Big Country Basecamp

Blog

Join Us

Digital Plans

Detailed and rugged teardrop camper blueprints for your next build.

A small vintage camper is situated in a grassy area surrounded by trees. The interior of the camper emits a warm, inviting light through the windows. An outdoor setup includes a chair, a small table, and an umbrella to the left. The scene is set during dusk or early evening, creating a cozy atmosphere.

A rustic outdoor setting featuring an old, yellow camper van with a makeshift canopy attached to its side. The area around the van is grassy with some shadows cast by nearby trees. There is a wooden table with a checkered tablecloth under the canopy.

Teardrop Build

Snapshots from our rugged teardrop camper project, crafted for the wild.

A modern camper van with its side door open, showing a glimpse of the interior. The van is parked in an outdoor setting with a few trees in the background and some dry grass in the foreground. The vehicle has off-road tires and a roof rack, suggesting it's equipped for travel and adventure.

A travel trailer is parked at a campsite during twilight. The trailer is illuminated by a string of warm, glowing lights hanging from an extended awning. Several outdoor chairs and a table are positioned on a rug next to the trailer, creating a cozy outdoor seating area. A truck is parked adjacent to the trailer. Trees and a darkening sky provide a tranquil backdrop.

A vintage silver camper set on a wooden platform in a desert landscape, surrounded by sparse vegetation and illuminated by warm, golden sunlight. Two chairs and a table are arranged outside the trailer, with clear blue skies above.

A nighttime camping scene with a classic yellow van set up with an awning and camping table. Warm light from a nearby campfire illuminates the area. A small orange tent is visible, surrounded by trees and a rocky hill in the background under a starry sky.

A small, modern teardrop trailer with a white body and bright yellow accents is parked on a grassy area. The trailer features a curved shape, a small window with a yellow frame, and a circular company logo displayed on its side. The trailer is attached to a vehicle that is partially visible.

The Odyssey Project: Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Foundation & Floor

Every great basecamp needs a solid foundation. We began by repurposing a 1970s Camel pop-up tent trailer, stripping it to the bare metal and restoring it with protective paint to ensure a lifetime of rust-free travel.

  • Framing: Built with 1×3 cross supports and 1×4 longitudinal “backbones” aligned to the steel frame.
  • Insulation: Filled with foam board to prevent condensation and keep the cabin temperate.
  • Finishing: A durable sandwich of 1/8″ bottom plywood and 3/4″ sanded top plywood.
Watch: Building the Floor

Phase 2: The Walls & Interior

Symmetry and insulation are the keys to a comfortable camper. We used master templates to ensure a perfect mirror image for the side walls and door openings before moving to electrical wiring.

  • Wiring: Pre-installed runs for interior reading lamps and exterior marker lights before sealing.
  • Construction: A sandwich of 5mm exterior plywood and styrofoam insulation bonded with Titebond II.
  • Cabin Vibe: Finished with 1/4″ knotty pine edge V-plank for that cozy, rustic mobile cabin feel.
Watch: Building the Walls

Latest Adventures