Zach Engle built this impressive teardrop trailer featuring a unique convertible roof design—you can open and close it for ventilation. It’s a fantastic example of what’s possible with a DIY teardrop build.
Why Teardrop Trailers?
If you’re not familiar with teardrop trailers, here’s why they’re so popular among tiny living enthusiasts:
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly RV options
- Easy to store: Fits in most garages and driveways
- Great on gas: Lightweight design means minimal impact on fuel economy
- Simple living: A major upgrade from tent camping without the complexity
- Towable by most vehicles: Some weigh as little as 600lbs—even motorcycles can tow certain models
Zach’s Convertible Teardrop: The Build Details
Photos Courtesy of Zach Engle
What makes this teardrop unique is its convertible roof—you can open sections for ventilation while camping. Here are the build specifications:
Frame and Structure
- Built on a 1720lb capacity Harbor Freight trailer
- 12″ wheels
- 3/4″ oak plywood sides
- Total weight: approximately 800lbs
- Tongue weight: about 100lbs
Finishing and Weatherproofing
The wood is sealed with CPES, protected with Kilz primer, and top-coated with Rustoleum High Performance Enamel. The exposed roof bars are red oak sealed with spar urethane.
Features and Amenities
- Removable marine grade white vinyl roof material
- Factory-style doors with sliding windows (26″ x 32″)
- Custom LED lighting (exterior, interior, and galley) with keyless remote control
- 4″ memory foam mattress
- Hidden under-floor storage box
- Lockable tongue box
- 23″ tongue extension
- Custom curtains throughout
Electrical System
Wired for 12VDC power from either the towing vehicle or a separate deep cycle battery. The main cabin and galley also have 110V outlets for shore power hookup.
Key Takeaways for Your Own Build
Zach’s build offers several ideas worth considering for your own teardrop project:
- Convertible roof design: Adds ventilation options that standard teardrops lack
- Harbor Freight trailer base: An affordable starting point for DIY builds
- Proper sealing: The CPES + primer + enamel combination provides excellent weatherproofing
- Dual electrical: 12V and 110V options give flexibility for different camping situations
- Hidden storage: Under-floor compartments maximize usable space
More Photos
All Photos Courtesy of Zach Engle
Thinking about building your own teardrop camper? Zach’s convertible design shows what’s possible with creativity and careful planning. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Alex
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Actually, it was the Saltire colour design that caught m’eye first!
Well done; and good job.
Thanks for reading Robert!
At $2500.00, I think it will sell quickly, especially for such a cool little camper; IMO (target buyer might be some one who is down sizing and loves to go camping). 🙂
I too live in an apartment and no place to store it; otherwise, it would be very tempting. 🙂
For this cutie,I would beg a friend to park in her back yard, or park at a storage unit! ?
Thanks for the comments about the convertible guys! Its actually been sold to a girl from Alabama who is driving 13 hours to come pick it up!
Thank you to Alex as well, for featuring my convertible on this great website! Keep up the awesome work!
-Zach
Whats the cost in materials?
What is the purpose of the 23″ tongue extension?
Thanks Zach. Glad you sold it. I thought it was a great deal. I’m sure she’ll be happy with it!
Saw the homemade tear drop trailer you made and have to say it looks well made. Realize that this one was sold; would you consider making another one to sell? Thanks, Barb. from New York
I would love a purple topless tear drop camper!!!
Very nice! It looks really well made and would be a ton of fun to camp in!
To see the “Ultimate” hand built all wood and brass teardrop go to the ORVIS HQ in Manchester VT. Absolutely GORGEOUS and full of ideas for those who might want to build or commission one. I am not sure if they have pics on their web site but if you ask I am sure they would send you some.
Too big to pull with a motorcycle–we know we asked!!!!—and pretty expensive but loaded with a full kitchen; plumbing; lights; bed and more. Fit and finish are better than most houses I have seen–real Master Craftsman stuff here.
There are a few other newer teardrops being built that are lightweight and adorable for a weekender and come in bright colors—or you can build it yourself and use a 5 gallon pail with a spigot for water and a Coleman propane stove and a cooler for a fridge. Very do-able—there are Instructables on how to do this. Love the convertible aspect tho!!!!!
Yes! It is beautiful! Are you taking orders? Thanks, Susan in Asheville
Alex or Zach,
Most of these comments seem to be from wanna-bees like me. I’m finally free after 10 years of taking care of family responsibilities. Would there be any openings in your construction department so a serious wanna-bee like me could learn how to properly build his own tiny camper trailer?
Wow I dont think I have ever seen another house on wheels or camp trailor on any of theese sites that has had such a great responce for orders I think that you should carefully think about taking some of these orders and building a few more .You cant go wrong if they are serious and you dont make some bad choices during the building and selling just make sure you get enough down on tbe order to pay for the materials at least . I do have a question those circles beside each of the doors what are they? Thank you
I built one of these last spring and used it all summer and it was great. I live in Colorado and we towed it up and down the Rockies with a Subaru Outback (4 cyl.) with no problem. Towed great at interstate speeds also. Now for the bad news. Be very careful what you put on the roof of your car. We put a luggage box on top of our car for a longer trip and it did weird things to the air flow over the trailer. It caused the top to tear off of the snaps. I ended up having to duct tape the top down to get through the rest of the trip. Tore up the vinyl so badly that I had to replace the top. No luggage carrier, no problem.
The link to plans seems dead. Is there another link or can I get the plans emailed?
I just checked the link, seems the site which provides the plans is temporarily down. 🙁 Hopefully it will be up and working soon so we can get you a copy. Thanks for letting us know about the link! 🙂
Links are not working again… 🙂
Anyone knows someone that takes orders for truck campers handmade of wood??
The link is still down several days later. Can we get a link to the plans somewhere else?
Anywhere I can get the plans? These links are all broken
Sorry, Wines. I’m afraid this post is nearly 6 years old. He must have taken down the website that had the plans.
Would like to make one of your trailers . Where do I go to get the plans on line