My camper build

[FortWildernessLoopy]

A request was made to see the camper I am building and that you will see all over the Fort, hopefully this fall. Here is the camper that we're building as seen on the amvardo site (who also sells the plans)

((the above pictures are from amvardo.com, not mine))

Our tow vehicle is a 2002 Sebring with a towing capacity of 1000 lbs. We'll only be using it around Florida, so we don't need anything that needs to withstand high speed (we'll take backroads to WDW). Also, the cost is very low!! We wanted a step up from a tent but the weight of a pop-up is too heavy. This way we have the best of both worlds, minimal weight but A/c, and a small galley. We won't be putting any bathroom facilities in ours, but you could always modify the plans to include one.

This type trailer is called a "bow top vardo" but another popular home build is a teardrop which is much lower and is basically all hard-sided with a bed and exterior galley

 

[luckycharm19335]

Well now that is very cool.
Interesting.
I will be there in November (the week before and Thanksgiving week).
Post your dates when you know. I would love to see your handy work.

 

[mickeyM00SE]

Nice! Are you sticking with a 12volt electrical system inside or are you not doing electrical?

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Nice! Are you sticking with a 12volt electrical system inside or are you not doing electrical?

we're going to run electrical. We may put in an option for 12v, but we rarely boondock it and mostly only camp where we have elec/water hook-ups. I'm a wussy. My DH would be happy camping with nothing but a sleeping bag...he makes concessions for me

PS- the set up in my avatar is my folks

 

[luckycharm19335]

That a good man.
A smart man!

 

[soccerbabies]

With this camper will you be able to camp in the tent loops like a pop up would?

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

With this camper will you be able to camp in the tent loops like a pop up would?

Yeppers, I checked

 

[bama_ed]

Very creative Loopy!

Bama ED

 

[2goofycampers]

Very cool. What are the materials used for sides and roof ?

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Very cool. What are the materials used for sides and roof ?

it's basically just a skeleton of wood with a tarp over top. We're going to "insulate" it a bit so we'll have three layers, canvas on the inside, a layer of felt or thin insulation, and tarp on the outside. We're also toying with the idea of a layer on top of the insulation of chicken wire for added strength and durability. If you go to www.amvardo.com, you can see a drawing of it stripped.

We haven't started yet, but it does not take the same skill level as a teardrop and can be done in much less time. I need to wait for my bonus check next quarter to purchase the base trailer. I can't wait!

 

[djblu883]

I like it! So very cool! I've been looking for a light weight camper to pull behind my Kia to keep up in an area I go to often but don't want to pull my big TT from my work site.....interesting!

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

I like it! So very cool! I've been looking for a light weight camper to pull behind my Kia to keep up in an area I go to often but don't want to pull my big TT from my work site.....interesting!

If you're interested in some great ideas for a home build, may I recommend visiting the teardrop forum, http://mikenchell.com/forums/? what some of those people can do with a trailer and some wood is amazing! There's everything from utility trailer mods, to works of art in there!

 

[retired and happy]

How does this thing stand up to towing at highway speeds...even on back roads...or do you get an Amish 'slow vehicle' marker?

 

[cruising spud]

When you are done, would you post some pictures of the inside for us to see?

Kathy

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

WOW , that is cool! It was me that ask for the info, I'm looking to create some sort of portable cooking facility.. I have 5 kids after all, I dont mind the tent but all the equipment I have to take to feed the little critters is significant..

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

How does this thing stand up to towing at highway speeds...even on back roads...or do you get an Amish 'slow vehicle' marker?

I'm not sure what she's "rated" for, but I read an owner mention over 65 was an issue. I didn't pay too much attention since we'll just be taking either US1 down to Key West or 192 to the center of the state, WDW: I'm thinking if i have to get on a major highway, I'll put my hazzards on and get off as quickly as possible.

When you are done, would you post some pictures of the inside for us to see?

I'd be happy to, though it will be until late in the fall before she's done. We're not doing a traditional vardo interior that has a built in bed, we're building a dinette that folds into a bed, it works better for us. Here are a few interior shots of other people's campers:

WOW , that is cool! It was me that ask for the info, I'm looking to create some sort of portable cooking facility.. I have 5 kids after all, I dont mind the tent but all the equipment I have to take to feed the little critters is significant..

I hear ya! May I suggest though if you're just looking for a full galley to tow, you may want to research a teardrop. They are basically a bed with a full galley set up in the rear. They are much lower and easier to tow. In my case, it was a little too difficult for me and the expense was still a wee bit too restrictive for me. I just want cheap, easy and functional...the fact that the gypsey wagon is cute is just a side benefit

 

[2goofycampers]

Looks like Aladdin and Jasmin's home on wheels.

 

[luckycharm19335]

This thing is crazy interesting.
You have to do a report as you are actually building, so that we can see it in progress.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Color me impressed.
2) And, a little envious at your creativity.

 

[hauntedcity]

Wow! Please keep us posted with "work in progress" pictures.