Cost of basic tear drop

[campmaster-k]

About $1100.00 for build . $300.00 for HF trailer. Total $ 1400.00

[glenpinpat]

well I had never seen a TD before building mine so I think this helped keep me from adding stuff to it. Lumber was not very expensive about 250.00 all together. The aluminum was 300.00 and as it is painted both sides I never had to paint. The linolium floor was and end piece the carpet store had left over and only 20.00 cash. The windows where from an old school bus and were free and the front window was free. The stereo and tv I already had. The sink and electrical panel came from the donor pop-up trailer that cost me 150.00. I added some crossbracers on the trailer using steel I had around the house and had welder weld them in place for 50cash. Add on a few things here and there and it was 1000.00. We also only took about a week to build it once the trailer came back from the welder. It will win no awards but it was cheap has stereo and tv, full galley including 12v fridge and coleman stove. It has not leaked in 2 years and is very easy to tow.

[jonw]

$4,000 in mine. "Splurged" on:
- marine ply floor & walls, poplar for all other frames, spars, and trim
- Torsion axle
- Optima battery & CTEK charger
- $500 of windows and aluminum trim & drip rail
- lots of stainless steel screws

I liked how it came out so I'm ok with what it cost.

[S. Heisley]

So, am I the only knucklehead on this forum that managed to spend that much on my teardrop without having a jacuzzi and draft on tap in the galley?

I think it depends on what you want, what you're looking for; but also, how much knowledge you have and what you're willing to do. Some people have the knowledge and skill to go to a junkyard and find wonderful things that they know just what to do with. Other people know how to surf the net and EBay to get what they need. I haven't added mine up but I'd guess it's around 4 or 5 grand; but, when I started mine, I didn't know much about junkyard or net "surfing"; so, I paid higher prices. Would I do the same again? Well, yes, at least partially.

Nobody should feel bad because they spent more or less than someone else or if their 'creation' doesn't have the same features as another. I think that the object of building is to get what you want, not get a cookie cutter camp trailer. It's also to know what you did to get it to that point so you know how to maintain it. If you see something that you'd like to change or add, you can do it because you know how you built it. Everyone has a right to be proud of their accomplishment, regardless of price or building abilities; because, just getting to the point of 'campable' is a feat in itself!

So, if you built your camping trailer, regardless of the price, you are not a knucklehead! If anybody gasps at what you paid to get to that point, shame on them!

[Oldragbaggers]

Thanks Sharon.

I was just out in the garage putting a coat of varnish on my some of my galley pieces and I thought to myself, wow, I did do this and this is really kind of pretty (albeit not fancy by any means) and I could have paid this much +$+$+$ for a factory built something but no way would I ever feel this proud of it. Priceless.....

[S. Heisley]

Well said, Slow.

[Rlowell]

Nice conversation.

I built mine on a tight budget and no job. (Finally did get work after two years.) Frame was free/re-purposed and the a/c was free from a remodeling project.
I had very little build skills, although I am a graftsman of another type. I had never done any wood work and had very few power tools.
If it had not been for an old table saw and the Kreg Jig, I would not have the "Ketza" I get lots of comments and give lots of tours and am very proud
of what I have accomplished. I believe that a teardrop build is a great joy and gives a great sense of pride to many of us that have not done anything like this in the past.

The total on my rig is around $2000.00 including the mattress that is on order. Have used an air mattress so far. I did a lot of dumpster diving at build sites, free wood and
lanoleom, metal supports, hinges, and to many other things to remember. I have had a great time and met lots of nice folks!!

Needless to say: This forum is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry abut yelling...just the way that I feel!)

Rod

[suckerpunched]

Really lost track but thinkin about 1500.00 with hf trailer....but not done yet...still adding cabinets and such....want to get rid of the 12 inch wheels and put on 14 inch and differnt fenders....Like Slowcowboy....always adding a bit at a time
TC

[john curtis]

I think I have most of you beat in cost, by the time I am done I will be over $8000.00. Thats the problem with building in Canada the cost of material is way higher and that sucks.
John

[Rlowell]

Very well said Slow!!!!

Rod

[Jkester]

Wow John, You win (or lose, depending on your point of view).

I'm not done yet but it looks like I will be close to $5,000 when it's done. The budget was $4,000 but all the little things really add up. Screws, hardware, glue and epoxy weren't thought about when I was planning the build. And as I keep telling my wife "the tools don't count toward the cost of the teardrop". New router & bits, table saw, Kreg jig, drill bits, blades.... their more of a long term investment

James & Rhonda

[Greg Barrick]

I have about $500-$600 in my 4x8 cubby. I built the trailer with free tubing, had a bunch of left over wood to cut & fit. Was able to get most stuff scrap. The new metal skin, roof fan, trim and alot was free from son-in law.

[Vedette]

I am with John here in Canada!
And I did start a list, but have not updated it lately.
My build is costing me way more than what I originally set out to spend???
And on days when I have the guys that work for me in my shop helping on Miss Piggy...........I have toi factor in "Lost Revenue" of about $800.00/day.
With those costs I could have gone out an bought a couple of those "Tabs" or 4 or 5 professionaly built Teardrops.
But I have never had so much fun with a project, nor met as many new people online in such a short time.
Really looking forward to meeting some of you in person when we hit the road with Miss Piggy.
Sandi and I had a full day out in the shop working on the interior today.

[Luis]

I spent around $3000 on mine. Probably the trailer and doors (didn't trust myself to make them look good) were the most expensive single items. Everyone here is right on about the little things that add up... It's all the little trips to HD that round to $50 or so a session on miscellaneous things throughout the whole build. I guess if you plan better than I do, you will be able to reduce costs by using more common parts throughout your build...

[GPW]

Using the Cowboy method (salvage ) , I built my Foamie’ for $650,00 all up (including new HF trailer) ... A Foamie .... My first wooden TD was $3000,00