Newbie/longtime lurker from NW Georgia

[taythegibs]

Hello, my name is Taylor. I've wanted to build a camper for several years; at first I was going to build an offroad 4x4 based on the small hf frame to pull behind my Jeep with a tent on top but after a couple of years dragging my feet, when I finally got to a place where I could build it (moved out of central Fl where I was working at a large theme park) my plans changed. My gf at the time said that there was no way that She would sleep in a tent so I needed to plan something bigger. What started off as a small 4x8 squared off tear has now evolved into a 5x9' 4'' gigantor (to me anyway) that im worried about finishing anytime soon. I started my build a year ago and because of work and personal issues ive still not finished my walls. my camper is built on a 4x8 hf frame with the 4.80x 12 tires, a 2x4 frame (remember this was to be an offroad build in the beginning) and insulated, stick framed walls. It will have an a/c unit (picked up for $20) a 12v system powered by a 630w power supply that I have from upgrading my computer, one opening window on the side (from a truck bed topper I got for $25) and only one door since I will be camping alone now.

Since I started the build my life has taken a complete 180. I no longer am dating the girl I had been for the majority of my adult life, I got out of offroading, and I bought a 2011 Jetta SEL. after I bought the Jetta since I knew it was to be the primary tv I flipped the axle (so it was over the springs) and notched out the frame so the wheels would tuck into the wood frame a bit. I have nearly all the parts and have had them for the last ten months, all i really need is some 8awg wiring, paint, and fiber-glassing materials (didn't want to buy resin until I was about ready to use it)

So here are my pictures of my trailer in progress.

Starting off with a model of v3.0 with the flat rear end.



The first Full sized template for the camper.


Working on getting the frame setup, this is my 3rd hf trailer, the last one I got because it was cheaper to buy/put together/tag a trailer to move 550 miles than it was to rent a uhaul (actually ended up selling it for more than I had in it )
Before the axle flip-


Behind the Jetta, you can see the old jeep in the background


When I first Put the framing on, ended up replacing the outer 2x4's and putting a radius on them.


Here's the truck topper I pulled the windows out of, only downside of this thing was the fact that after taking it odd of the trailer to pull the windows I got stung by a bee or a wasp (which of course im allergic to)


Test fitting the curb side. the door will be 32x32, the cutout is a little big... You also can see the arched cutouts in the frame/bottom of the wall.


And the other side with the cutout for the big window.


I decided that the rear curve wasn't too attractive and would make it hard to reach into the galley so i trimmed it down.


And now im trying to work out the rear end(the bit on the 2x2), i'm thing that I will fiberglass it, ive broken too many pieces of 5mm ply on this curve. It will have round trailer lights in it and a recess for the license plate. (yes, laugh at my cruddy wall template.)




I have learned so much from this site and I've seen so many great builds that even tough I have a lot that I am working through, I can not wait to finish my teardrop. Also, since I haven't worked off of accepted plans, what shape would you call my build? Thanks a lot, and happy camping!

EDIT: I have resized the photos on photobucket, hopefully they are now all smaller... Didnt realize they would be so big coming off of my phone.

[deleted]

Welcome to the forum and just wanted to ask how your build is coming along? Looking forward to seeing it (especially that long angled window) once it's done!

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Taylor... Welcome to the Forum and you are off to a great start...

I am watching to see how it all comes out... I love that "Modern" window...