Man builds mini camping trailer he can tow behind his bicycle
Paul Elkins is a real world traveler who feels most at home when he's abroad. That's why he's always looking for inexpensive and alternative ways to travel with just a few things and little space.
To realize his vision, he repurposed his pickup truck. In the trunk, there is an inviting bed and many storage compartments, all individually and carefully built by Paul.
But he knew that he could actually manage with a lot less space. So for a visit to a musical festival, he built a bike trailer — that he can even cook in!
You Tube/Kirsten Dirksen
But even that solution didn't really satisfy him and so again, he started working away and this time, he created a masterpiece. To do this, he found some used advertisement boards that are very light and flexible.
He cut them and connected them with a lot of cables. In order to check whether his plan would work, the smart craftsman built a model beforehand.
Next he started on the underlying construction. He built the trailer using a few wooden slats, that you can get for about $1 each, and an old bicycle. The bicycle was purchased for less than $20 but all Paul needed were the wheels, which he attached to the frame made of slats.
Then he connected the base with the wheels and the dome made from the advertisement boards.
But the vehicle was still a way off from being ready for all kinds of weather conditions. To close all the gaps (and for a nicer appearance), he stuck on a plastic sheet as a protective layer and then decorated it with spray paint.
And then he was done: the camper, which could quite possibly be the smallest of all time, can be attached to the bike! So that Paul doesn't freeze in the wind, the mini camping trailer is covered with insulation on the inside.
Of course, he also included storage space. Clothing and essentials for the kitchen can be found in several small cabinets. There are even two speakers for the MP3 player.
A little water cooler is essential. Here there is enough space for several liters of water to cook, drink or wash with. A worn-out baking tin forms the wash basin. This way no drop is wasted.
Across from the wash basin, you'll find the cooking area, which was outfitted with a hot plate. This corner has steel plating, which protects the trailer walls from the heat.
Apart from a toilet, the camper has everything - and at around 65 lbs, it's definitely lightweight! Overall the construction cost $150. What a deal compared to what you would pay for a large camper!
Of course, Paul also considered safety and equipped the camper with reflectors on the rear side. He saves a lot of money with his amazing vehicle and shows that you can live really well with just a little space, money and few possessions. Safe travels, Paul!