I Built a TWO-STORY Micro Camper!

Summary

In this engaging video, two brothers embark on a mission to build a lightweight, two-story micro camper that can accommodate both of them for their camping trips. After purchasing a cheap trailer, they strip it down, build the frame, and carefully add insulation, wiring, and custom features. Their journey includes creative DIY techniques like 'Poor Man's fiberglass' for waterproofing and custom AC installation. Along the way, they encounter challenges, from tire issues to construction hurdles, but they persevere to create a functional, unique camper. The video showcases their resourcefulness and brotherly bond in this exciting project.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator and their brother built their first camper a year ago, sparking a newfound passion for camping and DIY camper projects.
• 😀 The new camper being built is a two-story micro camper, designed to fit two people comfortably, unlike previous builds that could only fit one.
• 😀 They started with a $200 trailer found on Facebook Marketplace and stripped it down to the frame to build a camper that's both lightweight and spacious.
• 😀 The primary goal was to build a camper that is light enough to tow 300 miles to the beach, so they used the thinnest possible materials like skinny wood for the walls.
• 😀 To increase fuel efficiency and reduce weight, the walls of the camper were designed with rounded corners.
• 😀 The camper's electrical system is kept simple, using a house-style setup with plugs and switches, powered by a generator when on the road.
• 😀 Spray foam insulation was applied to the interior to regulate temperature, followed by cutting and smoothing to create a flat surface.
• 😀 A tough outer foam layer was added to the camper for durability, and a DIY method called 'Poor Man's Fiberglass' was used to waterproof the exterior.
• 😀 After using cheap cloth and glue for the fiberglass process, they added paint on top to provide extra waterproofing and a more durable surface.
• 😀 School bus windows were used for the camper, providing a cost-effective solution for tinted, opening, and closing windows.
• 😀 Despite a few challenges, such as the camper's AC system needing modification and dealing with last-minute touches, the brothers successfully completed the project and set off for a beach campsite.
• 😀 On their way to the campsite, the camper experienced a flat tire, but they were able to replace it quickly due to the camper's lightweight structure, and they continued their journey to the beach.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the project in the video?

The primary goal of the project is to build a micro camper that comfortably fits two people, which the creator and his brother have not been able to do with their previous campers.

How did they acquire the trailer for the camper build?

The trailer was found on Facebook for $200, which the creators saw as a great deal and decided to purchase.

What were the measurements used to determine the size of the camper?

The base of the trailer measures 8 feet by 5 feet 2 inches, which allowed for a full-size bed and made the camper larger than previous builds.

Why was it important to make the camper super light?

Making the camper light was important because the builders planned to take it 300 miles to the beach, and a lighter camper would be easier to tow and more fuel-efficient.

What method did they use to round the corners of the camper?

To make the camper more fuel-efficient, they used a template to trace the curve and cut out multiple pieces from a 2x6, which they then used to round the corners.

What kind of power system was used in the camper?

The camper uses a typical household power system with plugs and switches, and when on the road, a generator powers everything.

What material did they use for insulation and why?

They used spray foam for insulation because it helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the camper by keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.

What technique did they use to waterproof the camper?

They used a method called 'Poor Man's fiberglass,' where they glued a cheap cloth to the camper's exterior and then applied several layers of glue to create a tough, waterproof shell.

What kind of windows were installed in the camper and why were they chosen?

They used school bus windows because they were inexpensive, looked great, were tinted, and could open and close, making them a practical choice.

What problem did they face during their trip, and how did they solve it?

During the trip, one of the camper's tires went flat. They solved it by getting new tires, lifting the camper to replace the flat one, and continuing the journey.