Buy or Build

[Cosmo]

I am a little worried about posting this here with so many expert builders and me a buyer.
But a good book is a good book!

=Cosmo

[John61CT]

For those of us don't watch videos

how about a link to some text?

You are apparently recommending a book after all?

[Cosmo]

You can read the reviews here https://amzn.to/34LxHhh

[saywhatthat]

Tony will be one of the first to answer any question any one may have . A very fine person

[GPW]

JMHO … Some of us are Buyers , and some are Builders , but we’re all Family of sorts … All here to help each other have more Fun camping …

Builders already know How they’re going to build , but Buyers need to be made aware of the things the builders KNOW of , the weak points of commercial trailers … Water Intrusion ( leaks ) and ROT … Trailer Killers !!! If a buyer doesn’t know how to protect their trailer they’d be better off staying in a tent … the tent will last much longer than an improperly cared for trailer , ask me how I know …

We asked a lot of questions , some pretty Dumb , but The Trailer folks here were very Friendly and Helpful , and we’ve had fun with this for many years … So If you have a Buyer question , somebody here has a good answer for you … I say this especially for the people who are new here and don’t know anything and are afraid to ask … Like I was once !

[Ted+Teresa]

I subscribe to your channel, Cosmo, and I was pleased to see this video. I found your channel when I first started searching for information about teardrops and was really impressed with the Vistabule. I was one of those who commented that I would love one but just can't afford it. Then I found out about building teardrops and had to convince Ted that it was something he wanted to do! We purchased Tony's book a few months ago and joined this forum. I think it was nice of you to promote the book and help people become aware of this option.

Teresa

[gudmund]

see Tony, I am not the only one speaking in 'high' praise of your guide/book for building a teardrop trailer = still 'only' at a total of 4 copy's purchased so far! Take care T.Hoefer Camano Island, Wash.

[PCO6]

I've done both and have a restoration underway and it usually comes down to time ... how much I have and how patient my wife is.

[MickinOz]

Those who wish to take a trip buy.
Those who wish to take a journey build.

[tony.latham]

Those who wish to take a trip buy.
Those who wish to take a journey build.

Well said.

Tony

[Modstock]

My first TD , I bought a "build" .
Picked up a TD from a guy who had built it but needed work to get it to the next level.
It had a good foundation to start with. For the price all the hard work was done.

We camped in it for a season till the hatch leaked. Rebuilt the hatch with hurricane hinge, new trim, installed cabinets and finished the storage/galley area.
Years later sold it and went the cargo conversion route.

Sent from my H1611 using Tapatalk

[dogcatcher]

Some people do not have the space, equipment or skills to build. On the other hand some have the space and the equipment, but quickly learn they do not have the skills. Then there are the people that have nothing, but, they have the dream and they build a great tear drop.

The time factor, some people are so busy, that building one could take years to complete.

[noseoil]

The best teardrops I've seen are home-builds. Sure it takes time, but there's a lot of satisfaction in designing & building something unique which will last for years, have all the details wanted & roll off into the future. I think the biggest problems are tools, skill level, money & a good space to work in comfortably.

I had most of the the tools, the skills from working in cabinets & aircraft work, but didn't have enough space to build. I ended up working on the front porch & under a mesquite tree in Tucson over two years. The money was done a little at a time, so it wasn't like we needed to take out a loan. I just bought as I went, so it wasn't too bad & we ended up with a good trailer.

I had 450 hours & $6,500 invested when all was said & done. With over 20,000 miles on it there have been no problems, but I will need a new battery next year. My build journal is at the bottom of this post if you want to see what's involved.

[ArtMini]

Some people do not have the space, equipment or skills to build. On the other hand some have the space and the equipment, but quickly learn they do not have the skills. Then there are the people that have nothing, but, they have the dream and they build a great tear drop.

The time factor, some people are so busy, that building one could take years to complete.

I started 12 years ago. A little Bit of talent, had some equipment, bought what I needed. Started strong but between buying a house and working have left me little time to work on the trailer. But since retiring I've made some progress. Maybe I'll finish next year, maybe not but the journey has been fun regardless. If nothing else I have a cool little man cave I can hang out in when my wife is looking for me ;-)

[2bits]