Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I have been looking to find a smaller camper to restore. I found one and the yahoo wanted about 250 more than another one I found just like it. So, I have been thinking about just building a completely new one from scratch. The only issue I have is what to put on the outside. Aluminium is pretty much cost prohibitive where I live so I was wondering about some type of plastic. Does anyone know of a resouce of plastic sheets about 6-8 feet wide that is contoured like the canned ham types and also a flat sheet of plastic to be used on the roof. I would also need things like corner covers and such. So far my designs are down to a 6 1/2 ft tall on the inside teardrop or cabin car design, one that looks like a pirate ship or ufo , or one that looks like a canned ham or scotty highlander camper. I need one tall enough to walk inside due to squeaky bones. Plus if you live in Middle Tennesse and know of a junker camper let me know. All I am interested in is trailer frame and outside metal. Thanks in advance.

Willy,

Here's what little I know on coverings...

http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender/skinning.html

Of course you could paint, like Cracker39 did...

Mike...

...the thermal characteristics of plastic makes it a poor choice for outside coverings...it expands and contracts to much...there are fiberglass based products such as FRP and rubber based products such as TPO and EDPM...better choices would be epoxy based such as CPES and coated over with a compatible paint....your AL, shouldn't cost anymore there than elsewhere...this a place to do some careful reseach and cost comparisons...keep in mind maintenance and resell considerations......
madjack

Hey Mike,

I have visted the Rot Doctor site.
I do think that that is the way to go for me.
I am building a 5x10 or 5x8 trailer Still deciding (will post a quiry on chasises later). How much would you get of each product, Uniflex 255, CPES, and Epoxy Filler for this size trailer?

Lynn

Thanks , I sent an email to the rot doctor on that. I wouldn't mind building a teardrop or cabin car. But with my wifes Knees and both our backs out of wack at times I need to look at a camper we can stand in. I like the scotty hilanders and the way they are made but I can't find one close I can afford or if I find them close they want too much for something falling in. If it is falling in thats fine I want to replace all the wood anyway. I have a custom trailler store about 4 miles from my house so I may see if I can get one made for me. Then I will design a 21 century scotty hilander for it. I just hope I don't get kicked out here.

Willy,

For small, economic trailers, you should also be looking at the fiberglass ones, like Scamps, Casitas, Bolers. Many of these are still in usable condition when 20 or 30 years old and can be purchased fairly cheaply. As well as eBay and Craigslist, you can visit the Fiberglass RV forum.

Andrew