Building a 6x10 Camper for a family of 4 - Prairie 610

[ryanandersonhq]

Hello all, I’m starting my second camper build — a 6x10 overland-inspired design that will sleep four. My first camper was a 5x10 with a kitchen galley that was a traditional teardrop shape. My family is larger now so I am going to make a larger camper for quick weekends and solo trips mountain biking. I also plan to rent it out when not in use.

Specs:

• 5' interior height
• Full-size mattress (sideways) for me and my wife
• Rear bunks for the kids
• No rear galley — instead, a pull-out kitchen mounted on the tongue
• Aluminum siding
• Off-road tires
• Built in my garage here in North Dakota over the winter

The goal is a compact, rugged camper we can take anywhere, without sacrificing comfort for the family.

I drew plans then used Ai to render what I think the final build will look like. The planning stage is always one of the funnest to do. I remember that from my first build.

I just finished the first step — building the insulated wood foundation — and documented the entire process. You can follow along on my blog or YouTube channel as I go from raw materials to a complete adventure-ready camper.

Camper Build Blog
Youtube Build

 

[gearsoup]

That's awesome! 6x10 huh, that's gonna be a wide rig when done...

 

[ryanandersonhq]

That's awesome! 6x10 huh, that's gonna be a wide rig when done...

Yeah, I thought long and hard about the width. My previous was 5' and it was enough for me and my wife, but a little extra room when getting kids involved will be smart.

Also I think I might do this... or I might not, but I may put a bump out like the vanlife people have to fit a full size bed in there sideways. There would be an additional 8" bumped out on one side where our feet would be wide enough to fit the bed... That bump out would be about flush with the fender.

 

[gearsoup]

I briefly considered making a slide-out for my square drop camper, but discarded that rather early on in the process

 

[Camping Cur]

Our cargo trailer is 6' wide and it is the perfect width to see right down the 2 sides with the side mirrors on our mid-size SUV. Any narrower would be a killer for interior usage. Had a 5X8 years ago and only used it a few times before selling it for something wider. Good choice IMHO!