This is incredible in so many ways. Things like the "Nomad Bicycle Camper" set the path for a new ways to live and see this beautiful life. Paul, the World need more people like you man, please keep doing your stuff.
I bought the plans and was going to build 2 so we could tour around Scotland. Then Covid hit and I lost my wife and things were pretty bleak for a while. Then I lost my late wife's dog last year to liver failure. I have only just started to go out on my recumbent trike (ICE Qnt) this year 2023 after a 3 year hiatus. I'll probably build one over this winter and start touring around the country (UK). Thanks Paul, the world needs more people like you.
Paul - I just love the simplicity of your designs and manufacturability. I teach Industrial Design, part time at SJSU and my students are looking for ways to help with the homeless problem in San Jose. I told them about your designs and we'll see how far they run with this. Thank you for your inspiration !!
+Ken Schulze Hey Ken. I'm glad to hear you're making your students aware of the homeless situation. Although this camper was meant more for touring, this concept could definitely be simplified. I'd be interested in knowing what your students come up with, and would be glad to create a page or two on my website for your students if they come up with any designs or prototypes. Just send me fair resolution photos or design attachments to: paulwelkins@yahoo.com
Every teen should have one of these so they can have their own space. So many youth need this to develop and sometimes just to have a place to sleep. When I was a teen I was sleepy all the time it seemed as if the world never wanted us to get our rest.
I almost paused this video near the start to mention utilizing the space underneath for storage but then I saw you did it at 5:15. Good job, that stuff looks amazing to work with!
WOW! The sheer euphoria of watching you build that was AMAZING! I get so inspired when watching remarkable people like you. I'm subscribing to your channel. I wouldn't want to miss out on any of your uploads.
Polypropylene is a hard animal to get anything to stick to, hence the zip ties, although there are other fasteners one could used too. On my next shelter attempt I'll use a modified Phillips screw driver i filed down for a hole punch. It makes small slits for the zip ties. I'll add a dab of silicone on the holes and forgo the duct tape.
I've been gathering ideas like this for pretty much the same reason. Want to make one for myself as a beta test and proof of concept then see if I can get some local charities to help me build a number of them for homeless shelters when I'm not working at the animal shelter
Those homeless shelter is not very good I used to live in one I've had my part of my leg cut off so I'm at a rehab space. so when i get my disbilly an getmy
I showed this to an older friend of mines. He says that this reminds him of something people used back in the late 60's and early 70's. He says they used to call them "Hippie Haulers" lol :)
Great to see you're back at it! I really like this idea, I've been wanting to build a simple bicycle camper, and old campaign signs seem like a great material.
Awesome work! Really inspiring. Just to add an idea. How about welding the edges of the Plastik together or glue them somehow? U could get rid of the zip ties and the duck tape.
VERY IMPRESSIVE & ECONOMICAL! I love to see stuff like this! People are trying New things. Getting away from the Grid! Being a Slave to the System, that leaves you trapped. People are finding a way & I love it. Giving me some ideas myself.
I noticed, when you were crawling onto the wheeled frame with the sheet over it (about the 2:25 mark of the video), there was a quick shot of what was happening underneath and there appears to be quite a bit of flexing of the plastic sheet. You could use two sheets of coroplast (sorry if that's misspelled) sandwiching a 5mm thick sheet of "sheething" material. Home Depot (Poulsbo) sells 4x8 sheets of 5mm thick sheething for $20. Cut to fit. Should improve the stiffness the floor greatly with a minimal increase in weight.
Ya, I find this beyond sketchy when I have seen material within home depot and then can't seem to find it when I need it most! I don't like head phones neither!
I love little spaces, zip ties, & duct tape --perfect! You should do a collapsible version even though the interior would have to be modified and perhaps not as comfy. Awesome!
Зимой можно колёса поставить на лыжи, +снегоход +печка внутри и не бояться ❄⚡метель, пургу, а Ваша печь может греть внутри. Пол, стенки, потолок двери покрыть утеплителем экструдированным пенополистиролом(он не опасен! Из него желают посуду, водопаронепронецаем и отлично 👍👏😆держит тепло, не проводит холод. Снаружи кемпер покрывать полиэтиленовой плёнкой, на неё будет выподать конденсат! А в самом кемпере из за разницы температур, будет сухо и тепло ♨! Для рыбалке и охоты то что надо -одному! Эгоисту!
Very nice idea and design. This would be great back in Germany where I grew up, over there the system of roads reserved for bicycles is everwhere, so you could put together quite a trip. But also here, with a lot of old railroad grades converted you find a nice route with a few overnight stops where this could be used. Again, great design. Like it.
due to a medical condition i recently took up bicycle riding and now i love it, i love the freedom i feel just being out on the road, seeing the sights. will definitely have to save up an order a set of your plans.
You're very welcome! When I look at your work I'm taken back to when I was oh lets say..9 years old, I too was a shelter/fort builder. I'm so envious of your work you really put a smile on my face considering I've joined the cancer club recently.
+Brian G Ah that sucks Brian, but I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face.It is amazing to me how many people I know are coming down with cancer. Most have survived, but it is an alarming amount percentage wise. Take good care and keep up the fight Brain.
I have a bicycle trailer frame that I made out of a hand truck with a 1" diameter X 2ft threaded rod axle and a pair of 1" trailer hubs and 8" wheels to carry the weight of some car batteries. Your camper looks like a great design for affordable and sustainable mobile living. Thank You Paul for posting your video!
Inspirational sir, really loved the blog you did on the nomad green vehicle! i am into the local music festivals car shows here in Scotland, with something like your great machine the possibilities are endless make a real vacation out of it!ditch the stuffy old tent and the back breaking packs for pure comfort cheers cant wait for yer next trick!
Inspired actually! So far I've just been making flashy, hotrod style cruiser bikes and my next build here I'm aiming for trike conversion kit with electric assist. Just today in conversation a friend mentioned the idea of making trade out decks for the trike. say, one could be a stylish wooden deck as seen on old hotrod trucks and one a lightweight fold out camper. Fired up the Google, found a cool build of a bicycle gypsy caravan and then this! again..blown out of the water here man! made my day. Thanks a bunch! Dean.
I like this design. I am wondering about what could be done by incorporating a pop up tent for the top half though. A cheap and ultra-lightweight version of the pop up camper trailers. Time to start sketching I guess.
Your an inspiration Paul. I was looking for a long time to build a bicycle camper trailer for trail riding and this gave me lots of guidance and a good place to start! Thanks for all that you do and keep up the awesome ideas!
I'm playing with the idea of bicycle camping for a while now, more or less since my child hood. I have been watching a lot of bicycle campers and made also my own plans partially. Your camper is absolutely the best if you face all parameters. I have bought your plan; my children and me are going to build 2 campers of your type. Since we are three we have a special idea to accommodate the smaller son on the journey, keep you posted then.
An amazing project.. just one of the many you have done. If you went with front wheel drive.. and connected the bike to the trailer you would cut down drag and maybe be able to keep yourself out of the weather and have more living area with less drag.Keep up the great work.
Love it again! we need some signs and zip tyes in Chicago! Used a homeless shelter it could give mothers with a few kids safely together for the night. And the pushables are a must, we need a sign collection facility with a few crafty college kids and bamm, shelters!
Indeed we do have to see the value in these large signs that just get thrown away in most places. Some areas recycle them but not enough. This is the second shelter I've made with recycled signs, the first having a recliner, closet, shelves, frig. single burner and microwave etc. etc. Almost free seeing I recycled the campaign sign, wood and screws.
With some effort and donations, this thing could be build a lot cheaper and then used for homeless people that choose to live outdoors. Give them any bike, clip the streamer to it. Done! This is a great kickstarter project if I've even seen one. \ And you've answered my only burning question in the last minute. "Solar power upgrade!!" :) My compliments!
+Kenneth Tan Thanks Kenneth. After an election there are literally hundreds of full sheet coroplast campaign signs that go to the dump. With an old bike, some cheap lumber, screws and cable ties you have a mobile home.
+Paul Elkins Can you recommend a good place to find them? (After an election of course) Did you just sit at the dump for a while, or did you go door to door?
+Cassandra Ryan Some dumps that have onsite personal, will be glad, if asked to, to pull that kind of stuff aside as long as you show faithfulness in regular pick up.
Paul 'My hero' seriously ! I have been scribbling and drawing lots of ideas similar to this for the past 18 months +. I loved your homeless shelter idea and the 1st nomadic bike trailer but i need to be able to stand up straight. I have been working along the same lines as you but with a airstream/gypsy wagon cross breed idea. Keeping the center of gravity as low as possible and the weight of things like the battery for flexible solar panel on the roof and a trap door attached to the trailer frame to store the weighty battery.I am using as much recycled materials as possible UK is often wet/cold. I wanted a very strong light weight warm floor for the base of my camper so i came up with this idea ! Using clean pop cans hot glued to coraplast and to each other filled with perlite or vermiculite to keep weight down but both thermally efficient and fire proof! to make the floor with a further sheet of coraplast on top. A small section would lift out to get to the batteries below? Keeping the trailer as light but strong as possible i am going to use aluminum ladders for the main internal section and like your self wood etc for the outer, plus side of that is the gaps between the rails are just the right size to fit a airflow support frame for the batteries. and little plastic storage boxes for odds and ends.All whilst keeping the center of gravity balanced and low as possible. Sorry for the rambling lol i get carried away with my own tempory obesessions Sallee.
I am not sure how to add a photo to my comment otherwise i would show you what i have done so far. The whole purpose of it being light is so i can tow it with my peddle assist electric bike. Also the need to be able to stand up in it is because i have MS if i laid on the floor i might not be able to get back up again after a long day of cycling. I do not drive so i am looking at eco friendly alternative ways to travel and be the nomadic gypsy at heart i have always been
awesome..... Paul... I love your posts... your so creative. I would love to attempt something like this to pull behind my 4 wheeler... but keep up the posts, your one of my favorites ... I cant wait to see what you do next
I've used PVC pipe and a tarp to cover a truck bed before for camping. Anyone could use the pipe to make bows on 2 pallets bolted end to end then stretch a tarp over it. It wouldn't be as sturdy or as comfortable as this is but would definitely help in a pinch or would make for a cheap temporary build if someone were homeless
Hi Paul for starters I love your videos in watching all of them with the Coripalst, I came across a product that might interest you. they are a fiberglass kind of plastic corner board, used in warehousing and manufacturing to protect the pallets from the strapping, so it's an L shaped like the metal only it's very lightweight plastic. They are very strong and it would make your projects a lot lighter in weight and they're easy to use same as Corp. last you can drill them secure then just as easily. Keep up the good work love your videos.
You need a couple of "Lucy" lights. They're solar, LED, plastic, blow-up, approx. 5"x5"x5". So cool :) I luv mine so much, my hubby had to have one also. I luv your trailer!!!
I just re-watched this video, and I have a suggestion for a more economical lighting system. Take a couple of those inexpensive solar rechargeable yard lights, modify them slightly, and use those for interior lights. On my channel, I have a play list called "Living well on a tight budget", and I found a video on that subject that I liked well enough to include in that play list.
I did this for my last structure I took to burningman, adding 7 small lights in the roof. It put out a nice dim light, but I wanted something strong enough for reading and have a swivel for placing the light where I wanted it. Some day I'll add a flexable solar panel to charge a battery which will have wiring to the individual light fixtures.
very cool camper mate i will have to do something like that when i move from the island to the mainland and do some touring with it. keep up the great work mark
Thought of you the other day! Still want to attempt one of your boats! And hmmmm... A chloroplast boat holding that house. It may leave you in a pickle if you are asleep and it sinks! LoL! What ever happened to the ratbike motorcycle engine?? Hope you finish that build! It was a neat one! Keep up the great videos Paul!
Your builds are so much fun to watch! You have a wonderful talent for designing the space in a most efficient manner! i must say that for camping, i would build a trailer for transport, not sleeping in, I am too claustrophobic. Besides, they have too many marvelous tents that fold down to a very compact size, not to mention, really nice strong sleeping cots. I have also seen some great inflatable boats that fold down very small. in addition to all of that, i would build a chuck wagon on the back, i guess like the back of a teardrop trailer that opens up in the back for the kitchen.
Y'know, this is pretty amazing for such a small space. It makes me wonder what if you could make a collapsible version of that? Like either a sliding rail with accordion walls or maybe something that straight-up folds up. Fascinating!
I'm thinking about this as well, and sketching out ideas. My primary idea is for part of the frame to slide over the other. The downside for a collapsible rendition of this camper is in how to secure the floor in the moveable section. I'll have to make drawings and trial and error, but maybe it's doable or maybe not.
I came looking for lightweight ideas for a teardrop I'll build someday soon and this is the place! Of course mine will have to be more robust ehind a Harley, but for drawers,, shelving, nooks and such, chloroplast is perfect. I was wondering for yours, what about large rivets instead of zip ties? You could fill them with clear silicone and sunlight would shine thru them, like tiny lights! I plan for a bucket sink with a drain hose to a smaller bucket underneath, which will travel in the sink bucket,, filled with road snacks or whatnot. Paper cups, plates and campware.
Oh, one more thought on your idea of a solar panel and battery. Harbor freight has a small auto solar unit pretty cheap that is weather resistant. Use a gelcell 12v battery to store the power. Now, LED lights are maxed out at around 9v.d.c. and would not last long if used directly from your 12v source. Here on youtube are some VERY simple schematics of voltage/current regulators you can build from scrapped computers for your parts. That would allow you to take the voltage down to 3-5v and low current so the LEDs would maybe last your lifetime. Would also help control power for other uses as well. Very light weight and maybe altogether about 5 lbs added weight. Makes for a great power source for tail lights and head light for the bicycle and trailer as well as maybe an additional turn signal system all using LEDs.
Here on youtube are some VERY simple schematics of voltage/current regulators you can build from scrapped computers for your parts Could you provide a link to these videos? :) Thanks!
Put the boat on top =P Great work on this, love how you built the underframe and mounted the wheels; mounting wheels is always an issue in my designs, so I might try to copy what you did here, but adjusted for my own project which is essentially this, but pulled by hand; and it's a boat as well...
Love everything about this! I am going to try to recreate your design because we have been planning to build something simlar for homeless in our area, and your design looks perfect. Lightweight, inexpensive. Please let me know if you make plans available I would love them. Even the cabinetry is genious and I would love if I could learn how to make these!
Paul Elkins Ever since I saw your little Mochet Velocar copy I've been constantly iterating more refined versions of the design... probably for three years now. I think that this little camper could be the companion piece that takes me away from going bleery eyed at autocad to actually building the thing.
Hey I think I emailed you this idea, I'm glad you made it your vision of it was way more advanced then mine but you've been at this for a while, it's nice to see something I considered a possibility a reality, now time to start shipping these bad boys to the homeless
hi Paul thanks for sharing you amazing camper! iv been thinking of going on an adventure for some time now and taking my dog little dog with me and this looks like the answer for me in so many ways. If you were to live in this for months on end and endure all weather's what would you add to this? I know you cover the solar panels which I think is great. my only concern is cold temperatures. also if I was to go build one, Any ideas how I could attach a surfboard to it? Thanks again for the awesome video.
i love it! great idea to build a 'doome' att the front! this gave me sp much great tips to when i can continue with my build ( its ALOT of snow right here and im building outside...) and the boat under the trailer :D that i must try...when i can fix the coroplast ( bloody hard to find in sweden!! ) !! love your vids! ceep em comming and have a nice day!!
Hi Paul ,would be great if you did a vlog of a road trip in your bicycle camper , I bet in real use you'd find all sorts of interesting problems to solve , I've found doing bike camping weight always becomes an obsession, trimming down to lose those last few pounds, love your use of corroplas Best regards Will
Will Bourne Hey Will. The key to this kind of traveling is gearing and patience. Steve Roberts on his 350 lb Behemoth had 105 or so gears with dual clusters. My bike would not be the choice for an adventure with the trailer in tow, but a geared up delta or tadpole would be the ticket.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
This is incredible in so many ways. Things like the "Nomad Bicycle Camper" set the path for a new ways to live and see this beautiful life. Paul, the World need more people like you man, please keep doing your stuff.
I bought the plans and was going to build 2 so we could tour around Scotland.
Then Covid hit and I lost my wife and things were pretty bleak for a while.
Then I lost my late wife's dog last year to liver failure.
I have only just started to go out on my recumbent trike (ICE Qnt) this year 2023 after a 3 year hiatus.
I'll probably build one over this winter and start touring around the country (UK).
Thanks Paul, the world needs more people like you.
Paul - I just love the simplicity of your designs and manufacturability. I teach Industrial Design, part time at SJSU and my students are looking for ways to help with the homeless problem in San Jose. I told them about your designs and we'll see how far they run with this.
Thank you for your inspiration !!
+Ken Schulze Hey Ken. I'm glad to hear you're making your students aware of the homeless situation. Although this camper was meant more for touring, this concept could definitely be simplified. I'd be interested in knowing what your students come up with, and would be glad to create a page or two on my website for your students if they come up with any designs or prototypes. Just send me fair resolution photos or design attachments to: paulwelkins@yahoo.com
Homelessness is an economic, and not an architectural problem.
Your inventive ways of recycling and reusing materials are amazingly simple but outstanding.
Every teen should have one of these so they can have their own space. So many youth need this to develop and sometimes just to have a place to sleep. When I was a teen I was sleepy all the time it seemed as if the world never wanted us to get our rest.
Headwinds ,not bad with the rounded front. Side winds not too bad either with my heavy belongings stored low. Real strong winds, not sure yet.
Can you get wifi inside all that mylar?
LOL
Awesome. I love your designs
Love it. What was the total weight after completion?
Cynthia Weathers With a 3" thick foam mattress and all the cabinetry, about 73 pounds. It could have easily been made 20 pounds lighter.
btw, Paul Elkins
My question about the wifi was totally serious up above. I really do want to know. It's important.
Some day there will be a Paul Elkins museum.
It already exists.... Its called a rubbish dump!
What materials are you using again
I almost paused this video near the start to mention utilizing the space underneath for storage but then I saw you did it at 5:15. Good job, that stuff looks amazing to work with!
Sinky Corogated plastic has its limitations, but it is an amazing fun product to play with.
WOW! The sheer euphoria of watching you build that was AMAZING! I get so inspired when watching remarkable people like you. I'm subscribing to your channel. I wouldn't want to miss out on any of your uploads.
Quan Chew Thanks Quan. I appriciate the kind words.
Paul Elkins my hero 😊😊
Polypropylene is a hard animal to get anything to stick to, hence the zip ties, although there are other fasteners one could used too. On my next shelter attempt I'll use a modified Phillips screw driver i filed down for a hole punch. It makes small slits for the zip ties. I'll add a dab of silicone on the holes and forgo the duct tape.
We're can I get the plans for this?
+Nathan Victorson Here is the link to my website plans page. www.elkinsdiy.com/plans/
To bad the plans are so expensive, my parents won't allow me to buy them.
+Paul Elkins You should pack a week's worth of MREs in there.
+Paul Elkins Also, just wait till you see mine, I'll email it to you when I'm done :)
Thanks for the info. My build will be a gift for a homeless guy I met that has no desire to live in a government shelter.
I've been gathering ideas like this for pretty much the same reason. Want to make one for myself as a beta test and proof of concept then see if I can get some local charities to help me build a number of them for homeless shelters when I'm not working at the animal shelter
good on you
Those homeless shelter is not very good I used to live in one I've had my part of my leg cut off so I'm at a rehab space. so when i get my disbilly an getmy
Sorry and get my new leg I want to travel with a etrike I and a camper like this.im just tired of living in one place.
I love this, I wonder if I could hook this up to my moped and see how far I can go
Yo I think that but a motor on my bike
I love this! It could also be decorated like a covered wagon and taken on a cross country trip!
Indeed!
Have you seen his covered wagon design?
I showed this to an older friend of mines. He says that this reminds him of something people used back in the late 60's and early 70's. He says they used to call them "Hippie Haulers" lol :)
Great to see you're back at it! I really like this idea, I've been wanting to build a simple bicycle camper, and old campaign signs seem like a great material.
It's a good thing you're not my neighbor Paul... I'd be hanging out at your shop all day. Great Stuff, keep em coming!!!!
Awesome work! Really inspiring. Just to add an idea. How about welding the edges of the Plastik together or glue them somehow? U could get rid of the zip ties and the duck tape.
VERY IMPRESSIVE & ECONOMICAL! I love to see stuff like this! People are trying New things. Getting away from the Grid! Being a Slave to the System, that leaves you trapped. People are finding a way & I love it. Giving me some ideas myself.
I noticed, when you were crawling onto the wheeled frame with the sheet over it (about the 2:25 mark of the video), there was a quick shot of what was happening underneath and there appears to be quite a bit of flexing of the plastic sheet. You could use two sheets of coroplast (sorry if that's misspelled) sandwiching a 5mm thick sheet of "sheething" material. Home Depot (Poulsbo) sells 4x8 sheets of 5mm thick sheething for $20. Cut to fit. Should improve the stiffness the floor greatly with a minimal increase in weight.
Ya, I find this beyond sketchy when I have seen material within home depot and then can't seem to find it when I need it most! I don't like head phones neither!
@@nathanmciver6496 I'm sorry, are you saying my post from 7 years ago is a lie?
If no one else said it, this one is a masterpiece. I'd include a 4 quart pressure cooker but I'd use it outside.
I love little spaces, zip ties, & duct tape --perfect! You should do a collapsible version even though the interior would have to be modified and perhaps not as comfy. Awesome!
Зимой можно колёса поставить на лыжи, +снегоход +печка внутри и не бояться ❄⚡метель, пургу, а Ваша печь может греть внутри. Пол, стенки, потолок двери покрыть утеплителем экструдированным пенополистиролом(он не опасен! Из него желают посуду, водопаронепронецаем и отлично 👍👏😆держит тепло, не проводит холод. Снаружи кемпер покрывать полиэтиленовой плёнкой, на неё будет выподать конденсат! А в самом кемпере из за разницы температур, будет сухо и тепло ♨! Для рыбалке и охоты то что надо -одному! Эгоисту!
Very nice idea and design. This would be great back in Germany where I grew up, over there the system of roads reserved for bicycles is everwhere, so you could put together quite a trip. But also here, with a lot of old railroad grades converted you find a nice route with a few overnight stops where this could be used. Again, great design. Like it.
due to a medical condition i recently took up bicycle riding and now i love it, i love the freedom i feel just being out on the road, seeing the sights. will definitely have to save up an order a set of your plans.
I just love your camper you are a very talented individual, keep building and posting videos cheers and greetings from Berlin Germany!
+Brian G Hellooo Berlin! Thanks for that.
You're very welcome! When I look at your work I'm taken back to when I was oh lets say..9 years old, I too was a shelter/fort builder. I'm so envious of your work you really put a smile on my face considering I've joined the cancer club recently.
+Brian G Ah that sucks Brian, but I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face.It is amazing to me how many people I know are coming down with cancer. Most have survived, but it is an alarming amount percentage wise. Take good care and keep up the fight Brain.
Paul, you are a genius!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Hi Paul, that's a really cool bicycle trailer that you made there , good job !!! 👍😃
I have a bicycle trailer frame that I made out of a hand truck with a 1" diameter X 2ft threaded rod axle and a pair of 1" trailer hubs and 8" wheels to carry the weight of some car batteries. Your camper looks like a great design for affordable and sustainable mobile living. Thank You Paul for posting your video!
You're welcome George. It's just an idea.
Paul it is great to see you back with a new design. Thanks.
Inspirational sir, really loved the blog you did on the nomad green vehicle! i am into the local music festivals car shows here in Scotland, with something like your great machine the possibilities are endless make a real vacation out of it!ditch the stuffy old tent and the back breaking packs for pure comfort cheers cant wait for yer next trick!
Inspired actually! So far I've just been making flashy, hotrod style cruiser bikes and my next build here I'm aiming for trike conversion kit with electric assist. Just today in conversation a friend mentioned the idea of making trade out decks for the trike. say, one could be a stylish wooden deck as seen on old hotrod trucks and one a lightweight fold out camper. Fired up the Google, found a cool build of a bicycle gypsy caravan and then this! again..blown out of the water here man! made my day. Thanks a bunch! Dean.
I wonder if Paul has seen the new flexible solar panels, It would be cool to incorporate one of those into his designs. Love your work!
Paul! This is absolutely Amazing! You're AWESOME! I can't wait to show my brother your videos! Thank you for sharing your talent!
I absolutely LOVE your inventions, Paul. I live in hope that you might come up with a backpacker shelter. Cheers, Carol.
I love all of your videos and I've watched all of them more than once. Thank you for posting them.
I like this design. I am wondering about what could be done by incorporating a pop up tent for the top half though. A cheap and ultra-lightweight version of the pop up camper trailers. Time to start sketching I guess.
Anything is possible. It just depends on what you want.
Your an inspiration Paul. I was looking for a long time to build a bicycle camper trailer for trail riding and this gave me lots of guidance and a good place to start! Thanks for all that you do and keep up the awesome ideas!
Morgan Howell Thanks Morgan. Fluted plastic is cool undiscovered material I'm trying to promote. If only it were easier to find...
I'm playing with the idea of bicycle camping for a while now, more or less since my child hood. I have been watching a lot of bicycle campers and made also my own plans partially. Your camper is absolutely the best if you face all parameters. I have bought your plan; my children and me are going to build 2 campers of your type. Since we are three we have a special idea to accommodate the smaller son on the journey, keep you posted then.
Yes! This one is great Paul, you keep raising the bar. Love the paint job.
An amazing project.. just one of the many you have done. If you went with front wheel drive.. and connected the bike to the trailer you would cut down drag and maybe be able to keep yourself out of the weather and have more living area with less drag.Keep up the great work.
+Joseph DuPont Thanks Joseph. Years back a fellow sent pictures to me and did just that. Too bad I lost the picture.
Love it again! we need some signs and zip tyes in Chicago! Used a homeless shelter it could give mothers with a few kids safely together for the night. And the pushables are a must, we need a sign collection facility with a few crafty college kids and bamm, shelters!
Indeed we do have to see the value in these large signs that just get thrown away in most places. Some areas recycle them but not enough. This is the second shelter I've made with recycled signs, the first having a recliner, closet, shelves, frig. single burner and microwave etc. etc. Almost free seeing I recycled the campaign sign, wood and screws.
As always, amazing. I love your videos!!! Thank you.
I like it Paul! I like the idea, the concept...everything about it! You should try marketing it!
Truly a magnificent piece of work. I'm looking to purchase one similar or make my own thanks again for all your help and support.
With some effort and donations, this thing could be build a lot cheaper and then used for homeless people that choose to live outdoors. Give them any bike, clip the streamer to it. Done!
This is a great kickstarter project if I've even seen one. \
And you've answered my only burning question in the last minute. "Solar power upgrade!!" :)
My compliments!
+Kenneth Tan Thanks Kenneth. After an election there are literally hundreds of full sheet coroplast campaign signs that go to the dump. With an old bike, some cheap lumber, screws and cable ties you have a mobile home.
+Paul Elkins Can you recommend a good place to find them? (After an election of course) Did you just sit at the dump for a while, or did you go door to door?
+Cassandra Ryan Some dumps that have onsite personal, will be glad, if asked to, to pull that kind of stuff aside as long as you show faithfulness in regular pick up.
It looks bigger inside than outside. Great job.
Because of this brilliant idea I pressed the subscriber button sir thanks
Paul 'My hero' seriously ! I have been scribbling and drawing lots of ideas similar to this for the past 18 months +. I loved your homeless shelter idea and the 1st nomadic bike trailer but i need to be able to stand up straight. I have been working along the same lines as you but with a airstream/gypsy wagon cross breed idea. Keeping the center of gravity as low as possible and the weight of things like the battery for flexible solar panel on the roof and a trap door attached to the trailer frame to store the weighty battery.I am using as much recycled materials as possible UK is often wet/cold. I wanted a very strong light weight warm floor for the base of my camper so i came up with this idea ! Using clean pop cans hot glued to coraplast and to each other filled with perlite or vermiculite to keep weight down but both thermally efficient and fire proof! to make the floor with a further sheet of coraplast on top. A small section would lift out to get to the batteries below? Keeping the trailer as light but strong as possible i am going to use aluminum ladders for the main internal section and like your self wood etc for the outer, plus side of that is the gaps between the rails are just the right size to fit a airflow support frame for the batteries. and little plastic storage boxes for odds and ends.All whilst keeping the center of gravity balanced and low as possible. Sorry for the rambling lol i get carried away with my own tempory obesessions
Sallee.
Sounds interesting. So it's a 'sandwich' floor consisting of vermiculite filled pop cans glued together?
yes sturdy but light
I am not sure how to add a photo to my comment otherwise i would show you what i have done so far. The whole purpose of it being light is so i can tow it with my peddle assist electric bike. Also the need to be able to stand up in it is because i have MS if i laid on the floor i might not be able to get back up again after a long day of cycling. I do not drive so i am looking at eco friendly alternative ways to travel and be the nomadic gypsy at heart i have always been
You are so talented & creative!!! Nice job!!!
awesome..... Paul... I love your posts... your so creative. I would love to attempt something like this to pull behind my 4 wheeler... but keep up the posts, your one of my favorites ... I cant wait to see what you do next
Thanks Deb. I'll keep making stuff as long as the money and health hold out!
I've used PVC pipe and a tarp to cover a truck bed before for camping. Anyone could use the pipe to make bows on 2 pallets bolted end to end then stretch a tarp over it. It wouldn't be as sturdy or as comfortable as this is but would definitely help in a pinch or would make for a cheap temporary build if someone were homeless
Hi Paul for starters I love your videos in watching all of them with the Coripalst, I came across a product that might interest you. they are a fiberglass kind of plastic corner board, used in warehousing and manufacturing to protect the pallets from the strapping, so it's an L shaped like the metal only it's very lightweight plastic. They are very strong and it would make your projects a lot lighter in weight and they're easy to use same as Corp. last you can drill them secure then just as easily. Keep up the good work love your videos.
Oh Lidia, sweet Lidia...
Thanks for that! I'll look into them.
Paul Elkins Did you find out what these are called?
lvl0rg4n
I'm glad you kept developing the idea. Still working on mine.
You need a couple of "Lucy" lights. They're solar, LED, plastic, blow-up, approx. 5"x5"x5". So cool :) I luv mine so much, my hubby had to have one also. I luv your trailer!!!
I just checked the LUCI lights out. Way cool. Will have to get a few. Thanks LaVonne.
Hey Paul love your ideas ... O my goodness I found a washer and dryer combo 11 pounds and it would be perfect to add to one of your awesome creations
I just re-watched this video, and I have a suggestion for a more economical lighting system. Take a couple of those inexpensive solar rechargeable yard lights, modify them slightly, and use those for interior lights. On my channel, I have a play list called "Living well on a tight budget", and I found a video on that subject that I liked well enough to include in that play list.
I did this for my last structure I took to burningman, adding 7 small lights in the roof. It put out a nice dim light, but I wanted something strong enough for reading and have a swivel for placing the light where I wanted it. Some day I'll add a flexable solar panel to charge a battery which will have wiring to the individual light fixtures.
This is so fantastic Paul. You're a genius. I need to build one :)
I'm far from genius. Just curious. I'm working on plans for this one.
The DIY guy... Love him!
Love your work, awaiting your next project, thanks for the education. All the best.
very cool camper mate i will have to do something like that when i move from the island to the mainland and do some touring with it.
keep up the great work
mark
The exterior paint job kicks bootie!
Thought of you the other day! Still want to attempt one of your boats! And hmmmm... A chloroplast boat holding that house. It may leave you in a pickle if you are asleep and it sinks! LoL! What ever happened to the ratbike motorcycle engine?? Hope you finish that build! It was a neat one! Keep up the great videos Paul!
Just tested out the hot logic mini and a small Jackery to cook food.
Works Great with this camper
Absolutely genius Paul! Really enjoyed your video. Thank you!
The project came together wonderfully! Thanks for continuing to inspire me! :)
awesome design!!! that thing is nice!! one of these days im going to hit the road and live permanently in something like that!!
thanks alot!!
Eli.
also conestoga wagon style!! for sure id use lightweight materials & just wide, high enough for comfort I was surprised how roomy this is! cool!
Your builds are so much fun to watch! You have a wonderful talent for designing the space in a most efficient manner!
i must say that for camping, i would build a trailer for transport, not sleeping in, I am too claustrophobic. Besides, they have too many marvelous tents that fold down to a very compact size, not to mention, really nice strong sleeping cots. I have also seen some great inflatable boats that fold down very small. in addition to all of that, i would build a chuck wagon on the back, i guess like the back of a teardrop trailer that opens up in the back for the kitchen.
Y'know, this is pretty amazing for such a small space. It makes me wonder what if you could make a collapsible version of that? Like either a sliding rail with accordion walls or maybe something that straight-up folds up. Fascinating!
I'm thinking about this as well, and sketching out ideas.
My primary idea is for part of the frame to slide over the other.
The downside for a collapsible rendition of this camper is in how to secure the floor in the moveable section.
I'll have to make drawings and trial and error, but maybe it's doable or maybe not.
Watched a lot of your videos, many great ideas! Note books are great too, just to help you remember those great ideas that got pushed way back. A+
Outstanding, Great Job! I like the Airstream concept.
Great job once again, your brilliant man. Love the camper and totally waterproof im sure. heat it with a candle easily lol
I came looking for lightweight ideas for a teardrop I'll build someday soon and this is the place! Of course mine will have to be more robust ehind a Harley, but for drawers,, shelving, nooks and such, chloroplast is perfect. I was wondering for yours, what about large rivets instead of zip ties? You could fill them with clear silicone and sunlight would shine thru them, like tiny lights!
I plan for a bucket sink with a drain hose to a smaller bucket underneath, which will travel in the sink bucket,, filled with road snacks or whatnot. Paper cups, plates and campware.
Tnx for this great footage Paul. really like your ideas.
esto si es vida, en lo simple esta el secreto de la felicidad. amigo un abrazo ala distancia gran trabajo entre tantos
I love that bike design.
You Sir are an inspiration, excellent idea. Thank you for sharing.
This is so inspiring Paul, well done.
Oh, one more thought on your idea of a solar panel and battery. Harbor freight has a small auto solar unit pretty cheap that is weather resistant. Use a gelcell 12v battery to store the power. Now, LED lights are maxed out at around 9v.d.c. and would not last long if used directly from your 12v source. Here on youtube are some VERY simple schematics of voltage/current regulators you can build from scrapped computers for your parts. That would allow you to take the voltage down to 3-5v and low current so the LEDs would maybe last your lifetime. Would also help control power for other uses as well. Very light weight and maybe altogether about 5 lbs added weight. Makes for a great power source for tail lights and head light for the bicycle and trailer as well as maybe an additional turn signal system all using LEDs.
Here on youtube are some VERY simple schematics of voltage/current regulators you can build from scrapped computers for your parts
Could you provide a link to these videos? :) Thanks!
Great design, Most of yours are wonderful, thanks for sharing
Paul hello
It is done good work with a splendid idea this time!
Hello Masaomi! Thank you! I hope all is well with you.
Very cool! Congratulations!
Very Nice Set up in these troubling times😕👍
Fantastic Job!
Put the boat on top =P
Great work on this, love how you built the underframe and mounted the wheels; mounting wheels is always an issue in my designs, so I might try to copy what you did here, but adjusted for my own project which is essentially this, but pulled by hand; and it's a boat as well...
Wonderful work man!
Greetings from: Sweden 🇸🇪
Love everything about this! I am going to try to recreate your design because we have been planning to build something simlar for homeless in our area, and your design looks perfect. Lightweight, inexpensive. Please let me know if you make plans available I would love them. Even the cabinetry is genious and I would love if I could learn how to make these!
This is my favorite one so far.
Catalina Huerta Mine too!
Paul Elkins Ever since I saw your little Mochet Velocar copy I've been constantly iterating more refined versions of the design... probably for three years now. I think that this little camper could be the companion piece that takes me away from going bleery eyed at autocad to actually building the thing.
KB Quinnell Excellent! Auto cad and detailed drawings can be a huuuuuuuuuuuuge waist of time.
Hey I think I emailed you this idea, I'm glad you made it your vision of it was way more advanced then mine but you've been at this for a while, it's nice to see something I considered a possibility a reality, now time to start shipping these bad boys to the homeless
Best little camper I've ever seen.
Love to see the plans for this. Primarily the "nose" pattern. Everything else seems pretty easy. When are you releasing the plans?
hi Paul thanks for sharing you amazing camper! iv been thinking of going on an adventure for some time now and taking my dog little dog with me and this looks like the answer for me in so many ways. If you were to live in this for months on end and endure all weather's what would you add to this? I know you cover the solar panels which I think is great. my only concern is cold temperatures. also if I was to go build one, Any ideas how I could attach a surfboard to it?
Thanks again for the awesome video.
i love it! great idea to build a 'doome' att the front! this gave me sp much great tips to when i can continue with my build ( its ALOT of snow right here and im building outside...) and the boat under the trailer :D that i must try...when i can fix the coroplast ( bloody hard to find in sweden!! ) !! love your vids! ceep em comming and have a nice day!!
Man!!! you are amazing! this is super creative!!
Toyota Rv Thanks Toyota RV
Another winner!
Hi Paul ,would be great if you did a vlog of a road trip in your bicycle camper , I bet in real use you'd find all sorts of interesting problems to solve , I've found doing bike camping weight always becomes an obsession, trimming down to lose those last few pounds, love your use of corroplas Best regards Will
Will Bourne Hey Will. The key to this kind of traveling is gearing and patience. Steve Roberts on his 350 lb Behemoth had 105 or so gears with dual clusters. My bike would not be the choice for an adventure with the trailer in tow, but a geared up delta or tadpole would be the ticket.
LOVE THE VIDEOS PAUL :) KEEP EM COMING!!!
Buddy that is just to awesome.....wish I could like more than once...
Very interesting. Excellent work as usual!