FIRST Camping Trip! page 5

To extend the capabilities of our Weekender Trailer, we added a 10’ x 10’ screened shelter with wind curtains for added privacy. When fully enclosed and tarps for the bottom, the small AC unit will actually cool both the trailer and the enclosure to some degree during a hot Texas summer day! I got the idea from a fellow who was showing us his new pop up camper that he just bought. His camper had canvas sides and sleeping areas and was larger than our trailer and shelter.  I figured that if his unit could cool all that much space, then certainly so could ours.  It worked. However, during the warm summer nights, we prefer to shut the door and just cool the sleeping quarters. By the way, we tow with a 2006 Jeep wrangler unlimited (our other vehicle is a Jeep Commander - a family that Jeeps together stays together!)

Total time to build: 62 hrs

Weight: 1060 lbs  fully equipped.

Total construction cost, including trailer  – $ 800.00 (lumber, paint, electrical, screws, adhesives, microwave, refrigerator, etc) The shelter (brand name: First Up 10X10)was bought new at Wal-mart for $156.00. 

Additional credit given to Cynthia Stewart who helped in the difficult moments , provided inspirational support and photographic expertise. 

Let us know what you think.

more construction photos here (photobucket