THE HOPPER 4X8

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

WANDER TEARS DIY

Skill Level: Novice-Intermediate (basic

knowledge of woodworking tools is required)

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Budget: $1,200 (woodwork and trailer only)

Expected total cost: <$3,000

The Hopper is a 4’x8’ tiny camper. It weighs less

than 1000 lbs, features an interior shelf for your
duffel bags, and galley storage in the rear.

The Hopper is minimalist approach to fueling the

weekend warrior lifestyle. It is budget-friendly
and can be towed by virtually ANY vehicle! The
“backpacker’s basecamp” is what we like to call
it.

These plans cover the woodworking

portion of the build and can be completed
in one or two weekends.

HAPPY BUILDING!!

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 Copyright

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Copyright © 2021 Wander Tears, LLC
THE HOPPER 4x8 PLANS
All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, including, photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without
the prior written permission of Wander Tears, LLC, except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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 Shopping List

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

WOOD MATERIALS HARDWARE & MISC.

Note: Note:
Plywood listed below are 4’x8’ sheets.
TRAILER FRAME:
Harbor Freight 4x8 Ironton

3/4” Plywood 4 Walls, Shelving 1-1/2” Hex Screws 1 box

1/4” Plywood 3 Floor, Ceiling Surfaces 2-1/2” Hex Screws 1 box

1/8” or 1/4” Plywood 1 Roof top Surface 3/4” Staples 1 box

1x4x8 Pine 6 Floor Frame Wood Glue 1 bottle

2x4x8 Pine 3 Roof Frame 3/8” x 3” Stainless Steel Bolts 8

3/4” Foam Board 1 Floor Insulation 3/8" SS Lock Nuts 8

1-1/2” Foam Board 1 Roof Insulation 3/8” SS Flat Washers 16
Construction Adhesive 5
Fence Paint 1 qt
1-1/4” pocket screws 1 box

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 Tools for the Job

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

NOTES:

Track Saw, or https://amzn.to/3mj67iI

Table Saw, or https://amzn.to/39CmnpZ
Circular Saw https://amzn.to/3eGoag4
Router https://amzn.to/3fH6guU
Flush Trim Router Bit https://amzn.to/3ufGbHs
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig https://amzn.to/3eIvpnL
Jigsaw https://amzn.to/3fHxGBc
“Fast/Clean” Jigsaw Blades https://amzn.to/3uoGQ9Q
Standard Drill https://amzn.to/3Bq2VJ8
Impact Driver Drill https://amzn.to/2V42jIp
Drill Bit set https://amzn.to/3hWb8go
#8 Counter Sink Bit https://amzn.to/2PWTuhj
Staple Gun
Large Workbench
Pocket hole Jig https://amzn.to/3xwmpZs

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 Phase 1: The Trailer Frame

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

96"

Floor Bracket
2” angle
1/2” hole

48"

57"

NOTE:
This is a standard 4’x8’ frame you can find at Harbor Freight,
Northern Tool or Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure it is flat TRAILER FRAME:
and square. I recommend welding 2” angle iron brackets with Harbor Freight 4x8 Ironton
1/2” holes to attach the floor. Otherwise, you can drill holes
through the frame rails.

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 Phase 2: The Floor Cut List

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

MATERIALS: NOTES:

2 - sheet 1/4” Plywood

3 - 1x4x8 pine boards
1 - sheet 3/4” foam board insulation
2 - tubes construction adhesive caulk
3/4” staples
Fence paint

CUT LIST:

1/4” plywood:
1 - 48” x 96”
1 - 46.5” x 94.5”

1x4x96:
2 - 94.5”
5 - 46.5”

3/4” Insulation:
1 - 9-7/8” x 39-1/2”
1 - 28-5/8” x 39-1/2”
1 - 20-1/2” x 39-1/2”
1 - 18” x 39-1/2”

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 Phase 2: The Floor Diagram

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

96"

94-1/2"

3/4" 3/4"

9-7/8" 28-5/8" 20-1/2" 18"

Insulation
between frame
48" 46-1/2" 39-1/2"
pieces

Glue and pocket holes

Top Plywood (46-1/2” x 94-1/2”)

3/4" 3/4"
Bottom Plywood (48”x96”)
NOTE:
I recommend building the floor on top of the trailer frame.
When you get the bottom plywood and floor frame
complete, drill holes for the trailer frame brackets.
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 Phase 2: Building The Floor - Step x Step

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Step 2.1: If you are using 4x8 sheets of plywood the bottom sheet of
plywood does not need to be cut. If you are using a bolt together frame, lay
it over the frame and drill holes for any bolt heads sitting on top of the
frame. Also, you can drill holes for attaching it to the trailer frame.

Step 2.2: After cutting all 1x4s to the correct length, drill pocket holes in
both ends of the crossbars. Use glue (or CA) and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
to construct the floor frame. Do not attach to bottom plywood yet.

Step 2.3: With the top piece of plywood cut to 46-1/2” x 94-1/2”, attach it
to the top of the frame with construction adhesive and 3/4” staples. All sides
of the plywood should be flush with the frame.

Step 2.4: To install the insulation and bottom piece, flip the floor frame over
so the top is facing down. Insert 3/4” foam board insulation in the open
spaces.

Step 2.5: Use construction adhesive and 3/4” staples to attach the bottom
leaving 3/4” overhang on each side.

Step 2.6: Paint bottom of floor with fence paint. You will likely use multiple
coats.

Step 2.7: Once the fence paint is dry flip, the floor over once again and
attach to the trailer frame with 3/8” bolts, washers and lock nuts.

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 Phase 3: The Sidewalls

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Materials: Tools:
2 - 3/4” plywood (4’x8’) Circular Saw, jig saw, straight
edge, tape measure, pencil, speed
square.
46"
40-3/16"

6°
8°

14°

r= 4.5” 24-3/4"

48"

39-1/2"

11-1/4"
37-3/4"

20" 20"

3"

96"

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Phase 4: 3/4" Plywood Cut List

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

NOTE:
Anything with a tilde (~) means the the piece has
an angled edge.

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 Phase 4: Cutting Cargo Doors

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Rear Upper Wall
NOTE:
Source your cargo doors prior to
3-5/16" making these cuts. Cargo doors
vary with what is available from
your supplier. The doors you
36" 5-1/4" choose may change the
cutout dimensions.

These cutouts are for cargo

24" doors sourced on eBay.
Simply type in “RV Cargo
door”.

36"
5-1/4"
12"

Rear Lower Wall

4"

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 Phase 4: Cutting the Angled Edges

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

NOTE: When cutting an angle, use a circular saw or table saw. If using a table saw,
you may need to make a jig so you do not remove more material than needed.

8˚
3˚ each
20˚
20˚

Rear Upper Wall

Front top Wall

28-5/16"

4˚ each

7˚ each

20" Front bottom Wall

Rear Lower Wall

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 Phase 4: Internal Panels

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Pocket holes

18-3/4"
Upper Bulkhead

Pocket holes
Countertop

Pocket holes-attach to wall Pocket holes to attach to wall

Pocket holes
15-1/2" 18"

Pocket holes

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 Phase 4: Installing Walls & Internal Panels Step x Step

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Step 4.1: After your floor is complete and bolted to the trailer frame, use
wood glue or construction adhesive on the 3/4” space on the floor frame to
attach the side walls. Use a square jig to make sure they are at right angles
and screw into the floor frame with 1-1/2” deck screws.

Step 4.2: Next attach all internal panels (counter top, upper bulkhead, lower
bulkhead) starting from the bottom up. Pocket holes should be drilled on both
the right and left sides of each panel to attach internal panels to each other as
well as the bottom of the countertop to attach to the walls.

Step 4.3: Attach again using wood glue or construction adhesive and pocket
hole screws. If you are going to be using external paneling or aluminum you
can screw directly through the walls into the countertop and bulkheads for
additional support.

Step 4.4: Install the front and rear exterior walls. Use wood glue or
construction adhesive. Screw either directly through the side walls or use
pocket holes on the interior faces.

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 Phase 5: The Roof Frame

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Materials: 3 - 2x4x8 pine cut into
8- 2”x2”x4’ spars

Add angles for roof spars on ends***

12-3/16" 13-5/8" 13-5/8" 5-1/2"

14-1/4"
14-3/16"

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Phase 5: Vent Fan Opening

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

NOTE: These measurements refer to
the space BETWEEN roof spars.

Attach using wood glue and pocket

screws.

14-1/4"

14-5/8"

14-5/8"

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 Phase 5: Running Wires in the Roof

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

This step comes AFTER installing the interior CEILING PLYWOOD. Move to the next step for ceiling plywood
dimensions, then come back before installing the Exterior roof plywood.

The only wires in the roof will be for a light and the vent fan. Use 16 or 14 gauge wire. If you would like additional electrical
or lighting features, run additional wires to the desired locations. You can find additional electrical components on page 17.

I recommend making the starting point (Battery location) underneath the galley countertop, on the starboard (right) side.
Run wires in the back corner through the countertop, through the ceiling, and through holes in the roof spars to reach their
destination. We recommend using flexible conduit where wires may be visible in the galley.

Dome Light

Vent Fan

To Fuse
panel/battery

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 Phase 5: The Roof Plywood

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Roof (exterior): 1/8” or 1/4” plywood
1 - 46” x 48” NOTE: You can probably get away with not
1 - 40-3/16” x 48” cutting the ends at an angle. The interior
gaps will be small enough to seal with
Ceiling (interior): 1/4” plywood caulk, and the external angle can be
1 - 45-3/8” x 46-1/2” sanded down.
1 - 39-15/16” x 46-1/2”
(Angles can be found on page 10.)
Use flush trim router
bit to cut out the vent
openings after installation.
Roof 46"
(exterior) 40-3/16"

Ceiling
(Interior)
45-3/8" 39-15/16"

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 Phase 5: Roof Installation Step x Step

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Step 5.1: Attach your 8 roof spars to the side walls using wood glue and pocket hole
screws. There should be a 1/8” space between the upper bulkhead and spar directly
above for the ceiling.

Step 5.2: Frame the vent fan opening.

Step 5.3: Attach the ceiling pieces using wood glue and 3/4” staples to the roof spars.

Step 5.4: Drill holes to create a channel for your wires.

Step 5.5: Install foam insulation in the spaces and run wires to desired locations. Make
sure to drill a hole in the ceiling where you want your overhead light placed.

Step 5.6: Attach roof plywood using wood glue and screws, or staples.

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WOODWORK COMPLETE!

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Congratulations! You have finished the
woodworking portion of your build!

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 Additonal Parts For This Build

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

Vent Fan 1 https://amzn.to/3brz48x
26x36 Doors 1-2 teardroptrailerparts.com
36x24 Cargo Door 1 eBay.com
36x12 Cargo Door 1 eBay.com
50Ah Lithium Battery 1 https://amzn.to/3kHNEha
RV LED Light Pair 1 https://amzn.to/2TpP9oO
Fuse Block 6, option 1 https://amzn.to/3c8t2sn

OPTIONAL PARTS:
Porch Light with Amber, set 1 https://amzn.to/3rpqj4j
Reading Lights Pair 1 1https://amzn.to/3sWrQix
12v Outlet Panel 2 https://amzn.to/3xX6UuO

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 More Siding and Electrical Recommendations

Wander Tears, LLC :: The Hopper 4X8 Plans

ALUMINUM 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

96”x48”x .040 Mill Finish or Anodized 2 saf.com Battery LiFePO4, option 1 https://amzn.to/2O8qAtV
96”x48” Painted 2 saf.com Battery AGM, option 1 https://amzn.to/3v1Xwon

14awg wire 50 ft 1 https://amzn.to/38hmIOa

ITEM NAME QTY LINK 4awg wire 15 ft 1 https://amzn.to/2MTpce9

18awg duplex 50 ft 1 Home Depot

Corner Insert Trim (set of 4) 1 https://amzn.to/2MRQRfo Fuse Block 12, option 1 https://amzn.to/3bmNA1h

Corner Trim, No Insert (set of 4) 2 https://amzn.to/3rjRVYq Fuse Block 6, option 1 https://amzn.to/3c8t2sn

Victron Charger 1 https://amzn.to/3boHpte

120v Port Plug 1 https://amzn.to/2O1rMzo

Gas Springs 2 https://amzn.to/2Vg0c52 15 AMP Fuses 12 https://amzn.to/2MSNl4p

Gas Strut Top Bracket set 1 https://amzn.to/38ykbiT Wire Spade Terminals 100pc 1 https://amzn.to/3bmHFZM

Gas Strut Bottom Bracket set 1 https://amzn.to/38itNOp Bus Bar 2 https://amzn.to/3kQVmU4

Circuit Breaker 1 https://amzn.to/3v9hOg7

Wfco Panel for 120v, optional 1 https://amzn.to/3kSYDlR

Angle Alum 3/4” x 3/4” x 4’ 2 Home Depot, Lowes

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