Explorer Box Overview

The Explorer Box has been designed as a straight forward, DIY friendly compact camping trailer.  Plans include full dimension drawings, material list, building notes and suggestions on reputable material suppliers.  

Many DIY-ers will begin their trailer build with a bolt-together frame kit, although most 4’ x 6’ flat bed trailers are a suitable starting point. 

 At the heart of the Explorer Box is its plywood based trailer box.  Using plywood, waterproof glue and a few screws it’s easy to create a durable, attractive, lightweight trailer box.  We use a combination of plywood types.  For the exterior we prefer using quality marine grade Okoume plywood, for its weight and strength advantages.  It’s also more attractive and takes a finish better that standard plywood.    

You start with the floor

Then you build and add the center support wall

Next you build and add the two side walls

Then the front wall is built and shelves are added.

Then the rear wing and cross support are added

Next the top and doors are added

Then you fill and finish the exterior.  Miscellaneous hardware, fenders and lighting are added.

The last step is to pick and install your tent unit.  For additional tent unit information see, Tent Units.