How to Construct a Compact Camper

Measure the size of the trailer kit platform, which serves as the base of the compact camper. Use the platform dimensions as the dimensions of the compact camper floor.

Cut one wood sheet so that it has the dimensions of the trailer kit platform and then place the sheet on top of the trailer. Next, drill into the sheet and trailer frame along all four edges using the 12 gauge metal bit. Finally, bolt 12 gauge screws into the drill holes to secure the sheet to the platform. This is the compact camper floor.

Cut a piece of sheet wood one-third the length of the camper floor and 2 inches shorter than the width of the camper floor. This cut serves as the center support wall. Position the center support wall with 1 inch of width on either side of the center support wall to attach the outer walls.

Position the center support wall on the camper floor and bolt it in place at a right angle to the floor.

Cut two slabs of sheet wood to match the length of the camper floor and height of the center support wall. These are the camper side walls. Cut another slab of sheet wood to serve as the rear wall of the camper.

Position the first side wall on the camper floor and attach it using four, flat corner braces. Screw two flat corner braces to the floor and side wall of the camper in the rear corner and two braces in the front corner. Space the flat corner braces 1 inch apart at both corners of the camper.

Repeat Step 6 for the rear of the camper and the second side wall. Next, drive nails into the edges where the rear and side walls meet. Insert nails starting through the rear sheet of the camper wall into the side walls. Space nails 2 inches apart.

Use the dimensions of the floor to cut a sheet of wood to serve as the top of the camper. Position the top neatly over the side walls and drive nails through the top piece of wood into the camper walls.

Measure the size of the opening in the front of the camper and then cut a piece of sheet wood to serve as the door. Attach the door using the hinges one side (left or right) of the door. Install the latches on the opposite side of the hinges.

Apply the stain to the exterior of the camper with a paintbrush. Paint along the grain of the wood. Allow the stain to dry according to the label instructions.

Finally, attach the rooftop tent to the roof of the camper according to the manufacturer's suggestions.