Like many travel enthusiasts, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of tiny homes and the freedom they represent. However, the stationary nature of tiny homes wasn’t quite the right fit for my nomadic spirit. That’s when the concept of a Do It Yourself Travel Trailer sparked my imagination. I wanted the cozy, intimate feel of a cabin, but with the ability to explore wherever the road might lead. A homemade camper trailer seemed like the perfect compromise, offering shelter from unpredictable weather and the convenience of easy towing. But I wasn’t interested in a typical, cookie-cutter camper. My vision was a mobile cabin, a do it yourself travel trailer that echoed the charm and warmth of a traditional cabin, just scaled down and ready for adventure. So, I set about designing a miniature cabin and mounting it onto a trailer – creating my very own cabin on wheels.
Starting with a Solid Foundation: The Trailer
Upgrading the Harbor Freight Trailer Kit
The journey of building my do it yourself travel trailer began with a Harbor Freight 1720 lbs trailer kit. While the kit provided a solid base, I knew that certain components needed upgrades to ensure durability and safety for my cabin on wheels. I started by bolting the trailer frame together according to the instructions, but then I went a step further and welded all the joints for added strength and rigidity. This welding process created a much more robust frame, essential for supporting the weight of the cabin. Beyond the frame itself, I focused on critical components like the tongue and sway control. I reinforced the tongue for increased towing stability and incorporated an anti-sway bar to minimize trailer sway, especially important for longer journeys.
The original hubs from Harbor Freight were also replaced with Ultra Tow High Speed Hubs with a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. These hubs are rated for 1250 lbs each, offering a significant upgrade in load-bearing capacity and reliability. The 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern is also more common, making it easier to find compatible wheels and replacement parts should the need arise. These upgraded hubs were a direct fit onto the stock axle of the trailer, simplifying the installation process. For tires and wheels, I chose Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tires with 12″ Galvanized Spoke Wheels. Each tire and wheel combination is rated for over 1200lbs, ensuring they could handle the anticipated weight of my do it yourself travel trailer.
Dimensions and Weight Estimation
The dimensions of the cabin for my do it yourself travel trailer were planned to maximize space while keeping it towable. The final cabin size measures 10 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and 6.5 feet in height. Combined with the trailer, the total height from the ground to the top of the cabin reaches 8 feet 8 inches. While I haven’t officially weighed the completed trailer yet, based on the lumber and materials used, I estimate the weight to be between 1200-1500lbs. This weight is manageable for towing with a variety of vehicles, making my do it yourself travel trailer a versatile option for road trips and camping adventures.
Constructing the Cabin Structure
Floor Framing and Base
With the trailer prepped and ready, the next phase was constructing the cabin structure, starting with the floor. For the floor framing of my do it yourself travel trailer, I utilized 2×4 lumber, joined together with a combination of screws and robust joints. To raise the floor above the trailer fenders, providing additional ground clearance and a level base, I carefully constructed the frame to sit at the desired height. This frame was then securely bolted to the trailer frame using 15 5/8 inch steel bolts, ensuring a strong and stable connection between the cabin and the trailer. Thinking ahead for practicalities, I also fabricated a spare tire mount and positioned it underneath the trailer, keeping the spare tire out of the way and easily accessible when needed. To protect the wooden floor frame from the elements, I applied multiple coats of 30-year deck paint, providing a durable and weatherproof barrier.
Plywood Flooring and Storage
For the actual floor surface of my do it yourself travel trailer, I chose 1/2″ OSB boards. These boards provide a sturdy and cost-effective flooring solution. Before installing the floor, I incorporated a clever feature: built-in floor storage. By creating compartments within the floor structure, I maximized storage space within the limited footprint of the camper, ideal for keeping camping gear and essentials organized and out of sight. To further protect the floor from moisture and potential damage from below, I applied weatherproof rubber paint to the underside of the OSB boards, creating a moisture barrier and extending the lifespan of the flooring.
Custom-Made Windows
Windows are crucial for any cabin, and my do it yourself travel trailer was no exception. To achieve the specific look and functionality I wanted, I decided to build custom windows from scratch. Using 1/8″ acrylic plexiglass, I constructed each window and its frame. My design incorporated a total of three large windows for the camper, aiming to bring in plenty of natural light and offer panoramic views of the surroundings. A key feature of these custom windows is their inward swinging design. This was specifically implemented to allow for the installation of screen doors, an essential element for comfortable summer camping, keeping insects out while allowing fresh air to circulate within the do it yourself travel trailer. In a slight miscalculation, the windows turned out to be larger than initially planned – a happy accident that resulted in wonderfully expansive views!
Wall Framing for a Cabin Feel
To keep the weight of my do it yourself travel trailer manageable, I opted for 2×3 lumber for the wall framing. While slightly smaller than standard 2x4s, these provided sufficient strength while minimizing added weight. I spaced each stud approximately 12 inches apart, ensuring structural integrity. To further enhance the strength and reduce flex in the wall framing, I incorporated corner brackets at key joints. The roof design features a ridge board, maximizing the center headroom to approximately 6.5 feet. This design creates a more spacious and comfortable interior within the do it yourself travel trailer. For weather protection and aesthetics, the roof was designed with about a 1-foot overhang on the sides and above the door. However, I intentionally omitted an overhang at the front of the trailer to minimize wind drag while towing, improving fuel efficiency and handling.
Weatherproofing and Siding
To ensure my do it yourself travel trailer was well-protected from the elements, I focused on robust weatherproofing. I started by applying thin 7/32in panels as underlayment (sometimes referred to as sheathing) over the wall framing. These panels provide a solid surface for the subsequent weatherproofing layers. Next, I wrapped the entire structure in DuPont Tyvek house wrap. Tyvek acts as a weather barrier, preventing water and moisture from penetrating the walls while still allowing the structure to breathe, reducing the risk of mold and mildew buildup within the do it yourself travel trailer. For the exterior siding, I chose T1-11 plywood boards. These plywood panels offer a rustic, cabin-like aesthetic and provide a durable outer layer of protection for the do it yourself travel trailer.
Finishing Touches and Interior Elements
Staining and Sealing the Exterior
To enhance the cabin aesthetic and further protect the exterior of my do it yourself travel trailer, I applied a stain and sealant. I chose Varathane Special Walnut stain, which brought out the natural grain of the T1-11 plywood siding and gave it a rich, warm color, enhancing the cabin-like feel. After staining, I sealed everything with an oil-based sealant. This sealant provides an additional layer of weather protection, preventing moisture damage and ensuring the longevity of the siding and stain, keeping my do it yourself travel trailer looking its best for years to come.
Multi-Functional Bed Frame
Inside my do it yourself travel trailer, space optimization was key. I’m particularly pleased with the design of the bed frame. It’s more than just a bed; it’s a multi-functional piece of furniture. It can be easily configured as a comfortable bed for sleeping, or transformed into a U-shaped couch with a center table, perfect for dining or relaxing. Beneath the bed frame, I incorporated ample storage space. This under-bed storage is invaluable for keeping the interior of the do it yourself travel trailer tidy and organized, allowing me to stow away gear and personal items and maintain a clutter-free living space.
That concludes the first phase of my do it yourself travel trailer project! My homemade cabin on wheels is now functional and aesthetically pleasing, though still a work in progress. Upcoming steps include adding trim around the doors and windows, installing a tin roof, integrating solar panels, running DC wiring for interior lights, and adding outlets and switches for electrical appliances. Stay tuned for part 2 as I continue to refine and complete all the details of my cabin on wheels!
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