thanks for watching and please let me know if you have any questions! - Joe
If you guys like the videos I make and would like to help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Please consider doing some of you Amazon shopping through this link. I may receive a commission on some of the items you buy. Thanks for considering, it’s greatly appreciated ☺ amzn.to/2hWHbgu
Music sourced from the KZbin audio library and/or from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
Summer Trip by Felix Johansson Carne
Young by Chris Coral
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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Tags: homesteadonomics, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, solar, rv solar, led lights, dometic, 12v cooler, trailer build, lithium battery, lithium iron phosphate, charge controller, camping, camp cooking

[@PS-gv8ic]

wow! a complete family, a wife always by the husbands side, a smart daughter, and a man full of skills and craftsmanships, yet modest and humble and soft spoken. Anyway, loved watching the complete episodes plus the first trip videos. God bless yoou and your family! Love to see more of the newer videos from you!

[@danieloliver20]

What a terrific family you have, whatever you all have been doing, keep it up! Young kids and camping, it doesn't get any better.... actually bacon and pancakes over a camp fire do!

[@homesteadonomics]

Daniel Oliver thank you! It was awesome!

[@henrikm4657]

Awesome to see the beautiful nature footage. Also very refreshing to see kids creatively playing outside instead of numbing their minds with electronics.

[@ronholt1992]

Your a very blessed family. Your daughter makes me miss the days when my daughter was little. How quickly those days go by. Soak it up. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@MrMichael007mc]

Such a blessing to see you camping in your homebuilt camper with loved one’s. I appreciate your content very much. God Bless.

[@sherrcon]

children are a blessing...thanks for sharing your vacation and family...blessings

[@uktony1525]

Joe, Many, many thanks for sharing the happiness from your camping trip. Your daughter has shot up since I first saw her when you built a step stool. Daughter's are great but even though my youngest one will be 42 next.month, they never stop being dad's girl (and twisting us around their fingers). Every blessing to you and your family.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you for watching Tony! It really was a huge joy to camp in the trailer with the girls... and the rest of the family too! We are already talking about the next trip! want to get all the use out of as we can...haha And yes, I can only imagine about the daddy's girl thing... my wife says I'm a total push over when Marley looks at me....lol.... and it's probably true;)

[@meegook35]

Thank you I enjoyed you sharing your trip with us

[@patriciawilson2525]

Wonderful family. God bless you. I learned a lot. Thank you very much. Alberto and Patty.

[@jdkerk]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery!

[@homesteadonomics]

Judy Kerkeslager thanks for checking it out Judy! We sure do enjoy that area!😀👍🙏

[@jansmith9922]

Beautiful Wife, daughter, dog & family! Thank you for sharing your camping adventure...loved the golf course layout. No need to pay $100 per round. You should be so proud of yourself for dreaming, planing & building this amazing camper. Well done!! Camping is the best life!! 🌲🌲🌲🌲You gave a wonderful tour Mrs Homesteadonomics!!

[@homesteadonomics]

jan smith thank you! I’m very thankful for my family! Super grateful and blessed! And the golf sure is a lot cheaper...and in my opinion much more fun too😀👍🙏

[@jansmith9922]

ps wanted to add that you should watch some you tube videos on how NOT to load your camper trailer so that it does not fish tail (not sure if that is the proper word) while driving at higher speeds. There are many you tube videos with actual examples & models to show what happens when you load to much in the rear part of your camper. Safe travels. Thank you for your comment. take care.

[@Dutchshedwoodshop]

Wow that looks like great fun. Must be satisfying going on a family trip with something you made. Thanks bud

[@homesteadonomics]

Dutch shed woodshop thanks for checking it out! It was a great time!

[@railstop]

This makes me want to go camping right now. And build a trailer.

[@homesteadonomics]

Jarrod Neff awesome! Glad you liked it!!

[@tbpc800]

Joe and family - that was the most AMAZING video! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome camp trip. That trailer is more than perfect. Arizona is much more beautiful than I ever thought! The whole family is wonderful! Love, love, love it!

[@homesteadonomics]

Toni Brock thank you Toni! Glad you liked it and sorry for the slow reply

[@randysmith106]

Love the White Mountains! Glad you took us along with you, it's awesome that you got to see the Big Horns too!

[@tovaritchboy]

now that was a super vid and what a great trip for the shake down cruise. Congrats on a super build and a very nice place to stay and hang out in. Happy trails and here's to many more super trips.

[@homesteadonomics]

thanks Greg! It was a great trip indeed. And the fact that nothing broke made it a big relief too...haha... washboard forest roads leads the mind to thinking the cabinets would fall down...lol

[@tovaritchboy]

@@homesteadonomics hahaha oh man I live on a road like that, 3/4 mile of washboard and I always think something going to fall off the old farm truck every time I drive down it. hahaha But after watching how you build things, cant see ANYTHING falling down or off your trailer.

[@joharmon2148]

I just stumbled on this video and discovered you are a local family and then went to my most favorite place in the world. Great family get away. Hope you have many more.

[@bret354]

dude a wife that likes to fish and a little girl calling you daddy. That's a lot of mens dreams right there. live everyday man!

[@homesteadonomics]

bret354 thank you!!! And sorry this is so late of a reply😬

[@sandeeprajpurohit1613]

Right

[@sandeeprajpurohit1613]

Good sound Daddy.....

[@milcotto4153]

Job well done, that is for sure. It looked like a great camping trip. And those were spectacular animals.

[@homesteadonomics]

Annie thank you!! 🙏😀

[@cia1204]

What a precious family! And the video was great!

[@adolfoarrieta5178]

Congratulations, its been a long road. Excellent creating family memories.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Nice job on the trailer (very impressive), and beautiful family! Camping trips like this make for great memories.

[@homesteadonomics]

OMGWTFLOL thank you!

[@vegasfordguy]

That camper is built better than any one that you'll buy new. All are built so cheaply and flimsy. To me that's the perfect size for a small family. Hope you guys enjoy it for many years!

[@dustman96]

Wow, great job laying out the trailer. You packed a lot of function in a small space.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Really cool to see you and your family out enjoying the wilds. I enjoyed the video, Thank you for posting it.

[@jbebenisteriejbebenisterie2083]

I am proud of you Joe! This is amazing. Enjoy it with your family. Lots of love from Belgium.

[@homesteadonomics]

jbebenisterie jbebenisterie thank you!!! We had an amazing time and always great to hear from you! 😀👍🙏🙏

[@Joe-cu4hi]

What a wholesome beautiful family and group of families just enjoying the great out doors. Thank you for sharing your memories with us all

[@BEARDedOutdoors]

Wonderful trip with your family, Joe! Love the camper and that area is beautiful!

[@crittgolden]

Nice work Dad!!! First time I am seeing your videos!! Memories is what this is all about!! Keep it going....

[@blackberryhideout5793]

I loved seeing the travel trailer in action. Camping memories might now be categorized by “before we had the trailer...” :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Sis! It was such a good trip and you're gonna have to come on the next one... atleast for a night or two. Have a safe trip back from NE!

[@mattiefattie3895]

Makes me wish I was more of a nature guy. It's cool to see your family. Thanks for letting us into your adventure!

[@ibrudiiv]

awesome build, awesome family, thx for the video!

[@homesteadonomics]

ibrudiiv thanks for watching!!

[@christophergoff4798]

Man, what a dream vacation. A million thumbs up.👍🏻

[@kevinritchie9227]

Very very nice! Trailer and the camping location!

[@homesteadonomics]

Kevin Ritchie thanks kevin🙏

[@kevinritchie9227]

Youre welcome! Wonder how many campers you could sell if you built them? lol

[@LucysVanAndale]

I just came across your video. I want to transform my 19 ft trailer to solar so I am going to go back and watch your build videos. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you all had a great time.

[@ninja1antelope]

Good to know about berry foraging. In our area morels grow after fires🤤

[@homesteadonomics]

Ninja antelope There can be only 1 I’ve heard they are awesome!! 😀

[@adoptmecoolboyrd1944]

You have such a beautiful family. And also, beautiful places you show us. I too, love camping. When I see your daughter she reminded me of my daughter. My daughter always went with us camping or road trips, but not any more. I really miss the time I spent with her. I'm sorry to share this, but what I mean is spend as much time as you as can with your daughter, time flies. Thank you so much for beautiful video. God bless

[@theorgelmeisterakathesoapm8589]

Yay, your first trip and what a beautiful area!

[@homesteadonomics]

theorgelmeister aka the soap man thank you! It was fun

[@WhiteFox011]

All in all, A great build for your family, and you did not have to break the bank to do it.

[@xxxx-st1po]

Hey Joe, I usually try to stay pretty anon online - particularly on yt. That said - I just want to thank you for showing the world the metal of old school Arizona , I'm native to Pima County . I know exactly where you do your thing - I used to ride horses all through there. Sir - you and your family help restore my faith in this modern age we live in. I am nothing more than a measly engineer drudging on in SoCal crazy world that will not rest. You are a true craftsman and the epitome of the rugged desert character who could care less how the rest of the world does it. To those who believe I am bloviating ask your self why Arizona has there own timezone (aka MST)... Cause Arizona does things Arizona way and it does not exist anywhere else in the country. I know -- I have lived in 37 states in my life and there is no place like your area. Congrats on figuring out what is real and what is nonsense. Incredible.... /logging off until the next compunction.

[@dandylawnandmaintenance4407]

Great camp trip and trailer. Best part of camping besides being with family is napping with the window open in a bed fit for a king.

[@homesteadonomics]

Dandy Lawn and Maintenance thanks for checking it out!!!!

[@LeJimster]

Seems way more spacious on the inside than I thought it was.

[@homesteadonomics]

LeJimster my wife mentioned that several times too. She was afraid that it would fee too small after we got everything packed but it turned out to be a good fit and size for our small family!

[@joerogers4227]

For such a small trailer, great interior room. Takes me back to the 1958 Scotsman 15 foot. Not very fancy, hand pump to 10 gal. freshwater tank. no DC lights, and a propane gas light over the dining table. Great work. Love seeing eastern AZ as I live near Prescott and have only camped in this area. First pulled a trailer in 1959 at age 17.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 .... Now I want pancakes! 🤤🥞

[@rickhall361]

Rams, fun to watch, great scenery..... Thanks for sharing...

[@DJBoise]

My favorite sound Daddy. Love it.

[@Llamadosalvaje]

Cool video bro! Marvelous family. Is nice see your adventures and family participation :)

[@daskasspatzle2396]

The trailer proved its qualities :-) Thanks for sharing ;-)

[@jairomenezes5234]

Very niece , your trip. i am from brazil .

[@homesteadonomics]

jairo Menezes thank you 🙏 and great to hear from 🇧🇷 😀👍

[@swmas02]

Hi there a New follower from the UK, we have camped most of our Adult life with our two children now grownups from tents to our current touring caravan over the last 40 years, It brings back memories seeing you and your family explore the outdoors showing children what nature can offer away from the home lifestyle. Your young daughter will in years relate to this first trip with you both and seeing her explore the wilderness seeing wildlife and meeting others creating new friends will last for ever.Your knowledge of building your caravan and the enthusiasm you put into this mobile home should last for years to com. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

[@johnconklin9039]

Looks like a great time. The rams were especially cool.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

First time viewer! Great channel my friend! Really enjoying your videos!

[@patricktompkins1103]

Great video! Wonderful family! Beautiful scenery and photography! Superb editing!

[@Tango_November]

Awesome to see the trailer in use! I have to ask what watch you're wearing though

[@homesteadonomics]

Bulgarian Beast thanks! It’s a timed weekender with tht chronograph...several different models of the weekender

[@iambeeman1]

How in Gods green earth can anyone give a thumbs down! No, your build isn't perfect. No, its not how I would have done it. But your building it for you and your lovely family, not me and mine. It's amazing though. I hope you get a lifetime of use out of it and build memories that get passed down for generations.

[@dewayneavery5097]

Nice family video. Reminds me of my family 60 years ago. I camped growing up been doing it. Now my wife &/I travel in a

[@fjcruiser7842]

Your family is beautiful and you are a wonderful father

[@rcarver1961]

I've thought of building my own. How difficult was it to get titled and insured?

[@mike93lx]

Every state is different. They run the gamut from nearly impossible to a non issue

[@homesteadonomics]

Ryan Carver Michael is right....varies greatly by state. Thing like lights and reflectors are standard thing that are similar between states. But tags, etc can vary.

[@mikepears8063]

This is the best DIY camper build I have seen and I have watched a TON, as I am looking to build one my self. Thank you so much for sharing your build design, as well as, the final product. It was so cool to see you and the family enjoying the finished camper. I have to go back and watch the side videos on the bumper and stuff, but well done!

[@thomasdunn8214]

Fantastic video with beautiful photography and family. I could smell the bacon cooking. Thanks for sharing!

[@glenfaughtjr1663]

A success indeed! Glad you are all now enjoying the fruits of your labor. Here's to many more happy adventures.

[@triciaanddennisb9548]

Great job on the trailer, your painted it white on the inside, kept it might and airy, great job!

[@RETard-me4mj]

What a beautiful family and what a great trailer. Well done, sir.

[@homesteadonomics]

Lois Degeneffe thank you Lois!

[@coolwheelz5190]

Looks like a great time.....leaving on Wednesday for Itasca State Park in MN.......home to the start of the Mississippi! I loved Meadow Golf!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

Coolwheelz awesome! Sounds like it’ll be a great time! And take some pitching wedges or 9irons and play some golf yourselves....it’s all you need😉👍

[@rapidburrito]

Omg I have a bigger version of that exact ladder. I cant stand it. Be careful. Eventually the steps start randomly free falling.

[@MrLangDog]

WOW!! I was gonna buy 2 for around the house..they don't last?

[@rapidburrito]

@@MrLangDog no they do not. Convenient yes. Durable no.

[@TeleBass1]

Great Family! Great Trip! Great Video! I really enjoyed the it.

[@TheCodyw20]

Great video thread! Really enjoyed your build process.

[@ole51hansen]

I take off my hat and bow. What an amassing camper you have. You also have a beatyfull family so you are graced . Hey from Denmark.

[@maehay4065]

Awesome camping trip with family! 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

MAE HAY thanks Mae!

[@ericsumnicht7829]

The fruits of your labor... Glad to see you enjoying it Joe and family.

[@dyags1007]

Camping is the life,time spent with the ones you love outdoors is priceless. I have doing this for years with my family and the memories have no dollar amounts.enjoy those great memories together.

[@suejarrard2221]

Looks like an awesome time. Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery and all of the fun. Blessings to you and the family

[@LisaFaiss]

I watched these videos for the builds, but was very happy to see the footage shot up in northern AZ. I've been dreading going back to visit that area due to the bad fires in there and these were encouraging shots. I've backpacked in there and seen plenty of elk and deer, but never bighorn sheep. I had no idea they were in there. Love the shots from the drone.

[@deezynar]

I'm glad you guys got to get out and have fun. That trailer works great. Good job! When I was a kid my family would camp at Sheep's Crossing. That was late 60's, early 70's. I haven't been back since then, but one of my brothers was up there a couple years ago and said it has changed completely, and doesn't have the charm it used to have.

[@sennest]

awesome video! great news that the trailer is a success! never have seen before meadow golf and I think that it's gonna be a new tradition when camping! many thanks and congrats!

[@EvergreenFilmsAZ]

I'm fortunate to live in the White Mountains of Arizona. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Congratulations! What fun! It's the reward for all the hard work and expense of building the trailer. Thank you all for sharing your camping trip, I sure enjoyed watching it.

[@StMyles]

Yes!!.. Seeing it in action 👍🏼.. thanks for sharing.

[@bigunone]

Practicing thinking about the rams! Worked in Kearny a couple of times pretty country

[@homesteadonomics]

Charlie yes it is beautiful country for sure😀

[@givemeaforkingname]

Great video. Thanks again for sharing all the inspirational work and especially for inviting us all along on the first trip ! It's been an awesome project to follow.

[@hartzland7658]

What salt of the earth beautiful people you are, restore's my faith in humanity.

[@stevekoger1106]

What family camping should be like! Kinda put a year in my eye 😉

[@rebacrow5604]

Y’all are such a nice looking family who really cares about one another. I hope y’all have many safe and fun adventaries. God bless yall

[@الأعمىجابر]

The work is very simple makes it easy to learn. Thanks

[@michaelblaker2334]

Perfect, great video!

[@homesteadonomics]

Michael Blaker thanks Michael!

[@squigburger]

Wow that bighorn spotting was awesome!

[@MrLeigh]

Impressive build and a beautiful family. Great job!

[@cccb1984]

Merci pour toutes vos vidéos. Bel exemple pour ma remorque food truck. Vous êtes un super bonhomme !

[@raymondmills9377]

Looks like a tidy job on the trailer.. keep it simple.

[@homesteadonomics]

Raymond Mills thanks!

[@cvzphotography]

All that hard work paying off.

[@George196207]

So clean and bright ! What a nice looking rig that is so functional. Lot of really old growth forest is a dead forest far as animal life goes because no ground vegetation means no food.

[@texasfly9925]

Great family video!!! Looks like you all had a blast!!! Makes me want to build one and start camping again!!

[@BigSkyAtNight]

Looks like a great trip! And the trailer looks so comfy! Great job! And it’s cool seeing your family also.. tell your wife she’s looking awesome! And Marley is still so stinking cute! Duncan says he likes her 😃. That tree hit by lightning was nuts! And the big horn! How cool! Overall an excellent adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us! 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Big Sky at Night thanks Steff! I will let her know! It was such a fun time and was also nice to meet your and your boys too! White mountains....one of the best places on earth to camp😀👍

[@teddyhammack2195]

Looks to be a fun family trip and have many more.

[@harmerdean]

Fun stuff. Thanks for sharing. The camper is perfect.

[@dessertman1181]

Looks like great fun with great people

[@justaguy427]

I need to keep my eyes open for wild raspberries. Nice job spotting the bighorn sheep! That was good of you to check on that fire.. very conservation like of you.

[@rustyshackleford6259]

Inspiration for guys like me how to better lead a family. I seem to only get angry over you name it, and turn trips into bad memories. Watching this made me realize how it could be.

[@Mangov9510]

So happy you got it fi inished so good! What an achievement!

[@susannichols4372]

Love the power drill leveling! Thanks for taking us camping!