Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

The time has come when I am ready to install the last roof spar, and this will be the one to which my hurricane hinge will be mounted. I am considering just using a nice heavy piece of southern yellow pine, but should I be thinking about using something else?

Tom

consider TREATED SYP

that might reduce/retard any effects of potential water intrusion via screw holes caused by using the hatch

sw

Consider a harder wood. I also double up the size of that spar.

The SYP we used for roof trusses (good, straight grain, tough, stringy, MSR rated at 2,400) was amazing stuff. No need to treat it, just cut to size & use as is. Find the best grain you can (quarter sawn, perhaps?) Pre-drill pilot holes the right size for the screws & bed them in a decent caulk & they will be there for good. SYP is great wood for structural members on a build. Wish I had access to some now.....
http://americansoftwoods.com/species/

I have access to some very good quality SYP as wide construction lumber. I normally cut my own 2X4s and 2X2s from wider lumber because it is so hard to find good lumber these days. I think that last spar will be a SYP 2X4.

Tom

2x2 is plenty. I used red oak because it was readily available.

Ask your supplier if they have a scrap pile. The local hardwood supplier I have used has a stack of "scrap" wood. They found a nice, straight piece of hickory scrap, and cut to 2x2x60" for me. Price...$5. It's very stout, and should serve as a solid anchor my hatch hinge, and might outlive the rest of the TD. I'll coat it with epoxy varnish to keep it dry.

Unless your hatch is unusually heavy, I think a doubled up pine spar should do just fine. I've done that many time and never had a problem.

If you're looking for an excuse to use white oak or something else that is weather resistant and strong, go ahead... that 1 unique spar won't add that much weight!

Mike...

I doubled that spar on my build and glued a 2x2x1/8 Alum angle to it to stiffen the galley hatch mounting. My galley opening is 56w X 56h which is pretty big. No issues.

Pressure treatment does not prevent wet/dry rot. It prevents insect damage and is usually used when in contact with the ground. As the others said, use a SYP 2X4 no treatment.

<Chas>

I went with doubled up maple. wanted a hard wood for holding screws.