How Much Does It Cost To Build A Teardrop Camper?
Popularity of this new teardrop RV started in the 1930s, most teardrop campers are streamlined and lightweight. Though it may look like your typical small-sized trailer, it can be quite expensive to buy outright. That is why many people are now looking to make their own version of this bohemian classic. Right now, you may be wondering to yourself, ‘just how much does it costs to build your own teardrop camper?
To build a basic, ‘no frills’ teardrop camper, the average cost is somewhere around $1000 to $1200. The more upgrades you add, the higher the price will be. Many variables affect the overall cost, including the current price of lumber, the number (and types) of amenities you require and how much of the total work you can do yourself. A more accurate price range for a typical DIY design is between $2,000 and $3,000.
Now that you know you the average cost of building your own teardrop camper, let us explore this topic in more detail below. We will discuss how to design your own model using trailer building kits as well as how long it takes to complete, on average.
We will also answer some related questions including ‘how heavy are teardrop campers’ and ‘can a car pull a teardrop camper?’
So, if you are ready to learn more about what it takes to craft your very own teardrop camper, then please continue reading…
What is the Average Cost of a DIY Teardrop Camper?
While it is indeed possible to purchase or make a 4X8’ teardrop trailer for $500 or $600, it is far more likely that it will cost you closer to $2,000 or $3000! Here is a breakdown of some of the main expenses (on average):
- Cost of the trailer – $500
- Cost for the floor – $100
- Cost of the wood for the roof and hatch – $100
- Cost for accessories (windows, doors, etc.) – $700
- Cost for exhaust fan – $100
- Cost for electrical supplies and/or work – $400
- Cost for waterproofing the trailer – $100
Keep in mind that these prices are just ‘ballpark ‘figures and will fluctuate based on your individual circumstance. For example, if you have a friend or family member who is an electrician or welder, you could possibly save some money in that regard.
If you can salvage some used doors or windows and customize them to fit your unit, you can reduce your overhead costs that way as well.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Teardrop Camper?
The amount of time it takes to build a teardrop camper depends on you and the style of unit you want. If you are like most people and work during the week, you will probably dedicate your time off (on the weekends or during holidays) to making the trailer.
For just a basic model with little to no upgrades or amenities, it could take up to six months. That is, if you are working on it for only a few hours a day a couple times a week. Of course the more time you have to work on it the shorter time it will take.
How Do You Build a Teardrop Camper?
The easiest and safest way to build a teardrop camper is to purchase a book or kit with step-by-step DIY instructions. A great one to check out is Matt Berger’s The Handmade Teardrop Trailer: Design & Build a Classic Tiny Camper from Scratch.
It is available online through Amazon.com in paperback and kindle edition. It provides you with everything you need to know about crafting your very own teardrop trailer.
Making a teardrop trailer requires only a small space or garage bay, some wood, and a few basic tools you can find at any local hardware store. Berger’s kit uses clear instructions and visual aids to outline the stages of building process.
He even includes helpful advice on how to avoid some common mistakes that often happen with DIY projects. So, go online and check it out today! Trust me, you will be glad you did!
How Do You Make a Teardrop Frame for a Trailer?
To make a teardrop trailer frame using a solid wall method, begin by creating a template.
Trace out the front and back curves on a ½ inch piece of 4X8-foot birch plywood. There should be a 24-inch radius at the top for the front, which gradually increases to a 42-inch radius at the bottom for the back.
For a 5X8-foot design, you will need to add a joint at the bottom. To do this, use a biscuit joinery to attach a 4X1 piece of plywood to the bottom. You could also use a Kreg system and screw the pieces together.
The walls will sit on top of the floor so be sure to allow for at least a 1-inch overlap. Measure 24 inches from the top and 24 inches from the bottom at the front. Where the two lines cross, draw a radius.
Do this again for the back – measure 42 inches from the top and 42 inches from the bottom and where the two lines cross, draw a radius. Then, you need to draw a hatch wall and decide where you want your countertop and cabinets to go as you will need to reinforce these areas.
Measure a rectangle to mark where the door will go. Go over the frame with sandpaper and then cut the door and the frame with a jigsaw. Be sure to keep the curve smooth and then use a router to trim back any bumps.
This, of course, is just a quick outline so you have an idea of the steps involved. Purchasing a teardrop trailer kit will give you a far better idea of what you need to do. For more information, please see above under the subheading entitled: How Do You Build a Teardrop Camper?
After you have constructed the foundation or frame for the trailer, you will need to do the sides. This includes installing the walls, attaching a metal roof, and installing the doors, windows, and fenders. Now she is starting to look like a teardrop trailer.
Then, you will need to do the gallery or interior work, such as installing electrical wiring, insulation, cabinetry, and shelving. Lastly, you will need to do the finishing work, which is painting the exterior.
Detailed instructions on how to do each step can be found in a trailer making kit.
Thinking about buying a teardrop trailer?
You should read this article first : Why are teardrop trailers so expensive? Though it may look like your basic small-sized camper, it can be quite costly to purchase. When you start researching prices, you may suffer from ‘sticker shock’ at first, which ultimately begs the question, why is a tear drop trailer so expensive?
How Heavy are Teardrop Campers?
The typical weight of a teardrop camper is anywhere between 500 and 3,000 pounds. Typically, the bigger the trailer, the more it will weigh. However, on average, a basic model weighs approximately 1,000 pounds.
Any unit weighing 1,500 pounds or more is usually the double-decker type containing a lot of additions or enhancements.
Can a Car Pull a Teardrop Camper?
Being that teardrop campers are both lightweight and streamlined, they are generally easier to tow and maneuver. In fact, even a small vehicle or an electric hybrid car like a Prius can even pull one!
They are also cheaper on gas for better fuel efficiency and increased mileage. This also makes it the ideal RV for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Conclusion:
To summarize, building a basic, ‘no frills’ teardrop camper will likely cost you about $1000 to $1200. The more upgrades and amenities you include, the greater the cost will be.
There are many factors that affect the overall price, including the going rate for lumber, the number and types of amenities you require and whether you need to hire someone to do all (or part) of the job.
If you can do most of the work yourself, you are looking at a price range somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000. You can find many good deals on used parts also.
Hopefully, this article has been of help. Thanks for reading and good luck finding and/or building your own teardrop camper! Have fun!