My name is Brian I am a retired union electrician. I was given a old snowmobile trailer that i had no real use for. So decided to build my daughter a camper.

Step 1: Fixing Trailer

Trailer came with bent tongue, first was to replace that and put new tires on. Had to break down tires twice. I forgot to put in new valve stems.

Step 2: Shape

After getting trailer sanded and painted I used cardboard to figure a shape out.

Step 3: Floor

I decided on a size. Trailer is 8x6 I went 4x8 for compartment. I used 1/2 inch plywood for top and bottom and 2x4s for bracing. I live in upstate N.Y. so insulation will help in cool weather. I sealed edges with metal tape and painted with elastomeric roof paint. I secured the floor to trailer with 8 3/8th in. bolts.

Step 4: Side Walls

For side walls I used 1/2 in. plywood on the outside and 1/4 in. luan plywood for inside walls. I put alot of bracing to try and keep plywood from warping and to use as support. I used a little heavier bracing on the door side. I used foam insulation in side walls.

Step 5: Setting Walls

After getting walls upright I tied them together with 1x2 boards and L brackets. Foam insulation for the roof. I wanted a vent fan so put opening.

Step 6:

Next I slid the Luan into place on the inside and used construction adhesive to adhere it to the cross members.

Step 7: Window

I had a old window out of a pickup truck so I used it. Trimmed with scrap walnut. I had some leftover oak flooring for the floor.

Step 8:

Next I worked on the tailgate area more plywood and bracing. Foam and fiberglass insulation. I had to use 2 pieces of Luan for the roof. Inside area is 4 foot wide so outside walls are 4ft.3in. wide. I tried to get the seam smooth with light body filler.

Step 9: Galley

On the rear I put a spot for stove and a small cupboard. Still thinking if I want more back here. I want to keep it simple. I used scrap butternut,mahogany and walnut for cupboard and most trim.

Step 10: Lift Gate

This gave me some trouble. First attempt didn't work out. I had used bent strips glued together, but they opened up some over the winter so I cut the arch from plywood and sandwiched 3 pieces together. Covered with Luan.

Step 11: Porch

This trailer is wider than most so I decided to put a porch or spot to strap bicycles or what ever on the side. I also put the battery box here.

Step 12: Lighting

Lights and fan from Amazon. I bought what I thought would work. Lot's to choose from. Lights are 12volt LED. Porch side light is switched at light. Door side and double fixture are switched from inside trailer. Single inside light is switched at light. There is a power outlet near the shelf for powering phone or tablet.

Step 13: Jacks

Thought I would try and make some stabilizer jacks. They work ok but need bigger base on the ground. Will weld a pad to the bottom of them. I had to purchase a wheel jack for the tongue.

Step 14: Outside Finish

I used faux wood boards. I got a roll of brown wrapping paper and cut into strips and painted with Sealskin color paint and used a faux wood tool to get the grain. Soaked them in glue and water and pasted them on. I sealed the outside with 4 coats of spar varnish for uv protection and waterproofing.