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A DIY Tent Trailer You Can Build For Camping


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The Explorer Boxes are a hybrid of teardrop trailers and easy-to-set-up tent campers. Designed and developed by Compact Camping Concepts, LLC, they’re campers that you can easily build yourself.

The company has developed an 85-page set of building plans so that you can build your own tent trailer. They’re small in size and lightweight so you can tow with just about any vehicle including some motorcycles. The company likes to call it a Mobile Outdoor Adventure Bedroom. On their site, you’ll find different kinds of rooftop tents, changing rooms, ladder extensions, and more so that you can create the perfect camping solution for yourself.

But that’s not its only purpose. These compact tent trailers can also haul your bicycles, kayaks, and other gear. Enjoy the pictures below and if you’re interested Scott has included a special offer for you, readers of TinyHouseTalk.com. Just check out the bottom of this post for details.

Mobile Outdoor Adventure Bedroom (Tent Camper w/ Storage on Wheels!)

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Building your own DIY Tent Trailer

Building your own DIY tent trailer is an exciting endeavor for outdoor enthusiasts who crave adventure and the freedom to travel. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of DIY tent trailers and provide you with the essential information needed to embark on your own mobile camping accommodation project.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Planning Your DIY Tent Trailer

Before starting your DIY project, it’s crucial to plan carefully. Assess your needs, set a budget, and research local regulations and legal requirements.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Selecting the Right Base Trailer

Choosing the appropriate base trailer is essential for a successful DIY tent trailer project. Consider payload capacity, towing capacity, and durability.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Designing Your Tent Trailer

Sketch your floor plan, ensure stability and weight distribution, and choose lightweight, weather-resistant materials for the frame and body.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Constructing the Tent Top

Select suitable tent materials, create a sturdy frame, and install zippers, windows, and vents for ventilation and accessibility.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Interior and Amenities

Insulate and weatherproof the interior, plan bedding, and seating arrangements, design clever storage compartments, and consider basic electrical and plumbing systems.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

DIY Tent Trailer Maintenance and Safety

Perform routine maintenance tasks, follow safe towing practices, and learn how to anchor, level, and stabilize your tent trailer at campsites.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Personalizing Your DIY Tent Trailer

Customize your tent trailer with your personal style and preferences. Consider DIY modifications and engage with the online DIY tent trailer community.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Easy Towing

One of the great advantages of DIY tent trailers is their compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, making them easy to tow and adding to their appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you have a compact car, SUV, or even a pickup truck, you can likely find a DIY tent trailer design that suits your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Efficient Camping Setups: Built-in Storage Solutions in DIY Tent Trailers

When it comes to DIY tent trailers, one of the key advantages is the ability to incorporate ample built-in storage, making camping setups easy, organized, and efficient. By strategically designing storage compartments within your tent trailer, you can keep all your camping gear neatly organized and readily accessible. Let’s explore how built-in storage solutions enhance your camping experience and make for quick and hassle-free setups.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Effortless Camping: Easy Setup with Rooftop Tent Systems for DIY Tent Trailers

When it comes to DIY tent trailers, incorporating a rooftop tent system can revolutionize your camping experience by providing a hassle-free and time-saving setup. Unlike traditional tents that require extensive assembly, a rooftop tent functions more like a camper, effortlessly unfolding and lifting into place. Let’s delve into the benefits of installing an easy-to-setup rooftop tent system on your DIY tent trailer.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

By installing an easy-to-setup rooftop tent system on your DIY tent trailer, you can transform your camping experience. Enjoy the convenience of a quick and effortless setup, elevated sleeping quarters, and optimized space utilization.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

When it comes to maximizing gear storage and enhancing camping adventures, a combination of a rooftop tent on your vehicle and utilizing your DIY tent trailer for gear transportation can provide the ultimate camping setup. By having the rooftop tent on your vehicle and utilizing the trailer for items like kayaks, canoes, and bicycles, you can enjoy the benefits of both comfortable sleeping quarters and ample gear storage.

Explorer Box Mobile DIY Tent Camper with Easy Set Up Kind of like a Teardrop Trailer

Embarking on a DIY tent trailer project can be a rewarding experience. With careful planning and research, you can create a mobile retreat that perfectly suits your camping needs. Remember to enjoy the journey and embrace the freedom and flexibility of having your own personalized camping accommodation. Happy camping!

If you’re interested in the how-to book/plans to build your own tent camper you can learn more about it here.

Visit Compact Camping Concepts to check out their campers, accessories, trailer parts, awnings, and building plans.

If you enjoyed this post and know someone who might like it too, “Like” it on Facebook and share it with your friends using the buttons below. Thank you!

Where would you take your inexpensive “Do It Yourself” tent camper/trailer to first? I’d throw my bike and kayak on there and head to the Keys right now. How about you?

This post contains affiliate links.

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 12 comments… add one }
  • BigWarpGuy
    January 22, 2012, 9:26 pm

    I think it is neat how one can personalize the trailer to ones needs.

    Compact Camping Concepts has a new trailer called Dinoot. It too can be customized but it starts with a trailer and a box. I believe the trailer is a bolt together one (unless one wants to weld it) and one can get accessories for it.
    http://www.dinoot.com/

    • January 23, 2012, 9:19 am

      Thanks BWG. I noticed that too the other day, pretty cool/useful concept.

      • TomLeeM
        April 9, 2013, 12:34 pm

        http://tventuring.com/
        They are working on a cool (IMO) camper that – IIRC – fits on top of the Dinoot. What they are working on is rather cool looking. It has – IMO – a lot of potential.

  • January 23, 2012, 5:34 pm

    85 pages for the plan??????

    • January 23, 2012, 6:18 pm

      Hey Patrick. Yep, that’s what it says. Probably because it’s filled with photos.

  • Herby Denning
    January 24, 2012, 4:58 pm

    How do I order plans for tent camper

  • Jim McBride
    December 30, 2012, 1:16 pm

    Have custom 84″ by 144″ jeep hauler trailer. Looking for frame and outfitter tent with stove I can put on trailer once I reach camp area and unload jeep.

  • Ugo Mino
    July 29, 2015, 6:52 pm

    That is really kool! And affordable as well. I like it. CIAO!

  • Amy N
    September 13, 2020, 7:40 pm

    I’m looking into van life, as towing a tiny house would be a lot for one person to handle, but the idea of using a toilet in my car does not appeal. I thought, what if I tow just the bathroom? (Toilet and shower) One of these little carts could be perfect, if it can be made stable to sit or stand in, with a pop-up canopy. Does anybody know if someone has done this?

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 14, 2020, 7:55 am

      Huh! That’s super creative. I haven’t seen it yet, but it could work.

    • Marcel van der Sluis
      August 10, 2021, 6:42 pm

      About 20 years ago, someone had plans online for a DIY trailer with toilet/shower in the front and kitchen in the rear. It fit on a 40” x 48” trailer frame (e.g. Harbour Freight kit). The front panel and back would hinge up, each with part of the top to provide shelter with the addition of a shower curtain at the front.

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