How to Build a DIY Micro Camper

I would like you to meet Bob! He’s our 40 sq. ft. Micro Camper.
While I designed him to be light weight he is also very rugged and well insulated. This model was built out of a reused 5×8 40-year-old cargo trailer that had seen better days.

I figure I could build one on a brand new trailer for only about $800 more. That being said, reusing what I could and even scoring some reclaimed T&G cedar for the back and the loft we only spent around $800 for the entire build which we completed in our spare time in about three weeks.

(updated interior pics on the last page)

Specs.
Steel single axle trailer.

aluminum side walls.

2×3 framed construction.

real r-13 insulation everywhere.

birch bead board interior with 1in pine trim

3ft Ceder loft platform with inclosed sides to hold gear.

reclaimed RV door, I cut down to fit.

reclaimed RV crank out windows.

birch ply floors with enough room to squeeze a queen matress in there.

Corrugated tin roof and 1/2″ OSB to keep the weight down.

twin deep cycle 12V batteries to run 5 Led lights and a 110V AC outlet that can be run by an inverter in the front storage box.

Pluses of the unit.

It’s simple and easier than setting up a tent.

coast is very low compared to other trailer manufactures.

I can stand in it. unlike a teardrop. ( but I still love teardrops)

It’s unique, I get complements all the time.

easy to tow. I use a Nissan Xterra and just completed a trip with Bob, 2,400 miles from Colorado to Arizona and back.

It’s nice and warm and you can bet with that roof pitch it wont have water sitting up there! You can go camping and have a real mattress to lay on at the end of a long days hike! And come on, it looks like a Tiny House…. just smaller!

I’m offering micro campers and tiny houses, custom designed for people as well

Step one. find a cheap used trailer. it can be anything you want, a old
camper that's rotten, a jet ski trailer, cargo... anything really.

I gutted the inside of the trailer and cut the back and roof off. making a hollow c shape to build a new structure in.

I used 2X3 studs to frame out the entire inside. then built a quick and dirty roof with enough space for me to stand up in.

I added reused RV windows from an old camper. sheeted all the openings that didn't have aluminum sides. and added a tin roof.

I insulated the walls with r-13 added a reused RV door that i cut down to size, trimmed it out in reclaimed T&G ceder, added LED lights, a deep cell battery, a 110v power inverter. I now have full power hook ups. a folding outdoor camp kitchen, and a real mattress! The rest was just finish work and paint. and there you go in my spare time i built something even better than a camper and lighter to tow as well. in just three weeks.