Has Off-Roading been too much for the DIY Overland Camper Build?

We take another look at the DIY pop top overland off road camper that Wes from Shawnee Hills Workshop built. This is a unique build since the top is a popup, allowing a family of five to fit in it!
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[@boblabla13]

I am so glad I stumbled onto this video. I am in the Yukon. I gutted and remodeled my 23 foot RV to be able to year round live, even in -45'C temps. I have lived in it for 2.5 year with no problems or complications. Well, bought property with house... RV is gone but want a camper for, well, camping.... was looking to do it myself with almost the exact same idea.... you have made my life easier.

[@sophakpeth4346]

The shower is the best idea I’ve seen for diy campers. Great job. Very inspiring!

[@twostep919]

This is still my favourite DIY camper.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

twostep919 thanks!

[@twostep919]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 thank you! Your videos have inspired me to create my own tear drop in the future. Take care.

[@bobm5198]

Mine too. I'd like one even if I would not use it to its fullest. Also since I don't have the family I would be able to use the interior to make it easier for camping in inclement weather. Bubba your bild is awesome and your naysayers are either jealous or...well I can't come up with any other reason.

[@philrazzi7782]

I have been building Teardrop trailers since 1994 and I will say you have certainly done a very nice job. Those that say that your trailer isn't strong have no idea how strong plywood AND fiberglass is. They have been building boats like that for many years. It shouldn't be any surprise how well it has held up. Great design. I really like the ingenious shower design. You could ditch the steps and put in a different style of step. More of a ladder design that will fold up out of the way (look up scissor steps). I would highly recommend that to save you some time while traveling. Nice nice trailer.

[@MAGWolf]

Wondering if the people who disliked your video are dealers who "Think" they can sell you their Garbage :) - Some advice. Make the steps detachable. Use a heavy duty pin on a slide track or something then you can just set them inside the camper when not in use so you don't catch them on everything.

[@joellim8970]

Very beautifully made. Especially the kitchen, simple and neat. The bow case used for the shower curtain was brilliant!

[@NigelMarston]

Such a lovely guy - I smiled like a loon when he described reversing the camper into the garage. I watched the original build too, so it's great to see how it has fared. I'd love to have a go at building one... maybe when I retire. Best wishes from the UK.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@Narinjas]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226I hope Elon Musk will call him and make a complete stainless version that also has a full battery pack for the Cybertruck. (but to be at the Cyber Size ... so for 4 adults and 6 children with merging extension that will merge with the back of the cybertruck to accommodate the extra size but to also have a holder that can hold the extension without the truck there)

[@MW_Builds]

Great build. The fiberglass overlay is an incredible thought. That helps sooooooo much. Great mind, sir. peace

[@vitale6633]

Bought the plans, your design meets my needs perfectly. Thank You for taking the time to compile the plans, parts list and videos. Gotta snicker just a bit at some of the "experts" that have no idea how most production campers, including huge Toy Haulers & 5th wheels are constructed - WooD! Your design is solid and well thought through. Yes, there are some phenomenal all metal overland trailers - just way out of my price range. Plus, Climbing Five plus feet into a Tent on top of a $30K Overland trailer is simply not in my wheel house. Crawling into a nice fully insulated, heated cabin with a Queen size bed after a long day in the sun and a few beverages is much more my style - :) My Dog will like this much more too :) Lifting a 92lb German Shepard up 5ft of stairs is Not going to happen :)

[@kriiigern777]

So much more fun to build something rather than buying. Well made and nice features!

[@PeachyKeenes]

This is amazing! You are so right that most teardrops are not made for family of five. I’m so excited to find this. Now convincing my husband to build it ;)

[@johnmichaels4330]

Can't imagine why anyone would thing this wouldn't last. As a carpenter/metal fabricator and offroader, I cant imagine why someone would think glued, screwed, cleated, fiberglassed, and Rhino lined box construction wouldn't hold up. Pretty damn funny if you know about the materials and construction. Very cool video. Likes the others too, subed.

[@alabastardmasterson]

That thing is effing legendary

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks man!

[@dwarfzerker8456]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 1 thing id change would been the step instead of the rv steps hangin to add more ground clearance have a set of steps made to have it fold up into the doorway inside

[@Gw0wvl]

That Shower is a great idea.

[@bpd8426]

Best piece of learning technology in a long time to me is KZbin.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

You and me both!

[@gmay757112]

Let me know where to send your diploma. "University of you tube"

[@bpd8426]

@@gmay757112 🤣 funny, but that's not the learning I meant before we had just library or basic internet for how to DIY etc . I dont have a diploma, and make 70k a year I know many people with degrees, and dont even use them.

[@scottplumer3668]

This is freakin' brilliant. A true work of art. I can't believe people are criticizing it. I did think the color was a little dark, what with the sun beating down on it while camping, but it matches my Cherokee!

[@volvo09]

That's awesome! The kids must love it! I'd buy that over a premade anyday.

[@jeffwomack5821]

Well done and the bad comments are probably from people that can't get dressed by them selves or even tie their own shoes so don't worry about them. The proof of your build is still living and going strong.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

True words!

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Very impressed with this design.

[@fn45tac1]

Man this thing is sick. I was going to build one for my family but after seeing this I’ll gladly buy the plans. Good job!

[@siamiam]

such a awesome set up :) the best part of the of the camper is the memories and experiences building and using it

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

siamiam #truth!

[@toddbennett6097]

Way to go Capt Kickass. When we build it then tear it up we know exactly how to fix it too. Great job.

[@Jacknox]

I'm in the market for a Bruder XP-4, I honestly thought this was one until I started listening to your build process. Excellent work, now I'm second guessing spending $40K vs. buying your plans and building one myself.

[@SpaseGoast]

Ingenious design. I like the way you used a cheap gun case as the storage spot for the shower.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thanks, the shower is my favorite part!

[@PtrOBrn]

To figure out the weight of the trailer measure the foot print of each tire and then find the tire pressure with an accurate gauge. PSI times square inches of tire foot print gives you the weight on each tire. Use a bathroom scale to get tongue weight. Add all three together to get your total weight.

[@CDNBVR1]

An even easier and quicker plus more accurate method is ti go to a highway truck scale and just drive over it. It's how I weigh my Jeep and my home made camper trailer.

[@zzanerg]

This is great, tough and rugged, you have the essentials, the point of camping is to be outside. You should start your own business, keep it super simple like this so almost everyone can afford...good job brother...bless you and your family...

[@ricmoffet6843]

Love your build, and thoughtful guy. Family comes first, and that is they way it should be.

[@Novagunner]

This guy would make a killing selling these

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

maybe, but I just can't talk myself into doing it again, lol. Building it once was enough for me!

[@jasongooden917]

SHAWИEE HILLS WORKSHOP you need an assembly line and workers

[@swashbucklingadventures9929]

Family time is priceless 👍

[@bahamasking2063]

He sure would

[@Novagunner]

@SHAWNEE HILLS WORKSHOP, you should sell the blue prints online then!

[@deepchillzone]

Sir, you did an amazing job! Can't wait to see your next project!

[@kevinmurphy3464]

Wow! That thing is awesome and that gentleman is very talented. With that said, only a guy from Kentucky would use an old rifle case to hold his shower set up and I love it!,

[@maurice3464]

Nice! Make the stairs removable. Would buy one of these with independent suspension. Well done

[@MichaelJones-ox4uk]

Nice work. I have been following this build from almost day one. I hope to do a build with this concept myself one day. Watching you from start to finish has had me at the drawing table for countless hours. I really just need to clear up a spot in the shop and get to building...

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

So glad I could be an inspiration! I hope you will share your build progress with us once you get started!

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

Excellent, and inspirational for those of us that a hammer is only useful as a weapon or a personal "thumb" self torture device.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

make no mistake, I have smashed my fair share of thumbs, lol

[@jimmygreen671]

I am SOOOO impressed!!! This thing is just beautiful!!

[@NMagturo]

Thanks for this great post. Beautifully done.

[@desparky]

14:53 No wonder that step gets in the way, haha. Awesome build. Can't believe it has stood the test of your travels.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Hahaha, I didn't see that before! Guess we forgot to close them, lol

[@teecee9660]

#sweet. I really like the idea of making yours specifically for your needs...

[@KC-wf7qt]

What a beauty! Nice work!

[@mrrustygray]

Really excellent job. The naysayers are people that can't or won't do it.

[@schlaubergerwalti7226]

Still the best design on the market and an exraordinary Performance in make and finish. Fat Double-Like from Germany 👍👍

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

Nicely shot and edited. A relative rarity in this field. Kudos to you on the build (and the videos).

[@fungames7403]

Smart man made a smart trailer. Looks fantastic too.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thanks

[@oldleatherhandsfriends4053]

I'm confused why wouldn't that trailer last? it's built better than some motorhomes that lasted decades.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I was surprised how many people said it would fall apart the first time it went offroad.

[@cannabooks8556]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 jealousy does the trick every time

[@steelavocado1]

Maybe some of the edges people think aren’t held together good enough. Like where the wood is attached together. But he obviously knows what he is doing and it’s very solod

[@zzanatos2001]

@@steelavocado1 I watched the build video, and I think he used biscuit joiners and gussets throughout. The guy is definitely a craftsman.

[@SeraphX2]

Because keyboard warriors who have never made anything think they know everything.

[@Dechenzio]

This is amazing... it's almost exactly what I've had in my head for years. Thank you, I thought I was being dillusional, lol.

[@darrelsmith4549]

I love THIS... I to am constructing an SUV as an overland/off road beast and in Kentucky 💪💪💪

[@TheImageZoneLLC]

That thing is so flippin cool

[@greggerow7183]

I think that is a terrific trailer. Well built, well throughout and done by yourself. Congratulations and I Love it.

[@azimuth361]

That shower is brilliant!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you, it is one of my favorite parts!

[@WillN2Go1]

Great project. It's wonderful that it's so practical. Re: the kitchen. One variation might be to have that upper cabinet right at the back and the counter/stove/sink pull out or fold down. Re: fiberglassing. Of course the next step in engineering, now that this has proved to be so durable, is to make one with lighter plywood... . You probably didn't need to glass all the plywood just tape along the joints. (But this is just on seeing just this video). I've built and repaired a few kayaks. It's amazing how strong a curve or corner can be with just some fiberglass tape and epoxy. Wes seems like a sensible guy, so I can share this next bit. (Some guys would get a new idea in their head and disappear into the garage for two years). Take a look at plywood stitch kayaks. These are made from 1/8" plywood. All the sides and joints are curved. The panels are cut and then wired or taped together with strapping tape. These joins are then fiberglass taped and epoxied on the inside, the tape/wire removed, the outside taped.... The whole skin is then fiberglassed, I think about 6 oz glass (that's what my strip kayaks have). Incredibly strong--just ask the guy out here who's 1/8" plywood kayak was chomped on by a 21' Great White. What you gain from the curves is incredible strength and structure, light but it could also be more aerodynamic. (Even so your design looks more aerodynamic than most of the commercially made pop-top trailers and truck bed models. Of curves really complicate things but it's not hard puzzling them out. I do it with paper shapes and tape. Of course I'm just thinking out loud. And I'm sure you'd rather be camping than trying to remake something you already have.

[@pravmistry3775]

Well designed , love the shower...

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Prav Mistry thanks! It is my favorite part!

[@2389jonjon]

I'm wanting to have one built it's a great design

[@DonegalOverlanding]

Awesome video and great project. I love reading all the garbage comments from people who have never built anything before in their life before. I built a diesel heater into a hard case and same in there, "internet experts" telling me what I done wrong.

[@gregwebster8784]

That's exactly how we build skiffs. Glass and ply is great. You get a warmer vibration dampened construction, that is more flexible.

[@TM-bd7nf]

That is beautiful craftsmanship. Great job.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you very much!

[@ronaldharris6569]

Very impressive diy .the pop top sets it apart from even production trailers

[@mojojojo218]

Bloody awesome... great set up and design ... well done ...

[@tylerm.1210]

For your steps to get into the Camper, why not build a lip at the door for removable ladder/step? Would take that stress away from wacking it on trails and keep that easy function of getting in and out. Gr8 job tho bud! Hope to see ya in the wilderness.

[@dylanmorgan9573]

Extremely impressed it looks fantastic

[@EStrongFitness]

This is incredible! I love the pop top idea. I am hoping to begin building a teardrop to sleep myself and my 3 kids. This pop top idea could create a lot more options for me. Thank you for sharing.

[@philiptaylor2567]

Really super cool. I love all three videos on this. Driving a jeep and a toyota is a bit of a conundrum 🤠

[@twangismythang]

Very nice... good luck with the sales.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you! We sold #331 last night!

[@CptCoco35]

The shower in the rifle case confirmed for me that this build is genius, lol. Well done.

[@oldschooldiy3240]

I'm surprised you didn't make your "low hanging fruit" removable! With your skills it should be no problem! Just watching this, I can picture a bracket that the steps slide in and out of!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

oldschooldiy I could, the problem is where to store a mud covered step when not in use.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Very, very nice!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks!

[@gorila1958]

I watch your original video your trailer is totally cool AWESOME. I'd own it in a heartbeat. You should be proud sir .

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Ricardo Estrada thanks for the kind words. I am very proud!

[@gorila1958]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Hey sir if you ever build one to sell if you hit me up with enough time to scrape together my pennies and ya could possibly make a sale . I know your busy with family and things but at least it's a thought and you know your talent is a gift to build and create a functioning work of art . I personally wouldn't need the raised roof thing since I have no kids just me. But that would be a whole different conversation on a build . Great Work .

[@joelmasson6450]

I think I've watched these videos a few times and thinking of my next overland vehicle and setup. I totally agree. I have three kids. The overland market doesn't cater to families much.

[@immortal_d2036]

Very nice. Love your build. Thanks for the video

[@dannymoss4599]

One of the best builds iv seen. Well done

[@Hudson4426]

Really tempted to build my own as well. Manufacturers want sooo much for these things

[@lanmartinmajcen7212]

this looks perfect for Tesla pickup truck, similar lines, would go together verry nicely, i think.

[@paulob5153]

Awsome working camper

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Paulo Brilhante thanks!

[@mlangfordcamper]

This is a great build you inspired me to build mine but now I want to copy your camper

[@Chris_at_Home]

Great job! Thanks for showing it you should be proud.

[@alphadelta9878]

Gun case shower is genius!!!!!

[@RealChoice1776]

Been watch you videos thank you for such a great job and getting it right - your awesome and encouraging - love the trailer

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Moses D Cedeno thanks!

[@tompinion4138]

A very impressive build!

[@bepbep7418]

I worked for Homes of Merit building actual house trailers, and this thing is built WAY better then any of those were. This thing will last for DECADES. I would change only a couple things. 1. A Locknroll trailer hitch (multiaxis hitch) 2. The bedroom would slide out. The shower is pure genius.

[@marty9368]

Great piece of work ! very smart, clean and function

[@2150dalek]

Very creative. Good job.

[@robbyknoxville7878]

Awesome build great job!

[@PhantomMark]

This is brilliant........I wan't to watch the build vids now if they exist ? :D Well bloody done

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

PhantomMark they definitely exist! There are two build videos one for interior and one for exterior. If you go to my channel there is a playlist on the main page for the trailer

[@ktp3791]

so well made, great job!

[@abdulsantiago4710]

My hat off for this master piece! Brilliant idea for your entire family!

[@donzimmer4616]

Great design and workmanship!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you so much!

[@jayo7799]

Awesome, I love it. You did an outstanding job building it. Just subscribed

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Jay O thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@magicdaveable]

Really cool build. Thanks for the update and continuing review. I would change some things since It's just me and my "GF" so my changes would address a reduced load for water. I agree with you about the galley. Wasted space. Oh yeah and I have no use for soft side pop ups. Working around that is a piece of cake.

[@lukefranco68]

Amazing job!! Sooo nice

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you! 😊

[@exrhodie1234]

Outstanding design and quality of manufacture. A work of art and incredibly practical. Nice job!

[@ccarnut]

Beautiful job.

[@PatriotPainter]

I don't know why people wouldn't think it would hold up. Its basically built like a boat and boats have to contend with constantly crashing against waves.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Patriot Painter exactly! I actually learned this method of construction 20 years ago when I built a sailboat.

[@getinit56]

With my automotive background.... I am not a fan of things built out of wood. Not even a boat. (I don't even live in a wood house). I just came across this video and I appreciate the layout, the effort, the build and utility, as well as, don't fault anyone that would take this project on and repeat it.... but, ... I wouldn't do it that way. Yet, I've always been that way. I never liked dealing with wood. Give me metal, and I'll shape it however you like. Give me wood and it will be used for heat. Ha.

[@PatriotPainter]

@@getinit56 I hear ya, but the wood is basically just there to give it shape. The strength and durability come from the fiberglass.

[@getinit56]

@@PatriotPainter Point taken, but I fail to see long term durability in anything built out of wood. I've seen too many boat floors rot, long before metal rusts. To each there own, but I would of chosen Aluminum. I'm simply just keyboard warrioring my opinion when I'm not currently building anything like this. So, his all of something that I may deem as not as comparable, is much greater than my all of nothing based on the ether of ideas. I did though, own a company in the polymers business and I have got more concerns with his choice of coatings, and thus rot, than I do with the choice of building materials. If any point of that "lineXed" type surface gets fractured, ... and it will (if only by sun alone)..... It will then do more to retain water and destroy it, than it ever would of done to protect it. I've sprayed thousands of gallons of it.

[@tpaulalex724]

People criticized this??? This is brilliant. Considering how much other people are charging for completed units, this is an excellent alternative. Plus, you kept it fairly simple. I worked as a carpenter for years (mostly building houses, high rises, and such) and I know that some of the tools we use can be intimidating to some people. I think your videos are excellent at showing people they can do it themselves. And bonus points for being such a great dad!!!!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thank you for all the kind words!

[@jonathanmunk1697]

Yeah its easy to sit there and criticize some one elses work but i also think this thing is amazing. An overland trailer like this is 7500 bucks and up and only good for 2 people max. Im lovin this thing

[@BlindmanValley]

Pull that hobby house behind one of the patriot campers..I say behind because it would be rude to meet a guy then force him to drive over yours as it falls apart.. Its a good looking unit but its not built for exrtreme offroad .Those 15000k's were not with it bouncing 3 feet in the air for 15 hours a day ...That my friend....is overlanding!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Mufaka Jones while I agree it was not 3’ in the air for 15000 miles straight, but it has gotten airborne many, many times!

[@jameskarwacinski1233]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 awesome build something to be proud of

[@twistedpixel2558]

I love this little camper. Saved yourself about 10-15 grand too. I would have a generator and a rooftop ac. I can't sleep when it's 85 degrees at night and 90 percent humidity.

[@bosshilf]

Wow what an amazing design.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thanks, I appreciate it!

[@b3agz]

I like that at 12:34 someone's blissfully asleep in the back seat as the car goes through more ups and downs than Robert Downey Jr's career.

[@garybalanesi610]

Looks like it very well made. For all those miles...

[@aidantimmins8441]

Well thought out well done what a brilliant job... I want one..👍

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Aidan Timmins thanks!

[@JavierBlanchardBJJ]

Looks amazing I want one

[@mikescomputercorner1204]

I think its absolutely amazing , people don't know that fiberglass over the plywood makes it super strong. If this camper was made by a company you would be looking at $25K to $30K.

[@SamCyanide]

that thing is dang cool

[@black99vett]

Loved this when I seen the first video and still love it now. And +1 on an Earth Roamer build.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I really want to build an Earth Roamer, I'm just not sure if I have it in me to take on that big of a project or not.

[@black99vett]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Yah I here you. It pretty much dedicates a truck to camping. I had looked into building a truck camper for some time but I'm not sure it's any advantage over a trailer.

[@DorkstaR24]

I think those Earth Roamers are waaay too big for real offroad camping. Imagine that in the woods..

[@bobm5198]

I run a motorcycle camper and I was in Sedona, AZ caped in a no services area when the most incredible camper I have ever seen, still. It was a full on Peterbuilt tractor with a full size camper where the sleeper would normally be.. it definitely was a custom built camper. I wish I had taken pictures. The guy who has it, is the CEO of a company that hires and runs hotshot crews and also builds off grid homes and communities.

[@kevinmckay810]

I built a10' teardrop some years back loved it, but now in my late 50s my 36' DP is now the way to go Glamping! nice nice job

[@jasonandersen5975]

I’m just the opposite. I in my late 50’s, too, but I no longer want anything big. I want something small like this, or even something that fits in my truck bed.