Today’s RV review is something very different. While we often look at RVs of all sizes, this one takes the cake as might be one of the smallest RVs we have looked at. What we have here is a mini model of a Jayco travel trailer that was created by a dad for his daughter.
Jesse Schlottman is a tech at Coumbs RV Truck Accessories in Washington state. Jesse has a 3-year-old daughter and she loves to be his shadow, especially when there’s a project in the garage.
“She always showed interest in what Daddy was doing,” said Jesse.
Why not build a mini Jayco travel trailer to go with Jeep Power Wheel?
The winters in Washington state can be pretty chilly. Last year Jesse was working in Coumbs RV looking at all the scrap materials and got an idea. His daughter already had a pink Jeep Power Wheel that she loved to tool around in. So Jesse decided to build a mini Jayco travel trailer to go along with it. Why not?
In talking to Jesse, it seems that Coumbs is one of those locally family-owned dealerships that I highly recommend buyers seek out. Usually, the way the team works together speaks volumes and results in a better customer experience.
Jesse happened to see a Jayco out on the lot and thought it might serve as the perfect prototype for the project. In fact, the project even impressed the marketing folks at Jayco. They shared it on their official LinkedIn channel, which is how I caught wind of it.
Actual RV parts on the mini Jayco replica
With the company’s blessing and understanding, Jesse got to work on the project. There are actually RV parts on the mini Jayco replica. The framework is made of canopy dunnage. The walls are made of 1X1 with a 1/8” veneer and waterproof paneling.
The wheels on the trailer are from an old pressure washer. Jesse actually considered custom fabricating leaf springs—but it didn’t work as well as he had hoped.
The trailer even has rear stabilizers. It’s really well made.
Plus, there is a fake propane bottle Jesse made of a small green canister to which he custom fit a top to make it look authentic. The trailer also has a battery box.
On the subject of batteries, it actually does have one—a tool battery—and that’s what our young traveler can use to activate the running lights as well as an interior light.
There is no roof, nor back, on the trailer, as Jesse was somewhat concerned about weight. However, apparently, the Power Wheel can put the power in the wheels and weight has not been an issue.
“The only thing she can’t do is back it up… yet,” said Jesse.
RV technicians
Jesse has been a tech at Coumbs RV for 11 years. “I’ve been here for 11 years—not because of where I work, but who I work with.”
We talked a bit about the lack of RV technicians and the tremendous opportunity within that profession.
“This is a career and skills that you can take anywhere and find a great job.”
So that begs the question—Will there be more of these? And would Jesse build these on the side for other youthful adventurers?
“I built it because of who I was building it for—not for profit. However… there may be one more of these in the future, just the same.”
If you’re interested in building your own miniature trailer, one option is to create one called a Foamie, which we looked at in this story.
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That’s awesome. But how is it for boondocking Tony? 🙂
Thank you, Tony! 🙂 Great story! Thank you for sharing it. 🙂 Have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
The world needs more Dads like this!
Daddy!.. The Slide’s not working and the Frame’s Bent!.. Wahhhhhhhhhhh!