$$$ COST OF YOUR TEARDROP $$$

[madjack]

...just starting a new build...
120.00...(3) 20' sticks 1x2x3/16 channel steel
170.00...Dexter Torqflite
220.00...(2)tires/wheels/hub caps
32.00...(2)10.75" wide, round steel fenders from RedNeckTrailerSupply
20.00...ring mount tongue jack from HF
30.00...(2)Fulton stabilizer jacks from Northern Tools
16.00...2x2 straight tongue coupler from RedNeckTrailerSupply
10.00...safety chains(not yet purchased)
32.00...(2) S/B/T LED 2x6" surface mount by Optonics f/RedNeck
14.00...rattle can of etch primer
_______
664.00

...this is for a 5x8 custom frame...I haven't included paint since it was bought 2 trailers ago(maybe 15/20 bucks worth) nor have I included consumables such as welding wire/shield gas or labor which would be no more than putting together a bolt up frame...

a little more than a HF frame BUT getting the exact trailer frame you want...PRICELESS
madjack

[Esteban]

Keith, thank you for sharing your expenses to build your TearDrop. It adds up to $2,867...so far.

I intend to build a similar sized TD also using epoxy and paint on the outside so your sharing the cost info. is greatly appreciated. It may held keep me from "gold plating" stuff.

OTH, you're coming in about where I guestimated.

Let's see what else may be coming up: Propane tank, battery, battery box, tongue box, stove, cooler, easy up tent shade, mattress, bedding, curtains, sound system, DVD player, galley and interior cabinets, cabinet hardware, varnish, hatch struts? Another Grand plu$?

Steve B.

[doug hodder]

I've found that one major thing to consider when building a tear is if you are going to cut a corner and save some dough, don't do it on something that you can't easily go back in and redo...example...If you want nice birch or an exotic veneer on the interior, or nice hardwood frames and doors on your cabinets...better do it from the get go, as you'll never be able to do it down the road for some of those items and make it look as good...but you can always stick in a sound system, DVD, Microwave etc... at a later date if you leave the space and pre wire for it...Or if you just mount up some "get by" fenders for now and then change to a pair of kits down the road...chances are, you are going to have another set of bolt holes and possibly trim issues to deal with...It's always harder to go back and redo something when you could have just as easily done it the way you really wanted it in the first place. Just what I think on it...Doug

[Nytewyng]

I guess I cheated 5x8 Yoder Toter/Littleguy 3,ooo on ebay

[apratt]

Our own OJ (Oklahoma Jewel) summed it up if you need a hint, "diamonds are a girl's best friend."

How can I afford diamonds?

I'm thinking (just thinking) about building another, and I'll need that money.

Let's see:

I got a 4 by 8 now, and I'm drooling over the 5 by 10s. So...

Sex...or 5 by 10?

Sex...or 5 by 10?

Sex...or 5 by 10?

I GOTTA go with the sure thing, and you sure as heck know what THAT is!!!

I dunno I have boughten my wife some diamonds and she then trades them in for bigger and more expensive diamonds.

[b.bodemer]

I'm almost done with my td and have all the receipts to add up yet. Today for what seemed to be my 100th visit to Home Depot since starting this project they have actually opened up a hot dog stand at the exit. Wouldn't you know it I had $2.50 left from my purchase to by a hot dog, soda and chips! Think I'll slide that receipt in with all the rest.

Barb

[sledge]

We had all our reciepts and counting EVERYTHING, just a frog hair under $1,500 . ......... but thats counting Air Cond, Memory Foam Mattress, a real little refrig, Drop down flat screen TV/CD/DVD , and 35 year old ET's

[RichAFix]

This posting is priceless. I have made about 20 trips to home depot/lowes/menards/hardware store trying to estimate weight and approx. cost of what it is going to take. I will buy things and proceed as I can afford things. It might take me a while, but I don't really want to cut corners.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU THAT SHARED THIS INFO!

[tonyj]

Keith, as I have stated elsewhere, I will never divulge what I have spent on my trailer, but I can tell by your numbers that you haven't spent anywhere near enough on TOOLS! You need at least another half dozen types of sanders. Now, let's talk compressor and pneumatic air tools . . . .

[doug hodder]

Tony....go check out his album of his shop pics...this guy is tooled up!!! Doug

[asianflava]

I have a stack of recipts on my clipboard but I've never had the nerve to tabulate them. My guess is about 3-4K.

[Claw]

I too have a stack of never added-up receipts. Money is a tool and I just exchanged one tool for another believing I got the better end of the deal. How much fun is a stack of dead presidents anyway?

[oklahomajewel]

.......and you know what y'all?????

The teardropping is still more fun and WAYYYYYY cheaper than that

sleeps-six-weighs-2400lbs-takes-an-hour-to-set-up pop up camper

or

gas-guzzling-$40-a-month-storage-7-miles-to-the-gallon-and-only-top-speed-of-50mph-$750-per-month-payment monster RV


I'm perfectly happy and proud of my little painted, $1800, maybe 900 lb, home built Jewel Box that I can tow with my 4 cyl Honda Accord and still get 20 mpg at 70 mph down the highway TEARDROP !!!!!

[Keith B]

Esteban - on the epoxy/paint... well, I spent 2x the amount on epoxy because I really didn't know what I was doing but I got some fantistic advise for a local forum guy...anyway, I was putting it on to thick, etc., etc. and blew threw a gallon pretty fast - only to sand most of it down to add filler, etc...so..on the epoxy thing... ASK for advise if you're new to it... I'd do the epoxy thing again in a heartbeat now that I have an "idea" of what to do.

Well, I'm not complaining about the price..yes, it's quite a bit more than what I had "anticipated" but you know what, it is what it is so who cares...and I THINK I'm doing it right...yes, my design stinks in hindsight, but the quality of construction, etc. I think will pass the Minden Newbie Inspection....

Hey Tony... I've got a 5hp 23CFM IR compressor but probably NOT enough air tools......so give me some ideas what I can add to my Christmas List. I'm actually looking at a 1", 1200# impact gun.....but really, my next "new" tool is going to be a bigger welder w/ a spool gun....at least that's the dream.

[bobhenry]

I too have a stack of never added-up receipts. Money is a tool and I just exchanged one tool for another believing I got the better end of the deal. How much fun is a stack of dead presidents anyway?

Depends on whether or not you get caught with her !!!!