How much $ have you invested in remodel or mods?

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

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 11.6
Camper itself: 1200
Jack extension FABRICATION to fit the dually: 600
Hot tank, fridge, air conditioner, furnace, converter, board: 1800
Fantastic fan and 2 other vents: 500
Wood, screws, misc. building items: 300
Upholstery, marine grade vinyl: 300
Electrical items, LED's : 200
Plumbing: 200
Screws (believe it or not a ton of them): 300
Flooring, walls, wallpaper : 400
Cabinetry, door handles, misc: 500
Mattress toppers: 300
Flat screens, stereo, speakers, DVD's: 800
Trim, paint (exterior) cleaners, wax etc : 200
Interior design (so far) authentic 1970's wall art, wallpaper,general décor: 500

and 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?

[jimh406]

We added tint for the windows to the camper and vent covers. I'd say that is problably 200 or less, but of course, there was our labor. I bought an inverter, so that's 200 more.

I've modded the truck, but to be clear, it handled fine before the mods on it's maiden 1000 mile trip. So, I'd count the torklifts, fast guns, rear hitch with extension plus front hitch that is probably 2000 total.

If you want to count the tires/wheels, air bags, shocks, muffler, intake elbow, add about 3000.

I think that is a grand total of 5400.

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

WOW... I haen't even thought about the truck yet. (yikes) Hope the old belly bars that were on her from the in-laws are enough to do the trick.

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

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

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

[Photomike]

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.

[covered_wagon]

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.

[ejfranz]

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

[Buzzcut1]

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

[Mote]

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 ?

[delosholly]

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

[AnEv942]

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.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

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.

[stickbowjoe]

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

[805gregg]

You spent way to little on your camper and way too much to fix it, better to buy a great used unit and spend your time enjoying the camper, you would be happier in the end

[Buzzcut1]

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