ElkinsDIY.com Presents: I spent $150 to build this camper using recycled campaign signs. If you have some tools and skills I offer build plans here: elkinsdiy.com/product-categor...
This is incredible in so many ways. Things like the "Nomad Bicycle Camper" set the path for a new ways to live and see this beautiful life. Paul, the World need more people like you man, please keep doing your stuff.
I bought the plans and was going to build 2 so we could tour around Scotland. Then Covid hit and I lost my wife and things were pretty bleak for a while. Then I lost my late wife's dog last year to liver failure. I have only just started to go out on my recumbent trike (ICE Qnt) this year 2023 after a 3 year hiatus. I'll probably build one over this winter and start touring around the country (UK). Thanks Paul, the world needs more people like you.
Every teen should have one of these so they can have their own space. So many youth need this to develop and sometimes just to have a place to sleep. When I was a teen I was sleepy all the time it seemed as if the world never wanted us to get our rest.
Paul - I just love the simplicity of your designs and manufacturability. I teach Industrial Design, part time at SJSU and my students are looking for ways to help with the homeless problem in San Jose. I told them about your designs and we'll see how far they run with this. Thank you for your inspiration !!
+Ken Schulze Hey Ken. I'm glad to hear you're making your students aware of the homeless situation. Although this camper was meant more for touring, this concept could definitely be simplified. I'd be interested in knowing what your students come up with, and would be glad to create a page or two on my website for your students if they come up with any designs or prototypes. Just send me fair resolution photos or design attachments to: paulwelkins@yahoo.com
I've been gathering ideas like this for pretty much the same reason. Want to make one for myself as a beta test and proof of concept then see if I can get some local charities to help me build a number of them for homeless shelters when I'm not working at the animal shelter
Those homeless shelter is not very good I used to live in one I've had my part of my leg cut off so I'm at a rehab space. so when i get my disbilly an getmy
I showed this to an older friend of mines. He says that this reminds him of something people used back in the late 60's and early 70's. He says they used to call them "Hippie Haulers" lol :)
I almost paused this video near the start to mention utilizing the space underneath for storage but then I saw you did it at 5:15. Good job, that stuff looks amazing to work with!
WOW! The sheer euphoria of watching you build that was AMAZING! I get so inspired when watching remarkable people like you. I'm subscribing to your channel. I wouldn't want to miss out on any of your uploads.
Зимой можно колёса поставить на лыжи, +снегоход +печка внутри и не бояться ❄⚡метель, пургу, а Ваша печь может греть внутри. Пол, стенки, потолок двери покрыть утеплителем экструдированным пенополистиролом(он не опасен! Из него желают посуду, водопаронепронецаем и отлично 👍👏😆держит тепло, не проводит холод. Снаружи кемпер покрывать полиэтиленовой плёнкой, на неё будет выподать конденсат! А в самом кемпере из за разницы температур, будет сухо и тепло ♨! Для рыбалке и охоты то что надо -одному! Эгоисту!
Awesome work! Really inspiring. Just to add an idea. How about welding the edges of the Plastik together or glue them somehow? U could get rid of the zip ties and the duck tape.
VERY IMPRESSIVE & ECONOMICAL! I love to see stuff like this! People are trying New things. Getting away from the Grid! Being a Slave to the System, that leaves you trapped. People are finding a way & I love it. Giving me some ideas myself.
I love little spaces, zip ties, & duct tape --perfect! You should do a collapsible version even though the interior would have to be modified and perhaps not as comfy. Awesome!
Very nice idea and design. This would be great back in Germany where I grew up, over there the system of roads reserved for bicycles is everwhere, so you could put together quite a trip. But also here, with a lot of old railroad grades converted you find a nice route with a few overnight stops where this could be used. Again, great design. Like it.
I noticed, when you were crawling onto the wheeled frame with the sheet over it (about the 2:25 mark of the video), there was a quick shot of what was happening underneath and there appears to be quite a bit of flexing of the plastic sheet. You could use two sheets of coroplast (sorry if that's misspelled) sandwiching a 5mm thick sheet of "sheething" material. Home Depot (Poulsbo) sells 4x8 sheets of 5mm thick sheething for $20. Cut to fit. Should improve the stiffness the floor greatly with a minimal increase in weight.
Ya, I find this beyond sketchy when I have seen material within home depot and then can't seem to find it when I need it most! I don't like head phones neither!
You're very welcome! When I look at your work I'm taken back to when I was oh lets say..9 years old, I too was a shelter/fort builder. I'm so envious of your work you really put a smile on my face considering I've joined the cancer club recently.
+Brian G Ah that sucks Brian, but I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face.It is amazing to me how many people I know are coming down with cancer. Most have survived, but it is an alarming amount percentage wise. Take good care and keep up the fight Brain.
Great to see you're back at it! I really like this idea, I've been wanting to build a simple bicycle camper, and old campaign signs seem like a great material.
due to a medical condition i recently took up bicycle riding and now i love it, i love the freedom i feel just being out on the road, seeing the sights. will definitely have to save up an order a set of your plans.
Your an inspiration Paul. I was looking for a long time to build a bicycle camper trailer for trail riding and this gave me lots of guidance and a good place to start! Thanks for all that you do and keep up the awesome ideas!
Polypropylene is a hard animal to get anything to stick to, hence the zip ties, although there are other fasteners one could used too. On my next shelter attempt I'll use a modified Phillips screw driver i filed down for a hole punch. It makes small slits for the zip ties. I'll add a dab of silicone on the holes and forgo the duct tape.
Thank you so much paul...uve helped me get out of the cold this year... last summer i looked up yhe plans for ur homless shelter... i built it and made a simple frame to put it on wheels... i give a great thanks to you because this gave me an opportunity to go to college and not. Have to live on the street technically... thanks ;)
Coco Puff, you made my day. Very very very glad to help! Would love to include a picture or two of your shelter on my web site. If interested contact me at paulwelkins@yahoo.com that's my yahoo address. I would love to hear how the shelter worked out.
Inspirational sir, really loved the blog you did on the nomad green vehicle! i am into the local music festivals car shows here in Scotland, with something like your great machine the possibilities are endless make a real vacation out of it!ditch the stuffy old tent and the back breaking packs for pure comfort cheers cant wait for yer next trick!
Inspired actually! So far I've just been making flashy, hotrod style cruiser bikes and my next build here I'm aiming for trike conversion kit with electric assist. Just today in conversation a friend mentioned the idea of making trade out decks for the trike. say, one could be a stylish wooden deck as seen on old hotrod trucks and one a lightweight fold out camper. Fired up the Google, found a cool build of a bicycle gypsy caravan and then this! again..blown out of the water here man! made my day. Thanks a bunch! Dean.
I've used PVC pipe and a tarp to cover a truck bed before for camping. Anyone could use the pipe to make bows on 2 pallets bolted end to end then stretch a tarp over it. It wouldn't be as sturdy or as comfortable as this is but would definitely help in a pinch or would make for a cheap temporary build if someone were homeless
Love it again! we need some signs and zip tyes in Chicago! Used a homeless shelter it could give mothers with a few kids safely together for the night. And the pushables are a must, we need a sign collection facility with a few crafty college kids and bamm, shelters!
Indeed we do have to see the value in these large signs that just get thrown away in most places. Some areas recycle them but not enough. This is the second shelter I've made with recycled signs, the first having a recliner, closet, shelves, frig. single burner and microwave etc. etc. Almost free seeing I recycled the campaign sign, wood and screws.
I have a bicycle trailer frame that I made out of a hand truck with a 1" diameter X 2ft threaded rod axle and a pair of 1" trailer hubs and 8" wheels to carry the weight of some car batteries. Your camper looks like a great design for affordable and sustainable mobile living. Thank You Paul for posting your video!
With some effort and donations, this thing could be build a lot cheaper and then used for homeless people that choose to live outdoors. Give them any bike, clip the streamer to it. Done! This is a great kickstarter project if I've even seen one. \ And you've answered my only burning question in the last minute. "Solar power upgrade!!" :) My compliments!
+Kenneth Tan Thanks Kenneth. After an election there are literally hundreds of full sheet coroplast campaign signs that go to the dump. With an old bike, some cheap lumber, screws and cable ties you have a mobile home.
+Paul Elkins Can you recommend a good place to find them? (After an election of course) Did you just sit at the dump for a while, or did you go door to door?
+Cassandra Ryan Some dumps that have onsite personal, will be glad, if asked to, to pull that kind of stuff aside as long as you show faithfulness in regular pick up.
very cool camper mate i will have to do something like that when i move from the island to the mainland and do some touring with it. keep up the great work mark
I just re-watched this video, and I have a suggestion for a more economical lighting system. Take a couple of those inexpensive solar rechargeable yard lights, modify them slightly, and use those for interior lights. On my channel, I have a play list called "Living well on a tight budget", and I found a video on that subject that I liked well enough to include in that play list.
I did this for my last structure I took to burningman, adding 7 small lights in the roof. It put out a nice dim light, but I wanted something strong enough for reading and have a swivel for placing the light where I wanted it. Some day I'll add a flexable solar panel to charge a battery which will have wiring to the individual light fixtures.
Paul Elkins Ever since I saw your little Mochet Velocar copy I've been constantly iterating more refined versions of the design... probably for three years now. I think that this little camper could be the companion piece that takes me away from going bleery eyed at autocad to actually building the thing.
An amazing project.. just one of the many you have done. If you went with front wheel drive.. and connected the bike to the trailer you would cut down drag and maybe be able to keep yourself out of the weather and have more living area with less drag.Keep up the great work.
This is incredible in so many ways. Things like the "Nomad Bicycle Camper" set the path for a new ways to live and see this beautiful life. Paul, the World need more people like you man, please keep doing your stuff.
I bought the plans and was going to build 2 so we could tour around Scotland.
Then Covid hit and I lost my wife and things were pretty bleak for a while.
Then I lost my late wife's dog last year to liver failure.
I have only just started to go out on my recumbent trike (ICE Qnt) this year 2023 after a 3 year hiatus.
I'll probably build one over this winter and start touring around the country (UK).
Thanks Paul, the world needs more people like you.
Every teen should have one of these so they can have their own space. So many youth need this to develop and sometimes just to have a place to sleep. When I was a teen I was sleepy all the time it seemed as if the world never wanted us to get our rest.
Paul - I just love the simplicity of your designs and manufacturability. I teach Industrial Design, part time at SJSU and my students are looking for ways to help with the homeless problem in San Jose. I told them about your designs and we'll see how far they run with this.
Thank you for your inspiration !!
+Ken Schulze Hey Ken. I'm glad to hear you're making your students aware of the homeless situation. Although this camper was meant more for touring, this concept could definitely be simplified. I'd be interested in knowing what your students come up with, and would be glad to create a page or two on my website for your students if they come up with any designs or prototypes. Just send me fair resolution photos or design attachments to: paulwelkins@yahoo.com
Homelessness is an economic, and not an architectural problem.
Some day there will be a Paul Elkins museum.
It already exists.... Its called a rubbish dump!
What materials are you using again
Your inventive ways of recycling and reusing materials are amazingly simple but outstanding.
If no one else said it, this one is a masterpiece. I'd include a 4 quart pressure cooker but I'd use it outside.
Thanks for the info. My build will be a gift for a homeless guy I met that has no desire to live in a government shelter.
I've been gathering ideas like this for pretty much the same reason. Want to make one for myself as a beta test and proof of concept then see if I can get some local charities to help me build a number of them for homeless shelters when I'm not working at the animal shelter
good on you
Those homeless shelter is not very good I used to live in one I've had my part of my leg cut off so I'm at a rehab space. so when i get my disbilly an getmy
Sorry and get my new leg I want to travel with a etrike I and a camper like this.im just tired of living in one place.
It's a good thing you're not my neighbor Paul... I'd be hanging out at your shop all day. Great Stuff, keep em coming!!!!
I showed this to an older friend of mines. He says that this reminds him of something people used back in the late 60's and early 70's. He says they used to call them "Hippie Haulers" lol :)
I love this! It could also be decorated like a covered wagon and taken on a cross country trip!
Indeed!
Have you seen his covered wagon design?
I almost paused this video near the start to mention utilizing the space underneath for storage but then I saw you did it at 5:15. Good job, that stuff looks amazing to work with!
Sinky Corogated plastic has its limitations, but it is an amazing fun product to play with.
WOW! The sheer euphoria of watching you build that was AMAZING! I get so inspired when watching remarkable people like you. I'm subscribing to your channel. I wouldn't want to miss out on any of your uploads.
Quan Chew Thanks Quan. I appriciate the kind words.
Зимой можно колёса поставить на лыжи, +снегоход +печка внутри и не бояться ❄⚡метель, пургу, а Ваша печь может греть внутри. Пол, стенки, потолок двери покрыть утеплителем экструдированным пенополистиролом(он не опасен! Из него желают посуду, водопаронепронецаем и отлично 👍👏😆держит тепло, не проводит холод. Снаружи кемпер покрывать полиэтиленовой плёнкой, на неё будет выподать конденсат! А в самом кемпере из за разницы температур, будет сухо и тепло ♨! Для рыбалке и охоты то что надо -одному! Эгоисту!
Awesome work! Really inspiring. Just to add an idea. How about welding the edges of the Plastik together or glue them somehow? U could get rid of the zip ties and the duck tape.
I love this, I wonder if I could hook this up to my moped and see how far I can go
Yo I think that but a motor on my bike
I am a lady 73. and I read these videos. You are very good to make that
Someone from Berlin, Germany saw your video too. thanks
VERY IMPRESSIVE & ECONOMICAL! I love to see stuff like this! People are trying New things. Getting away from the Grid! Being a Slave to the System, that leaves you trapped. People are finding a way & I love it. Giving me some ideas myself.
I love little spaces, zip ties, & duct tape --perfect! You should do a collapsible version even though the interior would have to be modified and perhaps not as comfy. Awesome!
Paul, you are a genius!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
I love all of your videos and I've watched all of them more than once. Thank you for posting them.
Very nice idea and design. This would be great back in Germany where I grew up, over there the system of roads reserved for bicycles is everwhere, so you could put together quite a trip. But also here, with a lot of old railroad grades converted you find a nice route with a few overnight stops where this could be used. Again, great design. Like it.
Paul it is great to see you back with a new design. Thanks.
Yes! This one is great Paul, you keep raising the bar. Love the paint job.
As always, amazing. I love your videos!!! Thank you.
I noticed, when you were crawling onto the wheeled frame with the sheet over it (about the 2:25 mark of the video), there was a quick shot of what was happening underneath and there appears to be quite a bit of flexing of the plastic sheet. You could use two sheets of coroplast (sorry if that's misspelled) sandwiching a 5mm thick sheet of "sheething" material. Home Depot (Poulsbo) sells 4x8 sheets of 5mm thick sheething for $20. Cut to fit. Should improve the stiffness the floor greatly with a minimal increase in weight.
Ya, I find this beyond sketchy when I have seen material within home depot and then can't seem to find it when I need it most! I don't like head phones neither!
@@nathanmciver6496 I'm sorry, are you saying my post from 7 years ago is a lie?
I just love your camper you are a very talented individual, keep building and posting videos cheers and greetings from Berlin Germany!
+Brian G Hellooo Berlin! Thanks for that.
You're very welcome! When I look at your work I'm taken back to when I was oh lets say..9 years old, I too was a shelter/fort builder. I'm so envious of your work you really put a smile on my face considering I've joined the cancer club recently.
+Brian G Ah that sucks Brian, but I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face.It is amazing to me how many people I know are coming down with cancer. Most have survived, but it is an alarming amount percentage wise. Take good care and keep up the fight Brain.
Great to see you're back at it! I really like this idea, I've been wanting to build a simple bicycle camper, and old campaign signs seem like a great material.
Absolutely genius Paul! Really enjoyed your video. Thank you!
Hi Paul, that's a really cool bicycle trailer that you made there , good job !!! 👍😃
Love your work, awaiting your next project, thanks for the education. All the best.
It looks bigger inside than outside. Great job.
Headwinds ,not bad with the rounded front. Side winds not too bad either with my heavy belongings stored low. Real strong winds, not sure yet.
Can you get wifi inside all that mylar?
LOL
Awesome. I love your designs
Love it. What was the total weight after completion?
Cynthia Weathers With a 3" thick foam mattress and all the cabinetry, about 73 pounds. It could have easily been made 20 pounds lighter.
btw, Paul Elkins
My question about the wifi was totally serious up above. I really do want to know. It's important.
I wonder if Paul has seen the new flexible solar panels, It would be cool to incorporate one of those into his designs. Love your work!
Outstanding, Great Job! I like the Airstream concept.
Paul Elkins my hero 😊😊
You are so talented & creative!!! Nice job!!!
You Sir are an inspiration, excellent idea. Thank you for sharing.
due to a medical condition i recently took up bicycle riding and now i love it, i love the freedom i feel just being out on the road, seeing the sights. will definitely have to save up an order a set of your plans.
Tnx for this great footage Paul. really like your ideas.
Your an inspiration Paul. I was looking for a long time to build a bicycle camper trailer for trail riding and this gave me lots of guidance and a good place to start! Thanks for all that you do and keep up the awesome ideas!
Morgan Howell Thanks Morgan. Fluted plastic is cool undiscovered material I'm trying to promote. If only it were easier to find...
Very cool! Congratulations!
Polypropylene is a hard animal to get anything to stick to, hence the zip ties, although there are other fasteners one could used too. On my next shelter attempt I'll use a modified Phillips screw driver i filed down for a hole punch. It makes small slits for the zip ties. I'll add a dab of silicone on the holes and forgo the duct tape.
We're can I get the plans for this?
+Nathan Victorson Here is the link to my website plans page. www.elkinsdiy.com/plans/
To bad the plans are so expensive, my parents won't allow me to buy them.
+Paul Elkins You should pack a week's worth of MREs in there.
+Paul Elkins Also, just wait till you see mine, I'll email it to you when I'm done :)
The DIY guy... Love him!
The exterior paint job kicks bootie!
I'm glad you kept developing the idea. Still working on mine.
Thank you so much paul...uve helped me get out of the cold this year... last summer i looked up yhe plans for ur homless shelter... i built it and made a simple frame to put it on wheels... i give a great thanks to you because this gave me an opportunity to go to college and not. Have to live on the street technically... thanks ;)
Coco Puff, you made my day. Very very very glad to help! Would love to include a picture or two of your shelter on my web site. If interested contact me at paulwelkins@yahoo.com that's my yahoo address. I would love to hear how the shelter worked out.
Great design, Most of yours are wonderful, thanks for sharing
I absolutely LOVE your inventions, Paul. I live in hope that you might come up with a backpacker shelter. Cheers, Carol.
awesome design!!! that thing is nice!! one of these days im going to hit the road and live permanently in something like that!!
thanks alot!!
Eli.
Truly a magnificent piece of work. I'm looking to purchase one similar or make my own thanks again for all your help and support.
Paul! This is absolutely Amazing! You're AWESOME! I can't wait to show my brother your videos! Thank you for sharing your talent!
This is so inspiring Paul, well done.
Inspirational sir, really loved the blog you did on the nomad green vehicle! i am into the local music festivals car shows here in Scotland, with something like your great machine the possibilities are endless make a real vacation out of it!ditch the stuffy old tent and the back breaking packs for pure comfort cheers cant wait for yer next trick!
Very Nice Set up in these troubling times😕👍
Inspired actually! So far I've just been making flashy, hotrod style cruiser bikes and my next build here I'm aiming for trike conversion kit with electric assist. Just today in conversation a friend mentioned the idea of making trade out decks for the trike. say, one could be a stylish wooden deck as seen on old hotrod trucks and one a lightweight fold out camper. Fired up the Google, found a cool build of a bicycle gypsy caravan and then this! again..blown out of the water here man! made my day. Thanks a bunch! Dean.
Great job once again, your brilliant man. Love the camper and totally waterproof im sure. heat it with a candle easily lol
This is so inspiring! Amazing work.
I've used PVC pipe and a tarp to cover a truck bed before for camping. Anyone could use the pipe to make bows on 2 pallets bolted end to end then stretch a tarp over it. It wouldn't be as sturdy or as comfortable as this is but would definitely help in a pinch or would make for a cheap temporary build if someone were homeless
I love that bike design.
The project came together wonderfully! Thanks for continuing to inspire me! :)
Because of this brilliant idea I pressed the subscriber button sir thanks
This is really a great build. Gotta try it.
Really creative, Thank you for sharing
LOVE THE VIDEOS PAUL :) KEEP EM COMING!!!
Watched a lot of your videos, many great ideas! Note books are great too, just to help you remember those great ideas that got pushed way back. A+
Sweet set up!
Love it again! we need some signs and zip tyes in Chicago! Used a homeless shelter it could give mothers with a few kids safely together for the night. And the pushables are a must, we need a sign collection facility with a few crafty college kids and bamm, shelters!
Indeed we do have to see the value in these large signs that just get thrown away in most places. Some areas recycle them but not enough. This is the second shelter I've made with recycled signs, the first having a recliner, closet, shelves, frig. single burner and microwave etc. etc. Almost free seeing I recycled the campaign sign, wood and screws.
Thanks much. Wow that's really a nice design.
Great work Paul!
I have a bicycle trailer frame that I made out of a hand truck with a 1" diameter X 2ft threaded rod axle and a pair of 1" trailer hubs and 8" wheels to carry the weight of some car batteries. Your camper looks like a great design for affordable and sustainable mobile living. Thank You Paul for posting your video!
You're welcome George. It's just an idea.
Very interesting. Excellent work as usual!
Fantastic Job!
It's a good'un.😃 Love the paint job, too!
love it! must build one
loved your lastest video thnks for sharing ......
With some effort and donations, this thing could be build a lot cheaper and then used for homeless people that choose to live outdoors. Give them any bike, clip the streamer to it. Done!
This is a great kickstarter project if I've even seen one. \
And you've answered my only burning question in the last minute. "Solar power upgrade!!" :)
My compliments!
+Kenneth Tan Thanks Kenneth. After an election there are literally hundreds of full sheet coroplast campaign signs that go to the dump. With an old bike, some cheap lumber, screws and cable ties you have a mobile home.
+Paul Elkins Can you recommend a good place to find them? (After an election of course) Did you just sit at the dump for a while, or did you go door to door?
+Cassandra Ryan Some dumps that have onsite personal, will be glad, if asked to, to pull that kind of stuff aside as long as you show faithfulness in regular pick up.
Great video, absolutely love it
Thanks Kirtan. I love hanging out in it while blasting the stereo and drawing.
Buddy that is just to awesome.....wish I could like more than once...
So cool, you are very talented
very cool camper mate i will have to do something like that when i move from the island to the mainland and do some touring with it.
keep up the great work
mark
Man!!! you are amazing! this is super creative!!
Toyota Rv Thanks Toyota RV
You kick ass brother good job I love it
Just what im looking for , cheers many ideas . nice vids
Wonderful work man!
Greetings from: Sweden 🇸🇪
Awesome work! I love it!
Attaching one of these to one of your automatic bikes would be awessssome
Best little camper I've ever seen.
Great project, thanks for sharing.
Amazing...😁
can't wait to get started on mine...😊
This is so fantastic Paul. You're a genius. I need to build one :)
I'm far from genius. Just curious. I'm working on plans for this one.
Just tested out the hot logic mini and a small Jackery to cook food.
Works Great with this camper
I just re-watched this video, and I have a suggestion for a more economical lighting system. Take a couple of those inexpensive solar rechargeable yard lights, modify them slightly, and use those for interior lights. On my channel, I have a play list called "Living well on a tight budget", and I found a video on that subject that I liked well enough to include in that play list.
I did this for my last structure I took to burningman, adding 7 small lights in the roof. It put out a nice dim light, but I wanted something strong enough for reading and have a swivel for placing the light where I wanted it. Some day I'll add a flexable solar panel to charge a battery which will have wiring to the individual light fixtures.
I like it Paul! I like the idea, the concept...everything about it! You should try marketing it!
This is my favorite one so far.
Catalina Huerta Mine too!
Paul Elkins Ever since I saw your little Mochet Velocar copy I've been constantly iterating more refined versions of the design... probably for three years now. I think that this little camper could be the companion piece that takes me away from going bleery eyed at autocad to actually building the thing.
KB Quinnell Excellent! Auto cad and detailed drawings can be a huuuuuuuuuuuuge waist of time.
Very creative!
ever brillant congratulations
Very cool! I like it a lot.
An amazing project.. just one of the many you have done. If you went with front wheel drive.. and connected the bike to the trailer you would cut down drag and maybe be able to keep yourself out of the weather and have more living area with less drag.Keep up the great work.
+Joseph DuPont Thanks Joseph. Years back a fellow sent pictures to me and did just that. Too bad I lost the picture.
esto si es vida, en lo simple esta el secreto de la felicidad. amigo un abrazo ala distancia gran trabajo entre tantos