Floor, Wall and Ceiling materials

[Tundrwd]

I've poked around several Teardrop sites and forums over the last year, and while several advocate different materials along with their project or design - I'm wondering what the consensus is of this forum?

Plywood (A/C or marine grade?), wood frame w/aluminum skin, some plastic/composite skin? Or ????

I have toyed with this idea for nearly 18 months, and my dad just gave me a 5x8 trailer a week or two ago (already wired). The floor is just plywood and needs replacing. Only been used for moving lawn mowers, etc. Would hold a full-size ATV, and not much more.

I've heard of some using some type of prefab composite panels (composite in the fact that different materials are used, not necessarily the usual thing that comes to mind with the word "composite"). These panels are "ready to use", and just need cutting with either a jigsaw or skillsaw. I have no idea of where to get these materials (most of the posts/plans are 10-20 years old that I've run into).

A/C plywood would be the easiest to acquire, and easy to use, but I'm wondering how well it holds up over time (I would plan on using some type of epoxy-like coating/paint to basically "plasticize" the outside of the wood). Marine grade would be better, but I'm just not sure the expense justifies it.

I've thought of wood frame/aluminum skin, but with the price of aluminum these days, I'm not sure that is too good either.

Cost is a major consideration for me in attempting this project. I really want to build as cheaply as possible. Longevity? Say something that will last 10 years or so. I know many last much longer, but I'm not building this for archaeologists to uncover and marvel at. Weight is another factor - I'd be towing this behind a car that is limited to about 1000 lbs towing capacity.

I'm still not sure about running electricity for items - but if I do, it would be a 12V system with inverter for AC (if needed). Would also like to have some type of hookup that I could recharge the battery via 120V AC when I can (or even some solar panels, but I'm simply not convinced the cost benefit is there at all).

I live in South Central Kansas - are there any RV salvage yards anywhere in the area? I'm thinking of getting things like windows, vents, possibly some cabinets, etc. from salvage, instead of buying new.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[linuxmanxxx]

You want light and cheap go study the foamies section and that should suffice what you need and do some studies of the light walls thread in construction subforum for learning how to build a torsion box/sandwich wall ultra light and ultra strong build as well. I built a 4x8 recently skinned with aluminum that came in at 580 pounds completed.

[Tundrwd]

Curious, but what was your cost for the aluminum skin? How many sheets, cost per sheet. I'd kind of like to go that route, but with metals getting so expensive, and scraps getting expensive, not sure I want that expense.

[48Rob]

Cost is a major consideration for me in attempting this project. I really want to build as cheaply as possible. Longevity? Say something that will last 10 years or so. I know many last much longer, but I'm not building this for archaeologists to uncover and marvel at. Weight is another factor - I'd be towing this behind a car that is limited to about 1000 lbs towing capacity.

Hi,

A small camping trailer can be built pretty inexpensively.
Many here, and other places have done so.
I would suggest reconsidering the thoughts on longevity.
I understand what you are saying, and that is okay, but the point I would make is if you build it to only last 10 years or so, you will in effect be building something that leaks and will rot, or be underbuilt and be prone to falling apart while you are using it or while being towed.
I know this isn't what you had in mind, and I'm not trying to be offensive.
If you study why trailers leak and fall apart in 10 years or so, you will easily be able to build a trailer that won't leak, won't fall apart, and will be able to be enjoyed for the entire time you own it, for very little money.
As it will still be in good shape in 10 years, you can sell it to recoup some of your money, or have a platform for a new trailer.
A good resource is an old camping trailer.
They can provide windows, doors, appliances, and sometimes, even siding metal.

Another thought is that if simply having a low cost trailer is your goal, and the building process is not something you care about, buying an older small camping trailer can be much less expensive than building even a simple one from scratch.

Rob

[linuxmanxxx]

Curious, but what was your cost for the aluminum skin? How many sheets, cost per sheet. I'd kind of like to go that route, but with metals getting so expensive, and scraps getting expensive, not sure I want that expense.

It was around 10 a running foot for precolored at 49" wide. Now I've reconsidered the weight and expense and will build my next one with formica siding hard durable and easy to just slap another sheet over it later on it there's issues. It's definitely lighter than the aluminum and easier to locate and purchase.