Realistic Cost

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Most of the time it is cheaper to buy one than to build one.

I don't necessarily agree with that. If you're talking buying a used teardrop vs. building a new, then yes. But buying new vs. building new, then no.

[gregp136]

I most likely could not get the money and time I put into it if I sold it, but no, I could not have gotten anything decent for the money I spent.

Greg(and Laurie)

[48Rob]

I have seen a few come up for sale, pretty nice ones too, that I could have bought cheaper than I will spend building. But when I look at them I don't see "me". And the building is a blast.

Yes!

Sometimes it is the journey!

Rob

[Jim Edgerly]

I kept very detailed records up until near the very end, and I spent over $4500 on mine. $4500 was close enough for me...I don't need to know how much over that I went.

Trailer $600
Welding modifications $200
3500 lb axle with electric brakes $283
14" radial tires with rims $236
6 sheets marine grade plywood $300
aluminum for roof $325
8" queen size RV memory foam mattress $230
epoxy $180
2 gallons spar varnish $80
battery $120
battery charger/converter $115
door/galley hinges $120
door/galley latches $92
windows $140
clear pine trim $150+

These "big ticket items" come to around $3200, then I got nickle-dimed to death on the rest...9-10 items in the $50-$80 range, 20 or so items in the $20-$40 range, and more items than I care to count in the $10-$20 range.

I bought "what I wanted" and pretty much ignored the cost. As "mikeschn" has at the bottom of every one of his posts..."The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten, so build your teardrop with the best materials..."

[Big Dan]

Most of the time it is cheaper to buy one than to build one.

I don't necessarily agree with that. If you're talking buying a used teardrop vs. building a new, then yes. But buying new vs. building new, then no.

I bought mine new $3,500 Its not big but its big enough.