Cost of basic tear drop

[Wobbly Wheels]

...it depends on how much crap or how much luxury you put into it.

So true.
I'm trying to build to give me luxury for the price of crap.

I'm up to about $750 but still have a long way to go.
$50 to buy an old tent trailer and $60 in dump fees to get rid of what I didn't use (Craigslist).
A case of beer ($25) for an old camper to salvage appliances from (CL again)...and $60 in dump fees after stripping it out.
Being a boatbuilder by trade, a lot of the stuff I do need to buy new (epoxy & cloth right now) I get at wholesale price.
I'm figuring out how to build this thing 'on the cheap' and wherever I can I'm trying to divert stuff from the landfill.
I have about another $1000 yet to spend on epoxy and cloth, which will be the major cost of the build. I've allowed another 'soft' budget of $1000 to install systems and for finishing (which will be simple and robust - mostly epoxy-based paint).

So all up, I'm allowing about $2500-$3000 for a 13' standie. I've been keeping the receipts to track costs, so I'll do a full reckoning at the far end of the build.

[OuttaHand]

I've got about $3,000 in mine -- not counting the HF trailer.

I could have come in a bit cheaper. I know there are things that I could have purchased in bulk to save money. Instead, I purchased many small quantities a little at a time -- I just didn't know the total I'd need!

If you want to see a fairly detailed cost record of expenses on a build, I kept a pretty good log on my trailer build:
http://webpages.charter.net/outtahand/littletow/index.htm

Click on "Cost Log" at the top left and you'll see a running total as I went along. There are plenty of places where I bought 50 screws here, 50 there, etc. If I'd known how many of those things I'd need, I'd have bought 1,000 right up front and saved. It's little things like that which really add up.

[Todah Tear]

Garage and Estate sales are good places to get some good deals on supplies for you camper.

I have gotten some good deals here lately. Just this weekend, I bought 4 solid, hard wood boards of various sizes ( W x 24") for $3. They will work well for AC mounting shelves or side tables. I also purchased some pliers, a file, screw drivers, and a wrench for $4 total at an estate sale. A few weeks back, I bought an old wooden trunk that has removable sub-compartments for $10. It would make a great tongue box...but I have other plans for it. Pictures will be forthcoming.

Todah

[Oldragbaggers]

I don't think the advantages of building a 4x8 can be overstated if you're looking to build on a budget. I can't even tell you how many times I have had to spend a whole lot more to buy an oversize piece of this or that because I didn't stick with the standard 4x8. Just an example..... (one of MANY)...I wanted to put Formica on my galley countertop. You can buy 2 different sizes at the big box stores, 2x4 or 4x8. 2x4 = $13 and would have been perfect if I had a 4' wide counter. 4x8 = $54 and is what I would have to buy to cover my 4-1/2' wide counter without piecing it. 5 pieces of Okoume wall skin at $54 each, instead of 4 if 8' long. 3 pieces 3/4" wall core, versus 2 if 8' long. (As a matter of fact I would skip the skinning altogether if I had it to do over, save that $260 for Okoume + what I spent on the insulation and get done in 1/10th of the time), 5' wide hurricane hinge at $71.00 vs. $59 for 4' wide, extra wood for the floor. I could go on all day, but you get the picture. Plus the build would have been so much simpler, I venture to say I would have been done and camping a couple of months ago instead of still building. And I am still wondering just how much difference that extra 6" of width and 14" of length is going to make in the big scheme of things.


So, my advice (and please take it for what it's worth, as opinions on this board vary greatly) is.....

If this is your first teardrop, and you want to simplify the build, and you don't absolutely need the extra room, and budget is a big factor then by all means, get yourself a Harbor Freight trailer (they seem to always be on sale and 20% off coupons abound, and unless of course you already have the skill and tools to build your own), build a 4x8 solid wall construction, and go camping. I saw this advice stated numerous times and didn't heed it, to my own regret.


I know I will love my teardrop, and I know it is built like a tank (but I didn't really need a tank, I only needed a camper) and I know I will enjoy it for many years to come (and that may be good or bad, depending on how satisfied I am with the way I decided to build it), but I really could have saved literally several thousand dollars by doing what I describe above.


Just my 2 cents.

[Forrest747]

Totally agree with Becky. When I started this project had no clue about what size plywood came in. I just thought 4x8 sheets. And I set my walls up for 63 inches wide so that cheaper 5x5 sheets would not work. I also built the walls too thick where if I had done a cookie cutter then skin with 1/4 or 1/8 inch thick outer skin would of saved weight and money.

[S. Heisley]

Totally agree with Becky. When I started this project had no clue about what size plywood came in. I just thought 4x8 sheets. And I set my walls up for 63 inches wide so that cheaper 5x5 sheets would not work. I also built the walls too thick where if I had done a cookie cutter then skin with 1/4 or 1/8 inch thick outer skin would of saved weight and money.

and, quoting myself:

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!

Just to clarify, when I wrote of a "cookie cutter" trailer, I meant a manufactured trailer, not a one-of-a-kind trailer. In my opinion, even if you use a set of plans or make it very simply, a home-built trailer will rarely be seen as a cookie-cutter trailer because we tend to make them look different, just as each person is different, to please our personal needs and tastes. We just can't seem to keep from doing that. This is also what makes home builds so interesting and fun.

[Forrest747]

Sorry Sharon what I was talking about was a 3/4 inch plywood and cutout the area for the insulation during the build and then skin the interior and exterior.

[S. Heisley]

Sorry Sharon what I was talking about was a 3/4 inch plywood and cutout the area for the insulation during the build and then skin the interior and exterior.

No need.... Labels and slang terms can sometimes have different meanings....just wanted to be certain that months from now, all is reasonably clear. I didn't want anyone to think that I was disrespecting home builds made from a published set of plans, which might be misinterpreted to mean "cookie cutter". I was referring to assembly-line manufactured trailers as being "cookie cutter trailers". They are smooth and pretty but may not have the 'flavor' and charm of a home 'cut' trailer.

[doug hodder]

How much do you guys have in your tear drop minus the trailer. Just a basic build, nothing fancy.

One of the problems with this question is that a great number of them start out like this, (basic, nothing fancy).....once you get involved in the project and see just how creative you can be, it morphs into something you didn't plan on from the get go. That's why a fair number of builders do another, and another, and another....I'm guilty of this.

If you stick to your plan, you can probably get by for less than 1K, with some scrounging, maybe less. Doug

[cop1406]

I don't think the advantages of building a 4x8 can be overstated if you're looking to build on a budget. I can't even tell you how many times I have had to spend a whole lot more to buy an oversize piece of this or that because I didn't stick with the standard 4x8. Just an example..... (one of MANY)...I wanted to put Formica on my galley countertop. You can buy 2 different sizes at the big box stores, 2x4 or 4x8. 2x4 = $13 and would have been perfect if I had a 4' wide counter. 4x8 = $54 and is what I would have to buy to cover my 4-1/2' wide counter without piecing it. 5 pieces of Okoume wall skin at $54 each, instead of 4 if 8' long. 3 pieces 3/4" wall core, versus 2 if 8' long. (As a matter of fact I would skip the skinning altogether if I had it to do over, save that $260 for Okoume + what I spent on the insulation and get done in 1/10th of the time), 5' wide hurricane hinge at $71.00 vs. $59 for 4' wide, extra wood for the floor. I could go on all day, but you get the picture. Plus the build would have been so much simpler, I venture to say I would have been done and camping a couple of months ago instead of still building. And I am still wondering just how much difference that extra 6" of width and 14" of length is going to make in the big scheme of things.


So, my advice (and please take it for what it's worth, as opinions on this board vary greatly) is.....

If this is your first teardrop, and you want to simplify the build, and you don't absolutely need the extra room, and budget is a big factor then by all means, get yourself a Harbor Freight trailer (they seem to always be on sale and 20% off coupons abound, and unless of course you already have the skill and tools to build your own), build a 4x8 solid wall construction, and go camping. I saw this advice stated numerous times and didn't heed it, to my own regret.


I know I will love my teardrop, and I know it is built like a tank (but I didn't really need a tank, I only needed a camper) and I know I will enjoy it for many years to come (and that may be good or bad, depending on how satisfied I am with the way I decided to build it), but I really could have saved literally several thousand dollars by doing what I describe above.


Just my 2 cents.

I went for the 4x8 build because for my first teardrop it seems much less difficult. I have already spent about $800.00 and still have along way to go. I am still thinking about prefab doors on both sides which will cost me about $550.00. I have spared no expense so far. Formica countertop, oak cabinet frames and side walls, progressive dynamics power center, etc. etc. I will save some money by not skinning and insulating the sides. I am a fair weather camper and didn't feel the need to insulate the sides. I hope to come in at the 2500-2800 range but it will probably stretch to $3000.00. I plan to used this for along time to come and it will be in my garage next to my MINI.

Heck, I spent about $1500.00 on good tent camping gear so $2500.00 for a teardrop is a bargain.

[NathanL]

The first one I built was a squared off design similar to the weekender. Built the trailer in the shop so really don't know a cost on that but you did ask outside the cost of the trailer. I just wanted a place to get out of the rain and lay down and sleep as a base camp for a month long trip while taking 3-5 day backpacking trips.

5 sheets of exterior plywood, 2 sheets for the floor and a brace inside. 2 hinges for the door, no windows and no galley. Air mattress on the floor and some paint I had I used for other stuff. That was my total other than stuff like screws, nails and glue I already had.

After you build one that is stripped down assuming you have the room you have the luxury of getting out and camping right away while you build another one with the stuff you want and don't feel hurried to get it done.

I bet there are a lot of people who start off to build a camping trailer and read all the threads and accumulate 1000 things they want in it and 5 years down the road have either given up becuase they got overwhelmed time and budget wise or are still working on it.

[Alan Wood]

$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.

Given the troubles that Mike has had with plywood recently... I am not at all sure that Marine grade plywood is splurging.

[michaelwpayton]

Given the troubles that Mike has had with plywood recently... I am not at all sure that Marine grade plywood is splurging.

I agree. While using marine grade ply and moisture resistant building methods will increase one's upfront costs (and time)... it will be well worth it in the long-run.

[2bits]

Becky hit the nail on the head if you are looking to minimize costs and you are OK with the smaller 4' width. I had so many cut offs on my 5 foot wide teardrop. If you do go five wide, also make sure it is five wide on the "outside", I missed the mark on this and did five foot wide on the inside and ended up with 5' 2" 1/2 which added even more cost and complication.

On my Woodie, the LT I probably spent $3000 not including the trailer and that sounds like a trend given the other posts for a nicely decked out trailer.

My next teardrop that I will be starting in a couple months, will be following the other trend of the sub $1000 mark. It will be a 4x8 with no galley, no electrical beyond a well placed power strip, reusing the leftover black aluminum I used for the first build, the A/C window unit from my truck camper and all my existing camping supplies. Camping supplies may not count in a build, but they will add to your final bill, so take that into account. A short list of what I tote around, and remember you'll want to permanently store as much of these as possible in your teardrop so you can hop in and GO on a Friday night without alot of packing!

Firewood
Fire starters
A small axe
Charcoal
Lanterns
Toiletries
Heater
Easy-up canopy
Camp chairs
Coolers (one for food, one for drinks, one for spare ice)
Pots/pans/utensils
Cooking spices
Collapsible trash can
Trash bags
Plates/Bowels
Eating utensils
CD/DVDs
First Aid stuff
Extension cord
Water hose
Camp sink/bucket
Dishwashing liquid
Hand towels
Shower towels
Etc, etc, etc


You can see how the basic stuff can add up. I think it is super important to keep it stocked, that is the whole point of teardrop camping is so you don't have to spend hours rounding up stuff and packing and loading!

Enjoy!

[jonw]

Given the troubles that Mike has had with plywood recently... I am not at all sure that Marine grade plywood is splurging.

I agree entirely - wouldn't use anything but.

"Splurging" in the sense that I could have spent less. At $600 it was an expensive for a floor and walls, although I did save the cost of a frame.