Sportsman Matt
Blackstone, MA
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Joined: 10/16/2007
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like a better deal than trying to buy one seeing that the RV manufacturers are dropping off one by one. I've been kicking this around, the idea just can't get out of my head, possibly because every time I go and look at a new tc, the starting figures are well above 4 digits, 6 if you include the decimal point. Sad part is that they are more luxury than what I am looking for, even the used ones are priced way out of whack for what you're getting, looked at a Hornet 10' TC last week to find the floor and roof rotted out beyond repair, the fridge looked like it was on the Titanic when they brought it up from the ocean bottom, and the guy still wanted $2500 for it.
I know there are a few out there who would say not to build one, but to have something that will last the next 20 plus years, possibly 40 years or more, might be something to look at, mainly because I tend to design and build to last well past my lifetime. Spo what's your thoughts on the way the industry is going, do you think we'll see more homebuilt or backyard TC's in the future?
Life is short, Play harder.
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed 4.3L V6 Automatic 2WD
1989 Sunline C-750 Slide In Truck Camper
7'6" Floor, 11'6" OAL
Fishing and Hunting New England and eventually the world
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d3500ram
colorado
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Joined: 07/31/2006
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Sportsman Matt wrote:...the used ones are priced way out of whack for what you're getting,... and the guy still wanted $2500 for it...
I think there are decent one's out there to be had. Just gotta' keep looking and be ready to pull the trigger when one comes along.
My 98 that I just picked up was just such an example. I had been looking for months now. It came up on CL and I called the guy right away. The interior is immaculate...
Sportsman Matt wrote:... do you think we'll see more homebuilt or backyard TC's in the future?
I think you may see the used ones that need work getting fixed up. Mine was such the case...
It needs some attention to the exterior. The first time buyer or novice TC'er would not have pick up on it. I feel that I over paid by about $300-500 for it, but had I not pulled the trigger someone else sure would have. I can very easily do the repairs and when all is said and done it will be worth the extra $$ I shelled out.
2005 Dodge 3500 SRW, Qcab, NV-5600, diesel, 4WD, Helwig sway bar, 9000XL
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John H
Kansas City Mo.
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Hello Matt,
As I have stated several times here before, in my opinion, the horrible design of the roof accounts for the demise of 90% of T.C. In that that easily put together top corner seam (side aluminum & raw wood interior along with the raw wood roof framing stapled together over lapped or not) with that leak prone chrome cover molding to cover all, is a designed joke. Look at the upper priced Motor Homes, 5th wheels they all have a rolled roof over that corner and down the sides several inches.
Thus if with in your desire to build your own you & you would look at this kind of roll roof design. I think you would be far ahead of it lasting over the 10 years plus one's Eternabond seams used ones of today.
As far as everyone building there own....To many posters who have built or re-built, have said that as far as time and money DO NOT. Matt, Go over to Class C section and look up Spectramac 's "Fixing Water Damage on the Old Dodge (pics)' currently 42 pages of post, 31,065 hits & suggestions. But........ as a retiree I enjoy build furniture, big and small. When ask what a certain original piece, or copy, would cost. I have learned to first just to quote the price of the wood & fixtures. The answer I guarantee you will go something like this...."Why I could buy it at (so in so) for less than that, what the wood cost". I have also learned to keep my original answer to my self...."But what have you got, for that price".
Matt there will always be those who will buy new, and when a few years along sell before the problems of separated seams, thin veneer, top coat all all of the easy put together mass assemble tricks come to light.
* This post was
edited 11/22/08 03:30pm by John H *
John H
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riverdog
seattle
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Joined: 11/23/2005
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You for sure get what you pay for as far as new or slightly used. I agree that many older models are priced to high. My friend has a T/C that his grandfather built in the 60's and it has zero dry rot. It's old and out dated but works well for him.
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LuckyChuckie
Missouri
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fergusthemagicbus.com/img/title.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.fergusthemagicbus.com/&h=470&w=527&sz=145&hl=en&start=490&tbnid=gJ7JgfksaaPakM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvandura%2Bgmc%26start%3D480%26ndsp%3D20%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rlz%3D1T4GFRC_en___US205%26sa%3DN
I like this design.
Lucky Chuckie, As long as I have my health, then everything will be OK, a Greek saying.
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dayner
Slidell, LA
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Joined: 02/14/2005
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Matt...been there done that and loved it...unfortunately later I fell into the "pros know better" and believed the "you'll never get your money out of it", etc. mindset and bought a shiny new one which turned out to be pretty much stapled luan, fiberboard, mdf, vinyl wrapped trim, thin wall tubing, poor roof design, not enough electrical capacity, plastic plumbing, etc. all wrapped up in awesome graphics, with a big TV, pretty vinyl, carpet, corian, and drapes. So I upgraded and paid more and pretty much got the same. Unfortunately they just wasn't made to be kept outside or actually used very much....So now have the original, two "store boughts" for sale, and a second home built in the works. They all have their places but from here on I am back to doing it myself, and have found that a select few others of the same mindset. Do it yourself if you really want what you want, and want it to last. If you need help, lots of folks are available when you are in a jam. Everyone has an opinion, but as for me, putting down a lot of $ will never give the feelings of creativity, self reliance, and just plain satisfaction you will get from your own "job well done"....
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Sportsman Matt
Blackstone, MA
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dayner wrote:Matt...been there done that and loved it...unfortunately later I fell into the "pros know better" and believed the "you'll never get your money out of it", etc. mindset and bought a shiny new one which turned out to be pretty much stapled luan, fiberboard, mdf, vinyl wrapped trim, thin wall tubing, poor roof design, not enough electrical capacity, plastic plumbing, etc. all wrapped up in awesome graphics, with a big TV, pretty vinyl, carpet, corian, and drapes. So I upgraded and paid more and pretty much got the same. Unfortunately they just wasn't made to be kept outside or actually used very much....So now have the original, two "store boughts" for sale, and a second home built in the works. They all have their places but from here on I am back to doing it myself, and have found that a select few others of the same mindset. Do it yourself if you really want what you want, and want it to last. If you need help, lots of folks are available when you are in a jam. Everyone has an opinion, but as for me, putting down a lot of $ will never give the feelings of creativity, self reliance, and just plain satisfaction you will get from your own "job well done"....
dayner, that's exactly my point, thank you. I was having a hard time trying to figure out how to write exactly what you posted.
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btggraphix
Golden, CO
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Joined: 03/08/2005
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Go for it Matt, just make sure to post the pictures. While you are at it, build it with a slide that just pulls out manually, like a drawer on heavy strong tracks.  Be creative and make sure your layout makes sense to you.....the sky is the limit.
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kcabpilot
CA
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Joined: 04/07/2008
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You know Matt, I don't foresee a LOT of backyard campers being built. For one thing, a camper for most folks is an occasional use thing and there are plenty of used ones around in various states of decay that can serve most peoples needs. I consider myself lucky, We bought our Lance new back in 1994 and it's been great. I think it was built very well back then as it's been outside, exposed to the elements all these years and has never had a problem. Regardless of the fact that it doesn't have any of the new stuff like basements and slide-outs it works perfect for us and we don't intend to ever replace it.
But as for building your own? Hey, I'm restoring a 60 year old airplane so I know all about having a major time consuming hobby and I'd fully understand someone who wanted to do something like build their own truck camper. But I think it's a specific kind of person that would be into doing such a thing - definitely not for everyone.
So I'd say go for it if you are that kind of person.
1994 Lance 990 on 1997 F350 PSD Dually "Rhino Haunches"
We also have a 'truck' that FLYS
Our recent camping trips
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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I have repaired and restored several TC's over the years. I have never owned a new TC, and honestly cannot say I have the interest. I shudder at the cost of a new TC, and the payments. With the exception of my current TC, I have never paid more than $500 for a TC. A couple I have had were free. I paid $1000 for my current TC (1988 Bigfoot). I added every upgrade I want. My primary reason was I lived in it almost five years, three days and four nights, due to my job.
As for building a TC from scratch, there are very few that have the time, skills, money (cash), or a shop. I have seen quite a few home built TC's, and it is obvious.
Most people do not see a $20000 to $40000 expense. They only see $200 to $400 per month, and lots of bling-bling. That is great, if that is your lifestyle.
My experience has been to find a relatively nice TC, floor plan wise and style wise. Gut the interior, if need be, make the required repairs and reassemble with the colors and materials you like. This holds very little interest top most people.
I too say go for it, if you really have the interest.
Wayne
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