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Rough Cost to build my first tear Drop.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:28 pm
by halo1
Hello everybody Im new here and love the site! So im jumping in on my first build and had a few questions. I have my trailer already That was going to be for quads but I found the one i was going to buy for my wife was needing alot of work so I said forget it. So Now I have this great trailer and now want to build a tear drop! I like the Trailer for Two as do many people on here :) So what do you think in a rough estimate of building materials, Just the wood im talking about. How much plywood, Frame Rails things like that. I have priced the skin and the interior that I want but will come with time. I have good skills in building just about anything so im confident in that. I just need to wrap my head around a target price.
Thanks for your help!!

Jason

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 4:45 pm
by Rigsby
It all depends on how much you want to spend. :?




My first build, was built mainly from recycled and scavenged materials, and came in at a whopping £250. So if you have a keen eye for a bargain and arnt afraid of a bit of dumster diving your possibilities are endless.
Here is my build thread to get a few ideas from.
http://tnttt.com/viewto ... sc&start=0

Steve

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 4:51 pm
by Lgboro
The wood for the framing is one of the lower cost items on a tear. The costs usually goes up with the amount of extras added to the build.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:44 pm
by halo1
So you think I could get away with 300$ or less. This is what i figured in my head, at least 4 sheets of 1/2 ply wood 18$ a piece and around 80Ft of 2x2 to start with. Then skin the inside with pannel which is around 10$ a sheet. sound about right? Im wanting to build a 4x10 because im 6-2 and like my head room :D
Oh and I love to dumpster dive. Thats were I found MR Heater :D
Some little bug went in and made a nest in the gas tube and wouldnt light.
So they tossed it out.
I took it apart and found the little bugger cleaned her up and wa la.
Did a price check 125.00 at Osh..

Re: Rough Cost to build my first tear Drop.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:55 pm
by planovet
halo1 wrote: I just need to wrap my head around a target price.


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PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 7:11 pm
by Gage
Buy your material as you need it. It'll seam cheaper that way.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:12 pm
by halo1
I do agree, Start with the base then build up from there. Most of you guys use insulation between the walls? If so anything other than foam board? Do you guys like the 4' hight or is 5' better? I know this is a beaten path but I like what I have seen on this site and know you guys have your S#%t together. :thumbsup:

Gage I like your out look, take your time and do it right!

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:27 pm
by DIY-Stu
Just found a whole lot of FREE insulation. Not a very high R value but also may be good as a sandwich material. What is this Free stuff? ELECTION SIGNS! Look around and after Elections you will find people with trailers picking them up, all you have to do is ASK for them. I used to make R/C airplanes out of this stuff so Election time was like a gold mine. I believe I could take and glue these together alternating the direction of the corrugations then using small wood bracing for a light frame.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:34 pm
by halo1
Works for me! My father N Law has a 59 Shasta and I love it has wings and all.
I helped him with the Propane Frig and his has house insulation and seems nice in both hot and cold conditions. They didnt have the fancy stuff back then.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:39 pm
by Miriam C.
I like 5' high but mine is different and wide enough to look right. Make it what you want! You might be able to build one for $300 but you will really work at making it look nice. Be sure to check the ply carefully....and waterproof. All the rest is icing.... 8)

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:50 pm
by halo1
Yeah your right 4' is normal hight anyway right for a tear drop? I just wanna little tailer with a low profile because I go 4Wheen alot and the shorter the better! 300$ I fell is good for the wood part of it after that the skys the limit. I will put more$ into it as time goes on. I wanna use aluminum for sure and found 4x8 sheets here local for 80$ for .040 and .032 is 63$ But water proffing it from the inside out is key.

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2010 9:45 pm
by halo1
I have had sleepless nights sense I started down the Tear drop road. I can see how this will end up a trillion dollars for sure. Here is a pic of my rig that will pull her down the road. Oh and By the way it has a turbo and gets 27MPH :twisted:

Image

PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:59 am
by Miriam C.
You definitely need to stick with 4 high and get some big wheels.. 8)

PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 3:51 am
by cuyeda
Nice tow vehicle. If you are planning to do any serious off road camping, you may need a tow hitch similar to this.

Image

PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 10:24 am
by halo1
Man thats what I need for sure! Im starting on the Tear drop platform this weeekend. Thanks for all the info!