Well, it’s no secret – if I can’t be enjoying a nice bush camp, I’m usually out in the shed enjoying a bit of tinker time modifying the 4WD or camper. The problem is, every now and then, those supposedly simple DIY mods and camper projects just don’t go to plan.
I mean, just last week I tripped over the air hose, face planted the floor and knocked almost 4L of engine oil over the dog! A few days before that I was dancing around the shed like Michael Jackson after a welding spark found its way down my shirt – old Jack from next door still says I should be on Australia’s Got Talent after that one!
If that doesn’t convince me to leave it to the pros, I’ve worked out I don’t always save all that much money once I factor in the cost of parts and my own time. Plus, if I said the result was always neater than a professional job I’d be straight out lying.
So why do I, and so many other campers, bother tackling a DIY project at all? Well, despite grazed knuckles and a few curse words, there’s just something soothing about working in the shed at night with a few tunes going and a couple of greasy tools in your hands. It’s the satisfaction of turning a unique little idea into reality and then bragging about how damn smart you are to friends and family.
But, in my opinion, the biggest benefit of all is knowing exactly how every little detail works on your camper should things go pear shaped out on the tracks. After all, camper trailers aren’t just a bit of camping gear these days – they’re a way of life!
Plus, there’s nothing quite like personalising your setup. A few extra hooks here, and a bit more lighting there can make a real difference in the long run, and you’ll find there are literally hundreds of cheap and easy accessories just waiting for you to sink your teeth into, regardless of how much experience you’ve had on the tools. LED lights, 12V accessories, water storage ideas; the list goes on.
So, if you’ve been contemplating picking up the tools and having a crack at your own little project, now’s the time. While you’re at it, why not kick-off the bragging rights by flicking over a few pics of your completed mod to us – who knows, you might even inspire others to follow in your footsteps or give me another reason to lock myself back in the shed, eh?
Check out the full feature in issue #89 June 2015 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine.