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

[@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

[@greenwolf401]

I love the way that he used an old gun case to house the shower unit.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

it is my favorite part! Thanks for watching!

[@sophakpeth4346]

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

[@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.

[@TacTechMic]

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

[@joellim8970]

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

[@jeffreyjohnston6843]

that's the best outdoor shower I have ever seen and I don't think that the camper would break, it seems very well built, oh you're talking about it now. and yes I talk as I watch the video

[@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.

[@colinmckim4515]

I'm thinking of building a camper unit for my flatbed truck and thus gave me some great ideas. Very impressed at shower system design

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Colin McKim thanks! If you build one, please post pictures to my Facebook page “Shawnee hills workshop”

[@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)

[@fishtuationaqua]

I'm building mine while I'm watching this. Great build!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

14:56 You can see why the steps have taken a beating. I love your trailer and all the thought & detail of a true Carpenter that you put into this amazing setup. The shower/potty setup is framing awesome!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

lol, yeah, I'd be lying if I said that's the only time I have done that. Also, the shower/potty setup is my favorite part, I've considered making one dedicated for the land cruiser.

[@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.

[@JasonWorrix]

OMG please do an earth roamer!!! I could see the excitement in your eyes when you revealed that was the next project idea!!!!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Jason Worrix I want to so bad, just not sure if I have that big of project left in me or not.

[@MackyBaka000]

Jason Worrix, earth romer? U mean the overpriced offroad camper built on either f550 or f750 chassis?

[@rustythomason3894]

I'm a fan of the DIY Earth Roamer idea as well!!!! I know he would knock it out of the park!

[@Taxi4B]

Love the vids. For the steps, hack em off. Weld a SHS receiver. Weld an L bend from SHS that fits in the receiver, and weld steps on that. Simple steps that can be completely removed and chucked in the camper or toolbox

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I'm thinking about changing my propane tank location and adding a small toolbox there so I have a place to store it. Early on we had a step stool I used, but it got muddy and then I didn't want to put a muddy step in the camper so we would be putting it in a garbage bag or something. But a tool box would solve that issue.

[@Taxi4B]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 if you go the single receiver removable step you can actually add a receiver anywhere, like on the back, and "store" it there 😉. If that makes sense. Like mounting a shovel somewhere, you can mount the steps out of the way. This design normally doesn't even need a pin but you would want that if mounting it for travel

[@makingkindling582]

Beautiful! You have every right to be proud of this!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thank you!

[@johng3633]

I love it !! At first I was planing on buying a pop up! But now ive seen your videos have really inspired me to lean your way !! also say u have a one of kind !! Thank u !! Just what I need for hunting and fishing !

[@kriiigern777]

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

[@danemmerich6775]

Awesome DIY overlander trailer!!

[@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 ;)

[@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 :)

[@elmotastic578]

That shower and shower curtain. genius setup. I need to do this

[@A_man213]

That is fantastic craftsmanship.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks!

[@georgewilliams6328]

Awesome build my friend, the ones who said to get a hotel room they're just jealous because they aren't capable of building something like This! Awesome craftsmanship!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks for the kind words

[@joewoodchuck3824]

There are no hotel rooms to be had where such a rig can go.

[@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!

[@tonya9614]

Love that it’s one off with plenty of ingenuity, great build! Thanks for sharing

[@homegardencompletecarehome2182]

A lot of very clever solutions, great inspiration for everybody going to build similar trailer. Thank you!

[@bryanford1139]

Good answer!! you should be proud of all of it, very nice job fella. Frameless body is the way to go, and plywood is an excellent medium. Directionally stabile and relatively light weight.

[@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!

[@ricmoffet6843]

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

[@DorkstaR24]

I watched every video of building this trailer(also every trip :)) , and I can say, that this is the most inspiring trailer build. A lot of thought into it and I love it!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

DorkstaR wow, thank you so much!

[@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!

[@benitezjosem30]

One of the best built I ever see. Kudos

[@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!

[@Rat-Builder]

Nice rig! You should be proud. It is fun to build something from scratch.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Rat Builder thanks! I am very proud!

[@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!,

[@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!

[@ricksmith7631]

I work in the RV industry and to be honest, Im disgusted at what they roll off the floor these days - nothing but overpriced pieces of junk and for some of them, they expect you to live in these - not going to happen. I really liked your design and how you made maximum use of available space, the shower was crazy but great. I will definitely be heading to your page to see more of your work.

[@robertblassmann9161]

I was in RV sales in NC then back in UT I was buying fixing and flipping used units but back to your post YES the shit they turnout is just that SHIT. I live in a 2000 Fleetwood Prowler 32' fifth wheel. Thus unit. This is a great unit 0 Problems.

[@slimjim63]

Especially the Mennonite made crap coming out of Indiana.

[@greggerow7183]

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

[@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!

[@miketalbot9726]

Nice build! Not many family friendly off road campers out there. I had to build my own as well so I can appreciate the thought that goes into it.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

I'd love to see it, post a link to video or pics if you have any!

[@miketalbot9726]

@@shaweehillsworkshop4226 Here is a link to a boring KZbin video. (This was several years ago and I have continued to upgrade it. Time to make a new video) The top raises automatically now and I have a roof top tent mounted among other things: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWOyY5WrqJykaqc

[@ronaldharris6569]

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

[@jimmygreen671]

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

[@thinkingape7655]

The whole build is super cool, but the shower stole the show. I've been planning on installing a pressurized 7gal water tank thats roof mounted, and have been wondering about a good shower/stall solution. Your pivot hinge idea is great!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Night Beard it’s by far my favorite part of the build. I made a build video just for the shower portion and I thought it would go so well on KZbin but unfortunately it hasn’t taken off at all.

[@mojojojo218]

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

[@samprokop]

This makes me want to build one! I think the design is awesome, I don't need the pop top but the rest of the shape is just about perfect and in terms of strength I don't think I'll ever be doing anything that requires army type build. THIS IS PERFECT and the cost of so attractive. I see nothing complicated in this design. I am going to go back and look at the other videos to see the frame and chassis of this thing. I can do the top part, but not the chassis part :( Well done sir and thanks for sharing

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Nice overall, and the use of window latches in other than originally intended places is clever. The rifle case shower enclosure blew me away! May you continue to enjoy it.

[@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...

[@maurice3464]

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

[@TM-bd7nf]

That is beautiful craftsmanship. Great job.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Awesome build. We have a cabin so it is hard for me to justify a $20k-40k trailer. I have been considering a modified teardrop DIY. One of the best designs I have seen so far.

[@jaminova_1969]

I'm impressed! Nice build! I hope someday to build one of my own!

[@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.

[@waltertrejo9512]

Every time i see this off road trailer, it reminds me of the same camper trailer as the Bruder EXP-4 and EXP-6. Still love the looks of this trailer and i actually want to build one as soon as i've finished working on my vintage mobile food van.

[@toddbennett6097]

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

[@volvo09]

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

[@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.

[@DGETHIS01]

i had no intentions to watch the entire video but this guy impressed me

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

DGETHIS01 thanks!

[@deepchillzone]

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

[@rudytafoya4316]

I think you are a genius, I love your lil trailer, so many great ideas

[@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 .

[@bcb2585]

I wish three things after watching this video. 1) that I owned that trailer. 2) that I had the time to use it. 3) that I lived in a part of the country that had the types of trails that a trailer made sense for. I enjoyed the video very much.

[@dannymoss4599]

One of the best builds iv seen. Well done

[@NMagturo]

Thanks for this great post. Beautifully done.

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

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

[@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.

[@Hudson4426]

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

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Great job! Nicely done may you and ur fam continue to enjoy it!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

LJaysPerspective thanks!

[@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.

[@philiptaylor2567]

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

[@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.

[@rustythomason3894]

oh my!!! @15:00 mark.... coming off the bridge.... your steps are deployed!!!! no wonder they get beat up!!! so funny.... BTW super great build and I hope to adventure out with you and Rob someday and we all family camp together!!

[@teecee9660]

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

[@Shawesome.D.Water.Cosby.]

really enjoyed this video!! Thanks for the resources 🙌🏾 KY native looking to make one soon 😎

[@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.

[@Chris_at_Home]

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

[@fungames7403]

Smart man made a smart trailer. Looks fantastic too.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

thanks

[@twangismythang]

Very nice... good luck with the sales.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you! We sold #331 last night!

[@azimuth361]

That shower is brilliant!

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thank you, it is one of my favorite parts!

[@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.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Very impressed with this design.

[@eddiehuang4399]

This is awesome. Great DIY project. Thanks for sharing....good stuff.

[@alphadelta9878]

Gun case shower is genius!!!!!

[@marty9368]

Great piece of work ! very smart, clean and function

[@calvincoggins7010]

I love this set up i have been trying to come up with a way to make a pop up like that and have not seen one till i seen yours think you you for showing it to us all i will be getting the plans from you soon the only thing i may change is the size im wanting to do a 6x12

[@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.

[@CptCoco35]

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

[@garybalanesi610]

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

[@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.

[@YerluvinunclePete]

That rifle case shower is awesome.

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Thanks, it is one of my favorite parts

[@immortal_d2036]

Very nice. Love your build. Thanks for the video

[@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.

[@darrelsmith4549]

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

[@gregwebster8784]

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

[@schlaubergerwalti7226]

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

[@jayo7799]

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

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Jay O thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@nigel3809]

Great project. Looks like the off-road trailers you see in Australia.