My first teardrop

[cdecro00]

If all goes as planned I'll be taking possession of my first TD Monday! A longtime lurker to the forums, I had been struggling with the decision to purchase a factory made Little Guy Tag, a custom built TD, or building my own. Searching Craigslist one evening, I came across what I thought was a great looking Benroy style custom teardrop that looked like it had been professionally built. The advertised price was close to my budget and after a little negotiation I got it down to a comfortable price. I'm excited and I think I scored a gem here. I'm dropping $8k on her so I need a little reassurance! I'll include some pics and I look forward to hearing from the experts!

[cdecro00]

A few more pics:

- Two access doors
- Queen size bed
- 110/12v
- Large tires
- Rear kitchen with stove, refrigerated cooler, microwave
- TV, speakers, lights, lots of interior storage
- Electric heater
- A/C
- Roof vent with fan
- Includes lots of accessories: trailer dolly, tools
- Equipped for satellite TV, has HD antenna
- Like new, has only been on three overnight trips
- 14' long x 6.5' wide x 5.5' high
- Heavy duty fenders and front toolbox
- torsion axle

[David S]

Nice looking trailer,Enjoy,and take lots of pics on your first outing.

[Cosmo]

Sounds like a good deal.
As a new teardrop owner myslelf I a say it was a great investment for me.

My first three day 2 night trip cost me a total of $58 for fuel (140 miles) and
campground.

A hotel around here would have cost me $200 to $240 for 2 nights a d I would have been listening to the rumble of the air conditioner rather tnan nature and looking at a tv rather tha stars..
Cosmo

[Java Jack]

Nice looking trailer. However, it should not matter what any of us think, it only matters what you think. If you enjoy it, then it is worth every penny. I spent a small fortune on my trailer but I can honestly say that it was the first time EVERY that I spent a substantial amount of money for something but never had any 2nd thoughts on it.

I absolutely love my trailer and the freedom it gives me, the ability to get back to nature and go camping without the hassle of setting up a bunch of stuff and then taking it all down at the end of the weekend.

If your trailer gives you that sort of feeling whether it was 800, 8000, or 18000, it was money well spent.

Enjoy your trailer...she looks great.

[Midget]

Congrats on your new trailer. Have fun with it and don't worry about the cost. You'll enjoy it.

Bob

[bc toys]

You are happy and thats all that matters our opinions don't matter but here is mine anyway you did good thats a nice looking trailer looks well built for here

[mustangcats]

Like others have said, don't worry about what others think. It's your money to do as you wish...and as long as you are happy with your purchase...that is all that matters. There are people on this forum that I doubt will ever own a tear drop since they can never make up their mind. Waiting for that "steal of a deal" or "absolutely perfect trailer" will probably never happen. And even when it does, they still can't make up their mind and someone else buys it. Have fun!

[noseoil]

Being just part way through my build, my guess is that it's $5K-$6K in materials and several hundred hours of labor. You do the math, but it's a good deal as far as I can see & looks to be very well made. Someone spent a lot of time on details & finish work on the build. I think it's a fair price for what you have there.

[Socal Tom]

Really nice trailer, my only criticism is that 12v cooler. It uses a lot of power, and will only keep things cool, not cold. Don't use it unless you are plugged into 120v power, it will drain the battery within a few hours other wise. Now that I think about it, I think you should just trade trailers with me, and I'll take care of that problem for you.

[rebapuck]

Looks like a beautiful trailer. And you are ready to go.

[ctstaas]

Hi, Bctoys is correct that your own joy is priceless. When I have to put a price on what I've built my formula is simple, 1/3 materials and 2/3 labor. I have $2000 in materials in my TD build so my labor must be worth $4000. With 10% profit mt TD would be worth $6600. For more complicated work I charge five times material for my labor expense. At $20 an hour $4000 dollars worth of labor would be 200 hours or about 5 weeks. When estimating commercial work I add 20% to the material to cover overhead, before I estimate my labor.
Enjoy, Chris