Camping with the Innies: Your Questions Answered About Our Camper Build
At Camping with the Innies, one of the most common things we’re asked about is our camper. We love talking about it, so today we’re answering some of the top questions we get—and sharing a few behind-the-scenes build photos too!
⸻
Question 1: What is this style and how big is the camper?
Our camper is a 6-foot wide by 10-foot long cargo trailer conversion. That 10 feet doesn’t include the V-nose, which adds an extra 2 feet to the overall length. We also opted for extra height—6 feet 3 inches tall—so everyone can stand up comfortably inside.
Some of the features we chose:
• RV-style door with a proper latch/lock
• Rear barn doors instead of a ramp
• Extra height and V-nose design
We purchased the trailer from Snapper Trailers in Pearson, GA, a factory-direct dealer for Douglas Trailers Inc. (DTI). They were friendly, helpful, and offered competitive pricing. We bought ours in late 2022, and the prices haven’t changed much since.
⸻
Question 2: Why did you build it?
There were several reasons for building a cargo trailer conversion:
• Our older SUV had a limited tow rating, so we needed something lightweight.
• Campers in our size range were way out of our budget.
• We could build the camper gradually, investing as we went.
• Most importantly, Tim is super handy and had the tools and know-how.
One of the best things about building your own camper is the freedom to design it exactly how you want. You’re not limited to factory layouts, materials, or finishes. It’s a true custom build, made to fit your needs and lifestyle.
⸻
Question 3: You built this?!
Yes, we built it ourselves!
Tim did a ton of research before we started. One YouTube channel that was especially helpful was I Ride Tiny Home Adventures with Bill and Deb. Their walkthroughs inspired our layout and gave us great ideas.
Here’s a quick rundown of our build process:
1. Insulation
We removed the factory plywood walls and insulated with 3/4” foam board (walls) and 1 1/2” board in the ceiling, which required furring strips. We then reinstalled 3/8” plywood walls—pulling a lot of staples in the process.
2. Windows
We added two windows from RecPro—one in the door, and one over the bed for airflow. Looking back, we might’ve opted for a larger emergency exit-style window, but since the door is only a foot away, we decided it wasn’t necessary.
3. Flooring
We installed a single sheet of linoleum (12’ x 6’) for a seamless, waterproof floor. Glued down with traditional flooring adhesive, it’s been solid and reliable.
4. Electrical
The camper runs on 30-amp, 110V AC power. It powers a TV, AC unit, mini fridge, battery charger, and outlets. We used:
• 10/2 SO cord from the plug to the breaker box
• 12/2 SO cord from the breaker box to outlets
• 14-gauge marine DC wire for the 12V lighting powered by a small AGM battery on a 10-amp charger
The use of stranded wire (SO cord) helps prevent issues from road vibrations.
5. Furniture and Storage
We built a counter with lower storage, a wall cabinet, and a couch that converts to a camper queen bed for us and the dogs. There’s also a shelf for clothing and bedding.
The rear “garage” area is accessible only when the barn doors are open. That way, we can get to our outdoor gear and fencing for Monty and Gadget without risking dog escapes.
6. Accessories
• Portable AC unit
• Mini fridge
• TV for rainy-day relaxing
• Overland-style awning
• Painted and decorated interior for that cozy vibe
The full build took about 3–4 months, working a few hours in the evenings and on weekends. You don’t need to be a professional or super handy—there are plenty of great resources online for all skill levels.
⸻
Question 4: What are the advantages of this style camper?
There are quite a few:
• Affordable and lightweight – Easily towed by a smaller SUV
• Fully customizable – Layout, materials, colors—everything is up to you
• Durability – 100% metal shell and frame, so no worries about rot from water intrusion
• Tax benefits – In our state, cargo trailers are exempt from annual taxes and have lifetime registration
⸻
Question 5: What are the disadvantages?
Of course, there are a few drawbacks:
• Limited campground access – Some resort-style RV parks won’t allow non-RVIA-certified trailers or enforce a 10-year rule. But we prefer state parks, Army Corps campgrounds, and small KOAs anyway—they’re more scenic, spacious, and budget-friendly.
• No running water – That means no built-in shower or toilet. We always book sites with bathhouses, and so far, we’ve had no complaints about the facilities.
⸻
These are just some of the most common questions we get about our camper. If you have more questions or want a deeper dive into the build process, feel free to drop a comment here or reach out to us on Instagram!
Until next time,
Tim, Kristen, Monty & Gadget🐶🐶
www.iridetinyhouseadventures.com
Add comment
Comments