Unique, DIY Micro Camper Cost a Mere $1K To Build, It Features a Slide-Out and a Kitchen

A new, entry-level travel trailer can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $40,000 (€11,140 to €37,134). However, add some off-road features and slide-out, and you'll go past $40K. For instance, I recently wrote about the Epik Ranger, a fully-equipped trailer offered starting at $67,200 (€62,385).

I'm a big fan of budget-friendly projects. And I share most of them with you here on autoevolution. The most recent camper build I've discovered comes from Craig Ruge. Craig is no stranger to creative DIY builds – he's specialized in building all sorts of trailers.

His latest creation is the one we're checking out today, which he names the "Mini Cube Camper." As he described it, the purpose behind this project was to build the smallest and cheapest camper, one that his Kia Soul could tow. What's more, he had a meager budget of $1,000 (€928) for this project. So, let's get into it.

The Mini Cube Camper is built on a 40x48-inch (102x122-centimeter) Harbor Freight trailer, which he described as the smallest and cheapest trailer he could buy. It's offered for $399 (€370), but Craig got it on sale for $329 (€305). However, it's not ideal for longer trips or larger setups, as it can hold 1,090 lb. (494 kg) and is rated for 45 mph (72 kph).

In the final form, his camper measures 8 feet (244 centimeters) in length if you include the tongue, while the box is 6 feet (183 centimeters) long. It tips the scales at 350 lb. (159 kg) - you can even lift it up with your own muscle power.

It boasts quarter-inch plywood panels on the sides and half-inch plywood for the floor, all wrapped in aluminum trim coil and sealed with silicone. It might look like the corners have an aluminum molding, but it's, in fact, plastic with spray-painted aluminum.

Pop its tiny door open, and you'll discover a small interior with the most basic equipment - you can't really expect more when dealing with a budget of $1K. It features an almost-twin-size memory foam mattress measuring 30x31 inches (76x79 centimeters), a shelf spanning the entire width of the interior, a phone holder, and two lights.

Some natural light shines through a porthole integrated into the entry door, a ceiling porthole, and a small window.

What about heating? Well, you'd be surprised at how hot a space this compact can get due to the heat that our bodies produce. Still, to make sure Craig can travel in cold environments, he fitted a basic $10 heater. Regarding ventilation, he installed a decently sized vent right by the entrance – without it, you'd quickly get suffocated inside.

You might wonder, "How are you supposed to lie down inside?" Well, you can only do that when you pull out a slide-out at the trailer's rear. When extended, the bottom part of the camper becomes six feet long.

Besides allowing you to lie down, the slide-out also serves as an outdoor kitchen with a plywood countertop. Above it, an exterior compartment with three storage spots houses a single-burner camping stove, utensils, folding chairs, and more.

On the trailer's roof, you'll discover a simple rack comprised of two rails – it holds a kayak and paddles on each side. Moreover, at the front, you'll find a solar-powered light and cargo rack storing two life jackets, while a tongue-mounted rack below houses a cooler box.

Since these types of trailers are often a target for thieves because they're quite easy to steal, Craig implemented some simple measures to ensure his camper doesn't disappear. He added a wheel lock at the rear, as well as two locks for the tongue. Furthermore, he plans on hiding an AirTag inside to make sure he can track it if it does end up stolen.

There isn't much storage space on this camper, but it's still more than you'd expect. In addition to the ones I mentioned above, you can lift the mattress to reveal two additional floor compartments.

If those aren't enough (and they probably won't be if you plan a multiple-day trip), of course, you can use your towing vehicle to hold bulkier items. In Craig's case, he stores his tools, fishing gear, and more in the under-trunk compartment, where the spare tire is usually housed.

Regarding aesthetics, Craig used inexpensive peel-and-stick tiles for the floor and discounted wallpaper for the front wall. As he explained, Craig researched deals and sales daily when building the camper to keep costs to a minimum.

For power, Craig uses a battery box he bought from Amazon for a mere $8. In it, he installed his deep-cycle boat battery. The box has a 12 V port, six USB ports, three lights, and a radio antenna. Since he has this, there was no need to wire the trailer.

All in all, this mobile home will more than do the job for short trips, considering its $1K price tag. It's a creative build that not only doesn't break the bank but is also not that challenging to build compared to many other DIY projects.