Roof sealer over plywood?

[MushCreek]

I haven't been here in a looonnng time! Many things have changed; I never did build a teardrop, but I am working on another trailer project. This one is down-n-dirty; I need a weatherproof box on wheels to move my stuff when we move to SC. I started with an old frame, and added on here and there, turning it into a 7X10 flatbed. Plans are to build a box on it and waterproof it. I am putting a 'vee' on the front, and also sloping the roof down to make it slightly more aerodynamic than a brick.

Here's the question: Has anyone 'painted' a trailer enclosure with a roof sealer like Kool Roof? I'm building the box out of cheap plywood sheathing, and am gluing the framing to make it sturdy. I want to get at least a couple years out of it, at which time I might sell it, turn it into a camper, or remove the box and build a proper teardrop on it. I figured that rubbery white roof coating would protect the cheap plywood better than paint would for a couple years.

In retrospect, I probably should have just bought a used enclosed utility trailer, but that wouldn't suit my DIY mindset, and it would have cost me considerably more money. I just wondered if anyone had tried that stuff on a trailer. Looks are unimportant! Due to the size of the trailer, I don't want to use fiberglass because of the cost. Thanks for any input!

[kirkman]

I have used this http://www.koolseal.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=63-300 On a utility trailer just like you are building it is still working great after 4 years!

[Ptomaine]

On my first build, an ultra low cost Weekender, I used a elastomeric roof coating to paint the whole thing. The hatch, door, and one of the seams leaked like a sieve, but the coating held up fine. When I chopped up the camper after 4 years, the plywood was still like new. I did a recoat after 2 years because it was looking a little dirty. Rolling on a new coat was easier than trying to clean it.

[MushCreek]

Well, that's good to know! As a one-time boat builder, the box will be waterproof without any coating, but I wanted to protect the cheap plywood from the elements. Do you know if you can paint over that stuff? Ya never know, I might want to dress it up a bit with a contrasting stripe or something.

[Deryk the Pirate]

could use some fiberglass cloth and epoxy and do the edges then put the roofing stuff over the whole box.

[kirkman]

Yes you can paint it! I have a stripe on mine to break it up.

[MushCreek]

Cool! Now that we have a plan, all I have to do is build it! I think I will glass the seams; the transition where the angles comes together would be a good spot for a leak to develop. Who knows- If it's not completely dreadful, I might even post a few pics......

[kirkman]

That's what I did. I fiberglass taped all the seams and so far no leaks.