DIY Tiny Camper Part 1

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  • Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
  • This is a video tour of the inside and outside of our Tiny Camper, 70 sq ft of bedroom, kitchen, and living space. Digital drawings & instructions how to build available on Etsy at etsy.me/30LVzwR See my DIY Tiny Camper Part 3 for improvements to roof, ease of opening and setup. Built for about $1200 material cost, and only 700 pounds so it can be pulled behind most cars. More photos and info at DIYTinyCamper.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 133

  • @hollyr8788
    @hollyr8788 3 роки тому +8

    This is the coolest little trailer I have found on YT. I was thinking of building one and was wondering why nobody has done a small one with slide out or something similar then found yours … you did a great job on this! TY for sharing it

  • @canusakommando9692
    @canusakommando9692 7 років тому +33

    I've researched 1000's of designs for micro homes and campers and I find your design to be fantastic!
    Genius. Thanks for a fresh direction.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +4

      Thanks for your comment. It is evolving, I have added a couple springs to assist with the folding and unfolding. Also, I have added an access door to access the storage area when the Tiny Camper is folded up for travel. Next thing I am working on is to adapt it to fit on the back of small pickup trucks. I appreciate the comments to the video, it helps me figure out where to go next with the design.

  • @ravenlorans
    @ravenlorans 4 роки тому +3

    Sweet. Would have tried to find a way to make it a hard top myself. Like on you large window side, attach a couple more sheets of plywood that are hinged and if made slightly wider, after unfolding would get you just enough of a peaked roof, you don't have to worry about water pooling up in a rain storm and your Canvas sagging and possibly coming down on you.
    Then build over the tongue of the trailer for a small but usable Porto-Potty location.

  • @Tsiri09
    @Tsiri09 3 роки тому +2

    REminds me of European builds I've seen. I really like this one!

  • @robertpersely1722
    @robertpersely1722 8 років тому +2

    That is very cool. I'm rethinking a folder I've been mulling over. The roof is just a tarp! Saves alot of surface area to fold.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  8 років тому

      Right, surface area is critical in a folder, so a tarp roof. I also had to convert the bedroom wall to a screen with tarp covering, because the wood version was too heavy. Thanks for your comment.

  • @crv20051
    @crv20051 4 роки тому +5

    You are a mad genius and a gymnast as well! Great fun to see this, wonderful.

  • @sdnlawrence5640
    @sdnlawrence5640 7 років тому +6

    A great idea; I see this as a prototype though since it got me thinking. I really like the "flipover" bed, reminded me of some high dollar Australian campers I've seen.

  • @markcobb6561
    @markcobb6561 7 років тому +2

    for the braces under the bed, I would have bought 2 load locks from a truck stop and cut to fit. easy adjustment.
    genius idea. really nice for the weekend getaway.

  • @Itried20takennames
    @Itried20takennames 2 роки тому +1

    What a smart idea….great job.

  • @kshook8418
    @kshook8418 6 років тому +2

    Great build ...i like the folding up part. Nice design.

    • @kshook8418
      @kshook8418 6 років тому

      Do you have a design available? I would like to build one.

  • @mossyhornhunter7022
    @mossyhornhunter7022 2 роки тому +2

    Great job 👏

  • @sanfilms786
    @sanfilms786 Рік тому

    Excellent. The best micro trailer.

  • @scottrussell9527
    @scottrussell9527 6 років тому +3

    Can't say no more but perfectly genius could work as camper application as well perfect!!

  • @CORYJOHNM
    @CORYJOHNM 5 років тому +1

    Thats darn slick bud. This goin in my camper playlist.

  • @eddypagan8675
    @eddypagan8675 7 років тому +6

    It's big once it up and tiny when close yes it's a transformer outstanding

  • @funcheckout9701
    @funcheckout9701 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you,thank you

  • @danieltwomey3787
    @danieltwomey3787 7 років тому +3

    That's an awesome setup! Been planning to do something very similar but was thinking about using a wax canvas type of roof. Haven't yet decided but, I'm glad to see that it's working out well for you!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      I am working on a canvas roof this winter, with a center peak. Will post it in a few months.

  • @TheRemynight00
    @TheRemynight00 2 місяці тому

    10/10 maximizing space.

  • @ckwongo7194
    @ckwongo7194 7 років тому +2

    that's awesome! I love the
    fold-a-way concept!

  • @hairyhider7478
    @hairyhider7478 7 років тому +2

    awesome job when I built my camper I was going to do a fold up one, but was talked out of it 👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍

  • @lapalmeal
    @lapalmeal 7 років тому +2

    Very cool construction. Folds up nice. A coupe of suggestions. It would be nice to have access to the main cabin when everything is folded up. Good place for storage of stuff you unload. Instead of 2x4 supports for bed, how about pipe or tent adjustable tent poles . Impressive. I'll bet a lot of people ask questions when they see it.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +2

      It would help to have those bed legs adjustable, we have to fiddle with those 2x4's to get them level. Also, good comment on access when folded up, from your comment I have an idea to add an access door to the lower back wall, which is accessible when the tiny camper is folded up..

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      It draws a crowd in the campgrounds, especially from the campers in the huge RV's. They aren't ready to downsize, but they have great ideas for improvements.

  • @74dartman13
    @74dartman13 6 років тому +3

    One of the coolest designs I've seen so far! Very smart thinking! I really like it!

  • @Tysoncat13
    @Tysoncat13 7 років тому +2

    Just received my plans can't wait to start. will take me a while as it is a week end project.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Great, have fun with it.

  • @renavarges3852
    @renavarges3852 2 роки тому

    That is TOO smart!!! What a creative imagination.

  • @arodriguez5914
    @arodriguez5914 7 років тому +11

    This build intrigues me. It's awesomely practical and I would very much like it if you shared the plans. Please. Thank you.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      Best description: awesomely practical, agreed. Plans should be ready by November 30, 2016.

    • @arodriguez5914
      @arodriguez5914 7 років тому +1

      Yay!!!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Plans are available now.

    • @joecieri5122
      @joecieri5122 7 років тому +2

      Tom Sem I have been looking at many many different types of camper builds I don't have much money but would love to find your plans on this I really like it and to me is the best I have seen thank you for sharing your build Joe

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +2

      Joe Cieri I appreciate your comment. The plans are available on www.etsy.com and search for DIY tiny camper. I designed this so it would be low cost to build, and relatively easy to build with flat plywood panels. Good luck!

  • @treenotion9466
    @treenotion9466 4 роки тому +2

    That's just brilliant! Thanks! 👏

  • @marksparks8852
    @marksparks8852 2 роки тому +1

    that's just like when I leave chili in the fridge - COOL BEANS

  • @lamusicjunkie41
    @lamusicjunkie41 7 років тому +12

    Genius and beautiful.

  • @ceesparxxx
    @ceesparxxx 6 років тому +2

    Now if only someone would invent a camper/rv like this that can be pulled by a bike.....That'd be amazing!!! Like a chloroplast version of this, since that's what most bicycle campers are made out of to keep them lightweight. Most bicycle campers you can't even stand up in lol. If someone invented one that you could, that'd be incredible :) I saw one made from a guy name Kevin Cyr.....and that one looked absolutely incredibly amazing....but you can't find any how to's or anything about it other than just a video of his final project :(

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  6 років тому +2

      Hey, I just looked at that stand up bike camper by Kevin Cyr, and it looks very heavy, he can barely pull it. I think a version using coroplast, like you said, is a way to make a folding bike camper work. I will think on it and see if I can figure out a folding, coroplast bike camper that's standupable, and thinner so it fits on a bike trail. Maybe 30" wide x 7 feet long and 7 feet tall after unfolding.

    • @ceesparxxx
      @ceesparxxx 6 років тому +1

      Tom Sem That would be incredible if it's possible!! Definitely would be one of the most interested campers anybody would ever see. If you create something like that, you deserve a trophy :)

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  6 років тому +1

      Chris, I built a 1/9th scale version of the folding bike camper last week, based on your comment. I used a material like coroplast but made from polycarbonate instead of polyethylene, pretty rigid stuff. Unfolded, the footprint is 6 ft long x 4 feet wide by 6 feet tall. Folded it is 6 feet long by 2 feet wide by 4 feet tall. Thanks for your comment, I will post a video of it in about a month after I build the full size version. Weight will be about 100 pounds. I want that trophy.

  • @peacefulscrimp5183
    @peacefulscrimp5183 2 роки тому +1

    Unbelievable 👍👍👍

  • @tarachavez1
    @tarachavez1 8 років тому +4

    very creative, so impressed! looks very cozy

  • @carolinegray3150
    @carolinegray3150 5 років тому +1

    Nice inside

  • @SamuelCroin
    @SamuelCroin 6 років тому +2

    Absolutely brilliant

  • @rleo2001
    @rleo2001 8 років тому +3

    OUTSTANDING JOB!!! Love it.

  • @samuelcampos5261
    @samuelcampos5261 6 років тому +1

    Gostei d+ dessa idea muito bom

  • @peterrasmussen7545
    @peterrasmussen7545 5 років тому +1

    So Nice 👍👍👍👍
    Just my cup of tea !!!!!

  • @cfonvip6515
    @cfonvip6515 7 років тому +1

    talking about portability, you got it.
    I only hope not a heavy rain happens when you're camping. . . . LOL

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      Our absolute first night camping in it, we had a torrential downpour. Found some leaks around the door and windows, but the bedroom stayed dry.

    • @cfonvip6515
      @cfonvip6515 7 років тому

      Glad to hear that.
      Fix it and you're all set. well done !

  • @JoseJimenez-mp1iy
    @JoseJimenez-mp1iy 3 роки тому +1

    Aluminum or fiberglass sandwich with foam core more light....

  • @Brazillianize
    @Brazillianize 4 роки тому +1

    That is simply genius!

  • @TinySanctuary
    @TinySanctuary 7 років тому +2

    Interesting, this could be my next tiny house project...

  • @patrickmckowen2999
    @patrickmckowen2999 2 роки тому +1

    very interesting👍

  • @patrickmckowen2999
    @patrickmckowen2999 7 років тому +3

    Very nice - and plans are a fair price
    Cheers, Patrick

  • @joselinmckenzie3324
    @joselinmckenzie3324 5 років тому +1

    just awesome

  • @cipu25
    @cipu25 4 роки тому

    Perfect for desert
    One rain and it's pretty much done

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  4 роки тому +1

      Our very first night trying this out, we had torrential rains in South Dakota, and it did very well. We added some PVC cross supports, which don't appear in this video, but do appear in the build instructions. Also, the part 3 video has a folding, hard roof option.

  • @jimbreedlove1342
    @jimbreedlove1342 Рік тому

    This is awesome 😎👍👍

  • @Jesse-fz8pu
    @Jesse-fz8pu 4 роки тому +1

    Excellente mi amigo.
    Love it.

  • @dangavin5470
    @dangavin5470 7 років тому +1

    An absolute masterpiece...!!

  • @ozzietadziu
    @ozzietadziu 3 роки тому +1

    I'd like to see a video of you attaching that tarp roof and side covering. I suspect it might be a nightmare.

  • @AnnetteZang
    @AnnetteZang 6 років тому +2

    Genius design.

  • @Edwerdman
    @Edwerdman 5 років тому +1

    Boa ideia amigo

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  5 років тому +1

      obrigada amigo

  • @CarlottaART
    @CarlottaART 6 років тому +1

    Amazing design! Awesomeness!!

  • @Deontjie
    @Deontjie 7 років тому +3

    Could maybe be improved to make it easier. But this is the type of plans we need for trailers.

  • @debbushee6970
    @debbushee6970 5 років тому +1

    yes saw that u did , but I think you would have been happier with some arms , keep building they say this is a life of constant change and inprovement LOL Living tiny

  • @jeffsapp9112
    @jeffsapp9112 6 років тому +1

    Brilliant

  • @debbushee6970
    @debbushee6970 5 років тому

    nice job , only would put some arms on it to help and/or cable with boat style winch to pullup . ty deb

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  5 років тому

      Deb, I did add some garage door springs to assist with opening and closing and it made a big difference. Check out my Part 2 video to see how it works, thanks, Tom

  • @rafaelhuicochea2286
    @rafaelhuicochea2286 7 років тому +2

    That's awesome, but I wonder if you have modified the bed, since I think it is a little dangerous to fold it down when packing. Thank you for sharing!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +2

      Yes, I added some garage door springs to assist with folding and unfolding the bed. I am going to add a new video this week to show how they work. It was pretty heavy (about 65 pounds) to fold it without the springs.

  • @vstarcruiser7141
    @vstarcruiser7141 7 років тому +2

    very cool amigo, they only want 6 grand for those fold down styles used! damn u beat em...

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      I appreciate your comment VC. For young people with limited money, it didn't seem fair for them to have to buy a truck and expensive RV just so that they could have an adventure.

  • @JohnT-ii5od
    @JohnT-ii5od 7 років тому +1

    It is bit of an combination between an Esterel caravan and a Rapido Caravan.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +2

      Hey, that Esterel Camper is cool, I didn't know about it before, but quite similar folding except their roof is solid (nice!) and they don't have the flip over bedroom. I finally added garage door springs to Tiny Camper to assist with the open and closing of the fold over bedroom. I will post a video sometime soon.

  • @Pitster73
    @Pitster73 6 років тому +1

    Genius

  • @jrfragance
    @jrfragance 6 років тому +1

    Tom, you are amazing, I'm about to buy your plans in the next couple of weeks. Can I ask you something?... Two questions, It's anyway that you can do something to build like an extra space below the bed for an extra bed or inside for an extra one person bed? I'm asking you caused I love your concept, but we are at least 3 may be 4....I was thinking and I thing that may be you can put like couple of more panels create like a box below the main bed, with a small door with screen, just only for sleep. Let me know, but i'm happy with your product. Also can we just put 1 sink, so we can have more space for something else. Ohh, did you already build the solid roof? thaks

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  6 років тому

      I really enjoyed your comment because I had the same thought while we were camping in it. I had the thought to make a snap in fabric wall that goes under the wooden bedroom. And part of the snap in wall could have some velcro opening windows for ventilation. But the simplest concept could be just to take a cheap tarp and put snaps on it to snap it under the wooden bedroom to give you sleeping area for two more adults or three kids. And with the access door you can crawl through it to go from the 'fabric' bedroom into the kitchen area. Or even just leave the access door open so you can keep an eye on the kids, or close for privacy. I think I will build one of those snap in walls this summer because it adds so much more usable space to the camper, plus gives you a screened in porch for rainy days. For the roof, I have got the polycarbonate panels and piano .hinges that I will use to convert to the solid roof, and I have a good idea how to fold and unfold those panels easily. Hoping to get that done in this next month. This camper is still evolving because of comments from other people; I think this is cool to share and evolve this online.

    • @jrfragance
      @jrfragance 6 років тому

      Great!!! But please keep the plans for the original one, so people can decide what they want... I will wait for the roof!! thanks Tom

    • @jrfragance
      @jrfragance 6 років тому +1

      I sent you an excellent idea through your page in facebook... thanks

  • @jmrichsonsr
    @jmrichsonsr 4 роки тому +1

    Very clever‼️

  • @tannerwinn5095
    @tannerwinn5095 8 років тому +1

    Very cool!

  • @darrellblair5818
    @darrellblair5818 4 роки тому

    LOVED IT. 👍👍👍

  • @DznByLimbo
    @DznByLimbo 7 років тому +1

    wot n tarnation that is wicked

  • @martinwebster8702
    @martinwebster8702 7 років тому +4

    DONE!

  • @JamesDoylesGarage
    @JamesDoylesGarage 4 роки тому +1

    Brilliant :)

  • @johnhamilton4526
    @johnhamilton4526 5 років тому +1

    Is water getting through an issue in the rain?

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  5 років тому

      Not getting any water around the edges of the tarp, but I have some leak issues at the window bottoms where I need to provide an escape drain at the bottom of the windows. The tarp roof needs a pvc criss-cross structure in it, bowed upwards, to keep it from sagging in the rain, which I added later.

  • @BirdyMcKee
    @BirdyMcKee 7 років тому +2

    Bloody Cool!

  • @djpitr
    @djpitr 7 років тому +1

    Good idea , bud how about how is it waterproof it the folding joins ?!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      I was going to put some of that thin foam weatherstripping (adhesive on one side) if I had water coming in, but to date it has not been a problem so I didn't put it on. But I still carry that roll with me just in case.

  • @deweyhood2747
    @deweyhood2747 6 років тому +1

    What kind of top you have

  • @owenriggs8518
    @owenriggs8518 7 років тому +1

    Very nice ingenuity but let's be honest to anyone less educated the roof design (a simple tarp laid flat) simple will not work in the rain. Without any support your tarp is doomed to pool. Maybe you live in a dryer climate then myself, but I guarantee any summer rainstorm in the Midwest you are going to have the ice bucket challenge on top of you during a storm. 1 cu inch of water weighs .03613 lbs. so on an 8x8 tarp you'd have about 25 lbs of water flowing right to the center my friends. Even at only a half inch rain your pushing 12.5 lbs... think of a bowling ball in the middle of that tarp my friends. now just in case somebody says we'll just setup under a tree to reduce the rainfall volume, please research how many people annually die by sleeping under trees. Years ago I built a quick chicken coop and threw a tarp over top similar to how you have it and the weight of the first rain snapped the grommets out and I had some mighty upset ladies! Lol
    Not trying to be an ass, just attempting to provide some wisdom.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      You are correct. We added a PVC tube cross with a peak to 'guide' the water down to the sides. Tested in torrential downpours and works good. But before we added the peak, we collected a big belly of rain that first stormy night. The bungee hold-downs allowed some stretch to creat the 'dome' peak.

    • @workingmansdead44-ug8hl
      @workingmansdead44-ug8hl 7 років тому +1

      Owen Riggs two collapsible polls( like for a picnick umbrella)and a length of rigid tubing for a ridge beam,simple and cheap.well thought out though nice job,what trailer type are you using,looks like a single wheel single axle five by ten???

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Harbor Freight folding 4 x 8 trailer, rated 1195 lb, 12 inch tires, about $260 when on sale.

  • @jackelliott1017
    @jackelliott1017 7 років тому +1

    Do you have any plans drawn up?, I've' been looking for something exactly like this, so cool, Thanks for sharing, sorry should have read all the post, waiting patiently

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Thanks for your comment. Since I built this I have become aware of, and seen, various tiny campers out there, some cool concepts. Nice to know other people are thinking about this 'compact' concept.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Plans are available at etsy.me/2fVjXEd

  • @nancyshadowaz3658
    @nancyshadowaz3658 8 років тому +1

    Very nice. did you make it or buy it like that I would like more details on how it was made. I'm very interested in doing the same thing

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  8 років тому

      I made it myself, and I am working on drawings and instructions so other people can build. Should have them ready in November.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Plans are available now.

  • @atubeviewer4942
    @atubeviewer4942 2 роки тому

    What is the roof and why didn't you show any of it being removed or set up??

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  2 роки тому

      Good question, I noticed the same thing, that I had not spent enough time or photos explaining the attachment of the tarp roof. I added a photo of the inside of the tarp roof with the PVC supports later, but should have shown more detail on that. In my part 3 video I added a folding hard roof which shaved about 10 minutes off of the setup time.

  • @johngraber4776
    @johngraber4776 3 роки тому

    Where is the roof

  • @angelasheppard7197
    @angelasheppard7197 7 років тому +1

    nice

  • @johnnyg2983
    @johnnyg2983 5 років тому +1

    The roof????

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  5 років тому

      Yup, I was so excited about the unfolding walls, I forgot to provide more details on the roof. The roof on this video is a tarp roof, held on with elastic. If you look at my third video, I have devised a folding 'hard top' roof made out of polycarbonate panels and aluminum hinges.

    • @johnnyg2983
      @johnnyg2983 5 років тому +1

      What a good idea this is🤣

  • @enigmaflyonthewall515
    @enigmaflyonthewall515 5 років тому +1

    👍👍👍👍

  • @ghosttargets9288
    @ghosttargets9288 7 років тому +1

    what is the finished product weight?

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +1

      It is about 730 pounds, including the trailer.

  • @kerrityler635
    @kerrityler635 7 років тому +1

    could not find plans with that address. help?

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому

      Kerri, I just checked the link and it seemed to work, here it is again: etsy.me/2fVjXEd
      If it doesn't work again, I appreciate if you could let me know and I will try something else. The old-fashioned way is: www.etsy.com and search 'tiny camper'

  • @renavarges3852
    @renavarges3852 2 роки тому +1

    He must be like me, I get claustaphobia in places I can't stand up in.

  • @richardspengler1794
    @richardspengler1794 6 років тому +1

    Where's the roof!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  6 років тому

      The roof, currently, is a tarp. You can see that better in the still photos at the end of the video. I am now working on a modification to have a solid, folding roof. I didn't like the 10 minutes that I spent futzing with the tarp roof. Stay tuned!

  • @honeysagenails4577
    @honeysagenails4577 7 років тому +3

    damm I have a stupid look on my face now. it's like a pop up house

  • @Xolani_Khabazela
    @Xolani_Khabazela 6 років тому

    Lol

  • @andrisecasimir4930
    @andrisecasimir4930 3 роки тому

    How much?
    Bring without a home i sure can buy one little camper
    Please respond
    If mot interested i will unsubscribe!

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  3 роки тому

      Please tell me more about your question, I don't understand.

  • @markcobb6561
    @markcobb6561 7 років тому +2

    for the braces under the bed, I would have bought 2 load locks from a truck stop and cut to fit. easy adjustment.
    genius idea. really nice for the weekend getaway.

    • @tomsem1
      @tomsem1  7 років тому +3

      Clever idea, load bars. My wife will like that, she doesn't like anything not level.

    • @patrickdolan.
      @patrickdolan. 6 років тому

      They sell smaller load locks at the truck stop. About 40 or so each. The longer ones are 30 35 each

    • @claudioviamao
      @claudioviamao 4 роки тому

      Why single if complicated is better kkkk