Minor background so you understand where I am at. Last year, I bought a new Jeep with the intent of traveling and offroading (getting back after a LONG break). I've been traveling by motorcycle for years, no stranger to tents. I no longer want to sleep in that small of a tent as I push 50. With the Jeep, I "glamp" meaning a 10 person tent even if it's just me, raised air mattress, chair inside, etc. I'm plenty comfortable like that, but I HATE setting up for only one night, and weather is more of a factor. I also have a German Shepherd who will be traveling with me now. He needs the room in the Jeep I hauled stuff with. Once I saw the idea of a squaredrop I was hooked. Parking and having a bed ready sounds amazing. Especially one I can take down less friendly "roads". I quickly found the DIY aspect, and plan to build one. That said, I see many if not most builds are over a year in the making. Below is my thought.
I have at least three months of other life things before I could even start to build. There are a few builders I found that fit my needs with "only" a six month or so backlog/build time. I am leaning towards buying a 5X8 to use while I build, then sell it. It will be relatively basic, both to keep costs down and to make it easier to sell than something farther from the norm. It also gives me a chance to use one extensively while I decide exactly what parts of my build are needed for me. I don't think wait times for new will drop, and prices may rise. I could potentially use it a year and nearly break even. If I lose a grand...that's only ten nights cost in a hotel. Or it's $100 a weekend for me to set up a tent in the dark with bugs, deal with weather more, clean the gear after, etc etc. Easy to justify this since I expect at least twice that used my first summer and fall. I may even find that 5X8 is enough for me (I was going to go a hair wider for a full queen inside and 10 length) and plan the build far enough to get a close estimate and see if the labor is worth it to me.
Things planned for my build that may matter:
Trailer will be new, made based off Tony's plan (think it's his...stole it from one of his posts). Tongue will run entire length for rear recovery point. I also plan on six uprights (four corners and two mid) for reasons next.
I have been planning either 5 or 5.5 feet tall. I wanted a bit more headroom, maybe a little under bed storage. That's the reason for the side supports as I will not be able to use solid sheets of ply.
Roof rack will be much stronger with the side supports as well.
Plan was to cut all pieces and test fit. Then one by one cover with glass on outside and edges. Once glassed and attached I was going to glass all edges to seal. After that, rhino or monstaliner coat it.
If I build, it's not to save money but to get exactly what I want. I know it will take me a while. Add to that the cost of the trailer build, timbren axles, plywood, epoxy, coating, wiring, on and on...it won't be cheap, but it will be a one time thing and I want to do it right. I originally considered building two and selling one...but I think I will just document the crap out of what this build is so I could duplicate it with only the labor, not the planning. That would be reserved for showing friends I think.
tl;dr part
If money wasn't a HUGE deal would you buy a camper to use while you build? Not that money doesn't matter, but time is pretty important, especially recreation time and getting out doing the things I want ASAP.