Another newbie from South Carolina

[roadtripray]

Hello all,

I stumbled across this site a month or two ago and I've been hooked on the idea of building my own camper ever since. I have been wanting to get something to camp in, but a new camper is just out of the question. A used one can be had cheaply, but I quickly realized that many of the cheap ones would pretty much require a complete rebuild, anyway.

I also like the fact that a Teardrop or Tiny Travel Trailer can be pulled with most anything. We are fortunate to have a full-size Ford conversion van in decent condition, but with only a 4.6L V8 a large travel trailer would likely wear out the engine and transmission prematurely. The small size may also allow me to avoid using trailer brakes ... maybe.

I started thinking about a traditional 4X8 tear. Then I began thinking about modifying the design to accomodate our two kids. And then it would be really nice to have a place inside to sit and eat, play cards, etc if the weather doesn't cooperate.

I sketched out a rough floorplan, and then found the Campster 12. The Campster 12 is almost identical to my sketch! I can still make it small enough to fit in the garage, but big enough for my family.

I am not the handiest person around. I hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew. I have learned a lot just by lurking here, and I'm sure to learn so much more over time.

Blessings,
Ray

[ERV]

Hi Ray
Sounds like a plan. With a full size van I don't think you will have to worry about brakes. Just the gas milage.
I bought my first one, but plan on building a little bigger one this sumer. Was going to start it this fall but work got in the way. So far all I have is the trailer.
With all the nice knowledgeable folks on this site, I think you can build just about anything.
Have fun doing it and take a lot of pictures.