Cost of basic tear drop

[qwerty11]

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

[parnold]

My first was 1500.00 not counting the trailer. The second that I'm still in the process of, will be closer to 3000.00.

[kirkman]

I cant really remember but I think it was around $1,000. I think I could have mad it for less if I had salvaged things instead of buying new.

[glenpinpat]

1200.00 and that included the 200.00 trailer.

[bigblockbarry]

I had budgeted $2500 for the whole build,but it looks like I'm going to be about 3K when finished.Its not the big things that get you,its all the little parts that run the tab up.At least it was with me.

[asianflava]

I'd tell you if I knew, but I lost track. I'm guessing that it took me around $3000 to build mine, mine is pretty far from "Basic" though. You can cut costs anywhere you want, it's up to you can scrounge, reuse, trade omit. I've heard of some only costing a couple hundred bucks. My guess is that you can easily build a 4X8 for under $1000 easily.

[Oldragbaggers]

1200.00 and that included the 200.00 trailer.

How in the heck did you manage that!?!

I think mine will be at around $5000 when all is said and done, BUT I spent way too much modifying an old frame with some custom welding work, new torsion axle, tires and wheels (total $1200), bought 2 factory doors (around $600), spent a LOT on fiberglass, epoxy and marine plywood, and that total includes bicycle racks and some other extra equipment. There's no way anyone should have to spend that much (and if I had it to do over, neither would I), so my budget probably isn't typical at all. (The upside is it will probably outlast ME, so I better like it. And to make myself feel better about it I keep telling myself that it will pay us back eventually with money saved on traveling.)

On the other hand, for those folks that git 'er done for somewhere in the vicinity of $1000, that pretty much amazes me and unless they're getting a lot of free/used stuff, I can't begin to imagine how they do it.

I would think that the $1000 builds and the $5000 builds are the two extreme ends of the spectrum and you should be able to do it very comfortably and nicely somewhere in the middle of that.

[PSBreen]

We're about $1500 into our first teardrop build. We are still going to need a little more lumber and a mattress, but hope to keep it under $2000.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Guess it all depends on how basic you are happy with, and what materials you may have just laying around. I'm right on with Paul - about $1600 for my first, and about $3200 for my second, neither of those prices including the rolling trailer frame.

Its not the big things that get you,its all the little parts that run the tab up.At least it was with me.

Definitely true! Its easy to add up the cost of the plywood, doors/windows, battery, charger, etc. Once you start getting into glues, nails, paint/epoxy, etc, it surprisingly adds up fast.

[Forrest747]

2K without the trailer. that cost me a grand. but I love it and when people say how much did i cost you i say about 3000. its the little things that add up the battery the converter gorilla glue. really someone needs to call Gorilla glue and have them sponser this site as much as we talk about it. i am sure i could of spent more if i had the skills and knowledge i have now. I love it though.

Look for the sales and if you buy your fabric or foam mattress at Joanns they have a 50% off coupon.





Ok i added up on a spreadsheet all my cost. OMG it came to almost 4000 dollars. I then took the same list and took out all the extras or things i would change and not using Cherry on the interior. it came to 2200 dollars.

[eaglesdare]

mine was about $1300 including the trailer frame.

[Oldragbaggers]

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?

[Forrest747]

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

Well i wasnt going to mention the Jacuzzi slideout and teh big screen pop up. the BBQ pit roaster with optional hotdog/ marshellow cooker. the mega soundsystem that flips up underneath and the fireworks launcher on the tongue (giving Disney a run for its money) the massaging loungers and the serta comfort mattress with memory foam pillows. Keg fridge is on order but the soda fountain for the kids and designated driver is set up. Sorry he said basic if i recall.

Just messing with you Becky, Would loved to have alot of the skills you have for sure.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/514466/2004-cadillac-escalade/page-2

[Oldragbaggers]

Right now I am feeling like the only skill I have is being a "master overspender."

[jss06]

I am about $4K into mine..

$3300 if you remove the materials to build the trailer frame and axle. That includes the battery, power converter/battery charger, AC, lights, wiring, power distribution box... etc.