How Much Does It Cost to Build a Travel Trailer? Honest, Detailed Breakdown of All the Expenses
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- čas přidán 5. 11. 2022
- I have finally added up my costs for the trailer build so far and it's a little shocking. If you're thinking of building your own travel trailer camper you need to watch this video before you start your build.
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I actually considered not making this video when I started to see the total costs but I think it's only fair to show to everyone the realities of building your own travel trailer.
Great job
You're living my dream with this. I do construction work and have done mechanic work too; it will always weigh more and cost more than you thought. The value here is that you got exactly what you wanted and that's priceless. I'm guessing post-Covid price would be 10%- 15% less so it's not a bad deal at all
I really appreciate the series, and I especially appreciate the fact that you made this video, as a rarely-offered reality check. Big thumbs-up.
There are a few points to consider with that $24k build. Point 1, is the quality of materials and assembly compared to a $24k trailer off the lot. Trailers built in a factory are built using materials and methods designed to save money and provide the required reliability within the warranty period of 2-3 years. Point 2, you built it so you can repair it. Anyone who has had to take a trailer in for major work knows that the costs of that stack up crazy fast and that's for good reason. The assembly methods aren't focused on ease of repair and sometimes what should be pretty simple turns into major work and that often keeps repairs out of the reach of moderately skilled owners. Point 3, everywhere you go with it you get that extra little bit of enjoyment from using something that you built. If you take it to a campground you have a great story to tell with the other campers.
I must say I admire guys like you that build homemade campers. I purchased a mint condition 2017 Interstate 1 6'x12' Vnose cargo trailer. Built it out with bed, kitchen, sink w/water, fridge & freezer, bathroom, heat, air-conditioning, TV, windows & solar. In 90 days. Lived in it for the last 30 days. Have put 5,000 miles on in in the last 6 months.
$4,000. Yes, $4,000 total. That is for the trailer & build plus I haul a 900lbs motorcycle.
Actually, that is an extremely reasonable price for that trailer, especially with the high quality and workmanship. To buy something of that level - like a Bruder, would cost 50-100 thousand dollars. And yours is built not bought, which is priceless in my opinion. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished so far. Looking forward to the interior finishes 😊
Thanks Derek. Working on the adjustable table right now 👍
It’s awesome and no shame in it. Also no shame in any “donations” companies might have given you. Good for you. You work hard on your channel and work hard building this trailer. We get free content and I’m appreciative of that. Very happy for you, enjoy it to the fullest. I’m in my 50’s and can’t sleep on the ground anymore. I’m a travel trailer person too and love every minute of it. Enjoy!
Thank you Sandra. 😊
You did go extreme overkill on the 12 volt power and the trailer frame but it is the best of the best and will last(if it never leaks) for many generations. I do understand the sense of pride in building your own trailer as well as the looks and comments that go with it. After 10 years still when I pull into a camping area with my teardrop I still gather a crowd.
No doubt 👍
Just wanted to thank you for making this video and all the others in your trailer build series! I bought a 2004 hybrid travel trailer a month ago with the intention of renovating it and it turned out to have severe water damage, to the point that it just made sense to demolish it and build an entirely new one on the existing frame. I was completely new to building things and came across your videos - they were hugely instrumental in inspiring, motivating, and teaching me. Am halfway through my build and can only hope it turns out half as good as Eddie! It's a "stick and tin" but I'm using metal siding for the walls and roof. The costs are indeed piling up but I plan on living in it, adventuring on the road with my dog, so it'll all be worth it. Thanks again and looking forward to the next video.
You're very welcome and thank you for writing such a nice comment.
I went to a dealer (in Canada) to buy a trailer. A 2015 TAB 302S, used, worn, somewhat dirty and a lot smaller than yours (my husband did not fit in the bathroom) was priced at $25,000. Really did not compare to yours. I am not even a connoisseur but I could see that definitely needed additional work. And this was even before looking at the metal frame underneath. I can appreciate the quality and thoroughness of your work. You built it for you. $25,000 for your trailer it is worth every penny and some. You should be proud of yourself. The reason for which I would build my own trailer is not necessarily to save money but it is because (like you said in one of your videos) there is no trailer on the market that I like. Either too big, or too small, does not have the features that I want, the floor plan is not what I envision etc... Great work, and great videos. Please continue and thank you for sharing. Watching you has been a pleasure and an inspiration.
Thanks for the video. I would do this if I was 40 years younger, but at 82, I will forget it. Thanks for showing us the job and the cost.
No problem 👌
Quality workmanship is priceless. Remember, people who buy a manufactured RV end up with continual repairs, necessary upgrades, and adjustments to keep going down the road. If you do things properly, you are far ahead of anything put out by the RV manufacturing industry. I think you've done well and the cost is nothing to be ashamed of.
True 👍
Definitely true. The RV's on the market these days are far away from the quality of the materials and workmanship shown in this video.
Thanks for sharing. Just want to say experience is priceless
Absolutely!
I appreciate the honesty in this video, I also like the use of premium products going into the build. Great video, thank you for posting.
I figured it was pricey - all custom, all top of the line - but that's what we've grown to expect from you and I suspect your kids will be using it when you retire from camping!!!! You chose well and it looks great! I'd be proud to take that anywhere. Thanks for breaking it down!
Anytime 👍
You helped inspire me to build (demolish) one myself but I am going the "Eddie 1.0" route. I found an old 27ft camper for $200, striped it down and strengthened the metal with gussets. I kept all appliances, tanks, wires, and usable materials but I'm only to the point of framing out the wood. Thanks for all the detail!
No problem 👍
@@DrenalinAdventures Btw, I always use your trailer as an example when showing "the vision" to people. Great build! 🙌
@@locogringo4rzl thanks!
very informative video, thanks for taking the time to post
I rebuilt the front end of my fifth wheel a 93 Travelaire. I didn't use vhf tape but I used lots of pl premium and self tapping screws on the angled aluminum like you did to your corners. I also caulked the edges with window and door caulking it's held up well
👍
Very much appreciate you sharing the costs! It's funny that in a world where money is essential --- we work for it every day and use it to live every day -- it is such a touchy subject to talk about! Think about the education you gave yourself and the enjoyment every time you get to use it. Very much worth it. Thanks again.
Thanks 👍
Thank you for your honesty Scott! 👍😁👍😁
Always!
Great Job .. thank you for you dedication on this videos! And thanks for you honesty! 💯
You’re welcome
Wow! I certainly appreciate you sharing your build expenses!!! Thankfully I can weld. Having skillsets certainly saves $$$. However, I will research and compare costs of homemade vs converting a cargo trailer.
Scott you have really inspired me. I have a seasonal campsite at Campers Cove in Wheatley Ontario and were looking in the future to buying a new trailer. After watching this video and the amount of work you put into this I'm now FOR SURE buying a new one and NOT building my own lol.
You are one talented man . If your ever in the Campers Cove area you have to look me up.
I will send you my personal information
Your biggest fan
I tend to avoid the Campers Cove for fear of running into strange men selling smoked meats door to door.
I been watching this series, and I didn't have a problem knowing why you did things....but I live very close to Canada...for me your edits are fair to good most time, your info detailed and also fair to good....the sound is great...lighting great..presentation is mostly strictly business...tone and demeanor pleasent. Please continue doing what your doing ...I'm here to tell you ....( you are appreciated)...that's all I have for today.
Thanks Bryan
Im going to do one for 7 k and upgrade on the fly. I got a bunch of wood saved, some used paneling, portable solar already, portable shower and toilet. I also been saving and buying extra screws and fasteners. The trailer I bought has lights already I can fix up and it pulls great. I already have spare tires and paint. You did a great job showing how to do it all new which is great for anyone who can afford it, definitely do it. I’m sure it will cost me more in the long run not going new right away but I plan on building another one. I wanna learn all the ropes on my own and have a solid build and design down before I go hard in the paint. 😂 plus having two is nice for back up.
I may have opted to attach the alumimum plate to the underside of the frame. You get the benefit of the weather protection, drainage, skidplate, and smoother airflow if any from the ground effect traveling on highways.
I am interested to see how it holds up. I have worked on commercial trailers with aluminum on steel but have the issue of galvanic corrosion existing between aluminum and the steel and galvanized steel parts. We usually try to do things to mitigate contact and chafe points but even with plastic washers and barrier materials it eventually wears and usually leads to issues. I wonder if your use of glue might work out differently.
Thank you, I've really enjoyed these videos. I'm not surprised at all. I built a bookshelf like one my wife saw on etsy. The etsy version was $150. I upscaled the size on it and used premium wood and the cost was $400. ALL FOR THE WOOD OF A BOOKSHELF! smh
Life long memories with family and friends……PRICELESS!
Thanks Steve
Thanks! U sold me on renovating a used trailer!
👍
Nice work. It looks really well built. Is there a floor plan you were inspired from? I can’t really picture the floor plan even from watching some of your other videos.
In the US that would be $18,113. I would say that to get that quality of a trailer for that price is great! Of course that isn't including any of the labor for the build. I appreciate you providing the cost breakdown. There are things that people can do to reduce costs, going with other than Battleborn for batteries. You also have a much bigger battery bank than many people need. Purchasing a new RV with all the components you have could cost well over $50K US.
Thanks 👍
Great video buddy as always
Thanks 👍
Great job!!
Good jobs not cheap!!!
And cheapskate jobs not good.!!!
I watch all of your videos. You did one hell of a good job!!
Built it once and have it the rest of your life!! And the most important you built what fits you and your family!!! I built one I know what you going through. Keep up the awesome work my friend!!
Thanks 👍
Whoa! I've always talked about building my own but I may rain check that idea. It's definitely doesn't help steel and building materials have 4x. I may look into doing it if prices drop alittle.
Good idea 👍
NOW I see this! LOL Well, almost done with my trailer (started with a surplus Army trailer) and so far so good.
Great
This video opens the eyes. I have a camper and Fiona broke one of my windows and first thing I thought. I’ll just put in a better window. 😳 plastic & duct tape and will be boarded up for the winter 😄😄. Watching you it all looks like.. hey.. I wanna do that. One thing I would like to know is the cost of that little stove. I need that to warm up mine cause staying even the night in it up on the homestead Halloween night I ALMOST FROZE but wasn’t leaving it all vacant - not in this town. Two weeks after I lost my house to fire - kids went through smashing anything that might have been saved. 😡 Wasn’t chancing the camper, it’s an oldie but only got it a few months ago to go put in and tend my gardens so I REALLY APPRECIATE this break down of cost
Glad to hear it Kate.
Do you have a video of putting in the toilet and shower? We can’t seem to find if there is one
Thanks for the video eye opener I've always wanted to build a camper trailer .I'm almost retired and feel i have the need to hit the road . Unfortunately I don't have your kind of cash. So since a very long time ago if looked around and when ever I found something that might fit or be used in my project ( that's only in my head now.) I Rush to pickit up. As for my trailer I bought a old 300 cfm portable air compressor that wasshot but the trailer has brakes and is super heavy duty for $400.00 so I epoxy painted it and looks good oh I'm planning on recycling the plastic fenders also has 3 piano hinges that are stainless and HD. The motor , radiator , shell and pipe I sold for scrap and got $103.52 so got the base for my camper for almost $300 don't get me wrong but when doing a project on retirement income you really have to strecth the buck. Here in Panama we use the U.S. dollar so that also inflates the cost. thank again and greetings from Panamá
Very good video. Thank's for your useful information.👍🇫🇮
You’re welcome
Factoring in your time and Labor, and tool costs - You're easily $60K or more! I appreciate that you mention that you don't do this because you want to save money but because you wanted build it yourself, and this is what it costs. Great content!
Don't forget the $5000-$10,000 dollars worth of tools, and the garage to built it in, too! Great video.
I use to be the national account manager for a product called Rock Tamers Mudflap System. Princess Auto was a customer of mine. Ask them about it....Its what Eddie needs to protect him!
I wanted to ask was there a technical or other reason like availability that you didn’t go with a torflex axle? The leaf spring axle just seems dated and more expensive at this point to me, but I wanted to ask and see… thanks.
That price it's a lot money but it's good to build from old to new I will forward to my future RV remodel that ido have experience to build one I was in school to build houses was best my life I love doing that job
Always satisfying building anything your own. Your custom trailer and videos to prove it, is worth way more than actual price to build. Of course your labor too. Bet you can sell now for 50,000. Thousand. The junk they build coming off the assembly line leaks in 5 years. Lol
Thanks 😉
Great video. Question, if you had to compare your trailer & a manufactured rv roughly same size & weight; do you think that in 5-10 years yours would hold up better construction wise?
absolutely
you gave us a lot of great info
Glad it was helpful!
540AH of battery? What is your solar panel array? To support them properly I am guessing you need 1200 watts of panel. Pretty sure that would possibly take up your entire roof? Just wondering. I am doing a much smaller build and am thinking I would need 600 watts for the 270AH battery I was looking at. Unless of course I was just going to plug in regularly.
What a great video. It's important to note (and you did mention it) that this is also 'covid pricing.' A few years ago, you are probably knocking off 5-7% of the cost. It's just the reality of the world we live in at this time.
At the end of the day, the craftsmanship will make Eddie last a lifetime. Could you have cut some corners? Sure, but to what end? Having to re-do it later? Do it right the first time and save the headache and frustration (not to mention cost).
For myself, when I do mine, I wont need a $10K electrical as I don't do backwoods (mostly provincial grounds, etc). I wont have to do the fireplace (though, it looks AWESOME). I can do minimal insulation as it will only be 3 season. I have a family member who can build me the trailer frame (he's actually building me one now for use as a snowmobile trailer). Thusly, my build will be significantly cheaper but, HOPEFULLY, just as well built :)
In any event, what an inspiration this build is. I cant wait to start mine in eleventy years ;)
Cant wait to see the interior touches that you add.
All the best good sir!
Thanks, and best of luck with your build. Scott
Thanks for the breakdown. I missed several of your videos. Have you talked about the difference between this one and Eddy 1? If memory serves me correctly Eddy 1 had the 3500lb axle and after you had everything done it was pushing the weight.
There are several commercial trailers made that might have chopped your trailer cost in half. With close to or better construction.
Now that said you have something that you built. It will last a long time and provide great memories.
I'm just glad you did not build a roof top toy hauler and ramp, keeping your quad in your truck.
Thanks for sharing 👍
There is certainly no solid business plan to build your own trailer but no one will ever look at a trailer they purchased like the way I look at mine. There is something special about building it yourself.
@@DrenalinAdventures so true 👍
Done to perfection always worth the money! Do it once do it right is my motto! Awesome job!!! Thanks for sharing with us
You project looks great. Yes it is a lot of money, but the in-goal is to hopefully give the do-it-yourselfer honest breakdown what they are getting into.
Thanks, hopefully it will.
Thanks Scott. Question what was the cost of your kitchen setup?
Stephen, I left that out because it took me so long to complete it I actually lost track. I’m guessing around $750 not including the barbecue and stove.
I’m just about to be done with mine,$4000 used trailer redo axel suspension wheel,my ramp as bumper,redo the coupling(solidified) and all accessories inside.cost $7000 and plus…yours cost a lot….but what is worth is no need motel reservations,no restaurant, just no stress but travel and explore…
Was there any cost to have a custom made trailer inspected or anything so it’s legal to drive on the road?
Just the registration fee for the plate. No inspection needed.
Curious if a cargo trailer conversion would be a cheaper option. Also, any reason you went with silicone over something like Geocel RV Sealant or Dicor?
Cargo trailer would be cheaper for most people
@@DrenalinAdventures from several FB groups, cargo trailers are built pretty poorly with gaps left open etc. Apparently cargo trailers out of Georgia are particularly bad. I think did you a great job, I'd have probably gone 7x14 to try squeezing in beds for my family of 4.
I purchased a mint condition 2017 Interstate 1 6'x12' Vnose cargo trailer. Built it out with bed, kitchen, sink w/water, fridge & freezer, bathroom, heat, air-conditioning, TV, windows & solar. In 90 days. Lived in it for the last 30 days. Have put 5,000 miles on in in the last 6 months.
$4,000. Yes, $4,000 total. That is for the trailer & build plus I haul a 900lbs motorcycle.
Im thinking to make a smaller one to tow around on my Volvo. as i can tow up to 3500lbs safely.
👍
If you think building a travel trailer is bad try full renovation of a 20 ft RV then build a 25 ft tiny house to go with said RV ! For the faint of heart just save your money and go buy one lol cause don't forget labour, specity tools, costs to lol and everyone is grumping to be polite why it's taking me so long for my builds, well duh think about it lol I'm doing both on a $150 a month living budget and my materials are sourced from doing jobs on other things to trade for the materials that I needed so to those out there that have no clue please pay attention to this and now after COVID prices are triple of this video
Wow!! I had no idea. What's the estimate for finishing the build?
Not sure yet. I’ll probably do another video when Eddie’s totally finished.
I’m sure someone’s already asked this already. Is that in Canadian or US money
How did you get license plates on it?
In Ontario you can build your own trailer. You get the plate before construction.
I'll take a dozen ... great work
I’m on it. I’ll need a deposit, lol.
@@DrenalinAdventures 13th one for the baker's special ...
Agreed.
While it was not cheap, you could not buy something like this for anything close to your cost. Besides the skills gained by building this, you got the trailer you wanted at the build quality you would be happy with. Like another poster mentioned, something like this would cost A LOT more if someone just wanted to buy this from a dealer. Also RV/Travel trailer quality would be much lower. Very well done!
Thanks
I built my 5X10 teardrop 10 years ago and it totaled $6000.00 but you cant buy any camper close to the quality and amenities of mine..
Whatever helps you sleep at night lol
Nothing compares to the attention to detail of your own build.
This is not about your $6,000 camper from 10 years ago.
@@mihaelasandor318 AWWW is Boo Boo jealous? Bless your heart.
Why didn't you start with a prefabricated aluminum trailer?
couldn't afford it. I got lucky and this project became profitable. Otherwise, I would have been in trouble.
That's not that bad. Not counting the electric it's worth the expense. I've seen tear drops that cost 35k and don't compare to your build.
do you know the weight? I can tow max 1500 lbs
It’s around 5000 today
why not get a junk Camper that cost between free and 1,000 then strip it down to the frame. this way you get a frame plus some extra parts that could be reused
Cad 25k
That's about $18,000 U.S. dollars. really not bad for the quality.
You can spend 30k on a new trailer that's poorly built and have it leak with five years you did very well considering.
Thanks
you built a house more so than a trailer-
Well, my plan is to live in it eventually so that's kinda true.
Right on John, if I would have spent this much, it would be my new home after the divorce.
@@wrxs1781 The price of Eddie is not expensive if you would know what's on the market today.
You might have overspended on lots of things
Only one word comes to mind…. OUCH!!!
Certainly is one of them
You can definitely buy a camper cheaper, but the quality will not be anywhere near what you have here. You get what you pay for.
Thanks