Plystream: A DIY caravan that's perfect for a European jaunt
April 22, 2025
It’s often said we’re a nation of makers, but somewhere along the way – as flat-pack furniture replaced timber and glue, and holidays became more package than pilgrimage – we lost the knack. Enter Woodenwidget, a small company with a big idea: Get more people building things.
Their latest creation is the Plystream, a self-build two-berth plywood caravan that weighs in at just 300kg and can be towed by the dinkiest of cars. It’s a head-turner too – sleek and aerodynamic, with a bright, roomy interior that sleeps two in comfort. It's definitely less 'white box on wheels', more ‘Scandi pod meets AirStream on a budget’. And it’s all built by you (even if you’ve never held a jigsaw in your life).
In a world of mass production and instant gratification, the Plystream is a quietly radical idea. It harks back to a time when holidays were hand-built, not booked online.
With step-by-step illustrated plans, the Plystream project takes you through everything you need to build your own micro caravan – from materials to tools, with clever workarounds for even the smallest of workshops. Unlike most caravans, the Plystream’s structural integrity comes from its insulating layers, making it both featherlight and surprisingly strong.
It’s a concept that speaks directly to Britain’s DIY spirit, and taps into another great national pastime: Escaping. Whether it’s a long weekend on the Dorset coast or a meandering road trip through the Dordogne, the Plystream offers freedom and flexibility.
If you’re tempted to cross the Channel (and let’s face it, the open roads of France and beyond are hard to resist), ETA short-term European breakdown cover makes it a worry-free affair.
Like all of Woodenwidget’s plans, the Plystream can be customised. At around €3,000 in parts (or less if you can salvage second-hand parts), it’s a fraction of the cost of a factory-built equivalent. And let’s be honest – there’s a deep satisfaction in hitting the open road in something you made with your own hands.
European breakdown cover
Whether it’s pottering through the lavender fields of Provence, tackling the hairpins of the Stelvio Pass, or exploring Spain’s Atlantic coast, there’s nothing quite like a European road trip. But before you pack up the car or load the panniers on your motorbike, there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave home without: ETA short-term European breakdown cover.
You might well think, “what are the chances?” But as any seasoned road-tripper will tell you, when things go wrong, it's usually at the most inconvenient time and in the middle of nowhere.
For 35 years, the ETA has been offering breakdown cover that gets you back on the road with minimal fuss whether you're here in the UK or in Europe. With English-speaking helplines and 24/7 assistance, you’re never far from help. And at less than £20 for 5 days' cover, Euro breakdown is a small investment for peace of mind.
Bon voyage!
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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