Sitting here this morning on ebay buying even more items for my TC. Made me stop and think, exactly how much $ have I dropped on my TC re-build? Kinda scary, but fun. Here is what I have so far and I still have a long way to go...1976 Amerigo Truck Camper 11.6Camper itself: 1200Jack extension FABRICATION to fit the dually: 600Hot tank, fridge, air conditioner, furnace, converter, board: 1800Fantastic fan and 2 other vents: 500Wood, screws, misc. building items: 300Upholstery, marine grade vinyl: 300Electrical items, LED's : 200Plumbing: 200Screws (believe it or not a ton of them): 300Flooring, walls, wallpaper : 400Cabinetry, door handles, misc: 500Mattress toppers: 300Flat screens, stereo, speakers, DVD's: 800Trim, paint (exterior) cleaners, wax etc : 200Interior design (so far) authentic 1970's wall art, wallpaper,general décor: 500and I am still not done as we still need propane tanks, solar panels, batteries etc...I know I am putting in more than I could ever possibly get out of it, but I wanted a "custom" TC and it still should be way way under the price tag of a brand new one. Which leads me to my questions...How much do you have into your re-build or modification?Is the price tag worth it?What did you do to your rig that is an absolute must have?

Wagonqueen Truckster wrote:How much do you have into your re-build or modification?I don't want to think about it!!Is the price tag worth it?If I live long enough!!What did you do to your rig that is an absolute must have?12 volt compressor fridge.

I have over 65 mods to my TC and probably close to a dozen to the truck. Who's keeping track? I dont ever consider the price tag as long as its something that I want and something that will improve my enjoyment, or make my traveling experience more enjoyable. As long as I can afford it, I don't have any reservations about spending the money. I dont have any favorite one, since I love all of them.

Timbrens , $200. That's all I needed.

About $50, but it'll never be as cool an an Amerigo.

Most of it has been sweat and my labor. Refinished cabinet doors, minor cost for sandpaper and quart of finish. Made a storage cabinet with wood I already had in the shop, couple dollars for hinges for door. Approximately $210 for a Wave 3 cat heater, $20 for a hose and some more $ for a fitting. $50 for a water pressure regulator for the toilet and some $ for a fitting. Whatever two fan covers that go on the roof cost.I don't keep a spread sheet of what I've done and associated costs. I did it so it was worth it to me. I think if I ever analyzed what I've done and the costs I might get depressed. Part of having an RV is personal customization IMO. If you do it, enjoy it, don't overanalyze it!!

How much $ have you invested in remodel or mods?

stickbowjoe
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
Oh, Gregg, you are surely wrong.

I am like you, but these folks enjoy working on, improving, designing, and building their dream campers.

I am not one of their tribe, but I admire them very much, and love to read of their plans, dreams, and works.

How boring life would be if we were all alike.

Carry on, dreamers and innovators!

And keep telling us about it!

Joe
Camper_Jeff___K
Nomad III
Feb 10, 2014
I've installed 4 gauge wire from alternator to TC batteries to improve charging. Boondocker power supply 45 amp. 2 group 31 AGM batteries. A cheap 400 watt inverter that is going to be replaced with something much better. Pioneer 50 watt x 4 AM FM CD player and good quality speakers. Antennae. CB radio and antennae's with mounts. Memory foam mattress topper. Several exterior aluminum drip rails. Fantastic fan. Heat element strip for AC unit. Additional pink board insulation inside TC and foam tube insulation on pipes. About $1200.00 material costs.
AnEv942
Nomad
Feb 10, 2014
Hmm I spent way too much on a new camper many years ago-and way too much since- ain't going there, consciously force myself to not think about accumulated costs/time...

Though when I re-roofed the camper I did keep track of costs because I was on a budget and just wanted to know verses shop. If I were rebuilding like you are Id probably keep track just to know what I got for what I spent in comparison-say having it done.
But add ons, mods etc-things that just make it ours, I dunno.

If I want to do something & can afford it or have the time to squander on a project I just do it- no justification-has no meaning-(because it isn't justifiable), nothing would get done-. For those of us who just fiddle with stuff, just because, trying to keep track might be self defeating. At least for me-its the doing & end result. Seems all the finished projects etc in turn are rewarding in the task, enjoyed when we go out but tallied up wouldn't be.
So regardless yes-the 'price' has been worth it.

As far as must have that we added, would also be the most single 'extravagant' expense which would be solar.
delosholly
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
Not sure of total, but:
Mattress Topper
Two RV-style table legs
Several 3-M product Command items
Aluminum gutter over outside storage door
Seveal Plastic Storage Containers
Guess: $350-$400
Mote
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
Buzzcut1 wrote:
TC
Kitchen Faucet $35
Mattress $300
topper $100
Winter foam insulation $75
Lap sealant $40
Honda 2000 $875

Truck
19.5 Rims and tires for rear $1500
airbags, stableloads, super hitch, 48" supertruss, weight distributing hitch, torklift frame mounts $5000

Buzz, are you just putting the 19.5's on the rear ?
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Feb 10, 2014
Mote wrote:
Buzzcut1 wrote:
TC
Kitchen Faucet $35
Mattress $300
topper $100
Winter foam insulation $75
Lap sealant $40
Honda 2000 $875

Truck
19.5 Rims and tires for rear $1500
airbags, stableloads, super hitch, 48" supertruss, weight distributing hitch, torklift frame mounts $5000

Buzz, are you just putting the 19.5's on the rear ?

Yup, the tires and rims will have the same profile as what I have on the front( same height, width and roll out distance per rotation)and I will have the same load margin front and rear. I really don't care if the rims match front to back
ejfranz
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
I would rather not think what I have spent.
Ladder and roof rack - needed to carry canoe and kayaks
Electric jack motors and controller - I can now load and unload the camper with ease.
2 - 6 volt batteries - stay out in the woods longer
LED lighting - as above
Insulation - pipes don't freeze as easily
Side awning - can BBQ in the rain or sit in the shade
5 step vs 4 step stairs
New escape hatch
Fantastic fan - should have installed it years ago; cools camper done quickly
Happijac turn buckles
New mattress
Backup camera - on order (for those times I go out on my own or it is pouring rain and the DW doesn't want to direct) or check on the motorcycle trailer on transit.
12 volt outlet and AC conveter

Truck mods
Front hitch to carry bicycles or motorcycle
Timbrens - improved cornering and less sag
KYB MonoMax - just needed new shocks
Edge Evolution & exhaust manifold - monitor EGTs
Shift kit - it was time for the tranny fluid change so why not
New entertainment console - on order, would like to listen to my ipad music and to view the backup camera
covered_wagon
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
stickbowjoe wrote:
Oh, Gregg, you are surely wrong.

I am like you, but these folks enjoy working on, improving, designing, and building their dream campers.

I am not one of their tribe, but I admire them very much, and love to read of their plans, dreams, and works.

How boring life would be if we were all alike.

Carry on, dreamers and innovators!

And keep telling us about it!

Joe

X2 Here It's is a great way to customize the way an owner wants it and he is still way way under a new one cost.
Photomike
Explorer III
Feb 10, 2014
For what I have invested in my truck and truck camper I am still well below the cost of a new set up so I am happy.
Wagonqueen_Truc
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
thanks!!! IT IS A LABOR OF LOVE... and besides where can I buy a "new" camper that is as "different" as an Amerigo. Oh and BTW,they did build quality TC's, this thing will be here another 40 + years once we are done with her.

stickbowjoe wrote:
Oh, Gregg, you are surely wrong.

I am like you, but these folks enjoy working on, improving, designing, and building their dream campers.

I am not one of their tribe, but I admire them very much, and love to read of their plans, dreams, and works.

How boring life would be if we were all alike.

Carry on, dreamers and innovators!

And keep telling us about it!

Joe