Create Your Own Camper Out Of A Humble Trailer
Camping is one of the great Australian pastimes, and a fully equipped camper trailer is the ultimate in camping accessories. Unfortunately, camper trailers also come with a hefty price tag, and you can expect to pay upwards from $10,000 for a good quality, used model, and considerably more for a new one. Fortunately, it's possible to create your own camper out of a humble trailer at a fraction of the cost. Here are the two essentials you'll need to make the transformation.
A canvas trailer canopy
A canvas trailer canopy is the most crucial feature you'll need to transform your trailer. These light-weight yet durable covers create a waterproof and windproof space in your trailer, which is perfect for sleeping and relaxing while camping.
Many companies which manufacture trailer canopies provide a range that are designed specifically for this purpose. You can also have your trailer canopy custom made to suit your specific requirements. This may include extra windows, a higher ceiling, or extra storage compartments for the interior.
A canvas trailer canopy is a great investment, because it has other practical, non-camping uses. A canopy is great for use when you're transporting landscaping and building supplies, and will prevent small pieces from being blown out of the trailer. It's also very useful when moving furniture and other possessions during wet weather.
Self-inflating sleeping mats
To make your trailer a true camper, you'll need something to sleep on. The best option is self-inflating sleeping mats, which are as comfortable as a blow-up airbed but far less bulky and less likely to deflate on you while you sleep. These sleeping mats inflate by simply removing the valve plug, which means you won't need to carry an inflator pump.
Because your trailer is made of steel, it's wise not to lay your mats directly onto the base, especially if you're camping in cooler regions. A simple platform made from plywood which lifts your sleeping mat a few inches above the base is enough to insulate you against the worst of the cold. To make it even cosier, you can stick a layer of reflective foil insulation on top of the plywood.
The plywood platform is a double bonus because it also provides another area to store your camping supplies. If you make the platform so that it sits a little higher, you can even slide shallow plastic or metal storage containers into the space. These are ideal for storing your cooking equipment, clothes, and food supplies in.
Although a DIY camper trailer may lack many of the fittings and features of an expensive, purpose built trailer, it will still provide you with a comfortable and convenient camping experience. What it lacks in luxury will be more than amply made up for in the huge amount of money you will have saved.
