Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey you wonderful people !
I 'm on the 'puter at work, so can't spend a lot of time.
This weekend is crunch time to work onthe Jewel Box.... I have planned on using 1/8" mahogany in a double layer for the roof exterior, then 3/4 + 1/2 inch foam board insulation then 1/8" interior roof skin.
Someone (not a td builder) mentioned that it didn't sound like a good idea.
I will be priming and painting the exterior . Any problems you see?


T- molding for the door... I know I can get it on the web, but where would I check in town? What kind of place would likely have it?

Thanks!
Julie

Julie,

Not sure about the roof construction, but check flooring stores for the T-molding. There have been reports of people finding it there.

Good Luck!

Julie, I built mine exactly like that. But I covered it in aluminum. As long as it's sealed I don't see a problem with it.

Julie, a kazillio,(maybe less) have built their roofs thataway...I am not a fan of the prime and paint finish method but once again a kazillion(maybe less) have done exactly that...a flooring outlet is about the only place that will have T mold but even they may have to order and you may have to anneal it to put a bend init...if you have to order, wait and order from Grant at L'ill Bear, RW Johnson or SoCal...you will probably be happier with their product...
madjack

madjack wrote:Julie, a kazillio,(maybe less) have built their roofs thataway...I am not a fan of the prime and paint finish method but once again a kazillion(maybe less) have done exactly that...a flooring outlet is about the only place that will have T mold but even they may have to order and you may have to anneal it to put a bend init...if you have to order, wait and order from Grant at L'ill Bear, RW Johnson or SoCal...you will probably be happier with their product...
madjack

Yes, I need to check with Grant and see how he will ship and what the time frame is... But we may just hang the doors and bring a tarp for Grand Lake! haha My doors are just plain old square...
The prime and paint method - I'll be sure to seal it good and the edges. But not near ready for that yet ! !
Roof goes on this weekend !!!
Julie

MadJack what is a "anneal"

Julie , since you have square doors the T molding from a floor shop works great . I used it on mine. A good idea after you cut it , is take a file & round off the corners & take off all the sharp edges. They can cut ya real quick! as far as how much to take off its up to you & what looks good. Have fun !

oklahomajewel wrote: I have planned on using 1/8" mahogany in a double layer for the roof exterior, then 3/4 + 1/2 inch foam board insulation then 1/8" interior roof skin.
Someone (not a td builder) mentioned that it didn't sound like a good idea.

Julie,

What was his issue with it? Did he think it wasn't strong enough? If so, he'd really think mine was bad - I have 1/8" inner skin, 1.5" framing with 2 layers of 3/4" foam filling the gaps, and will be putting the 1/8" outer skin on this weekend. Last night I was gluing down the insulation in the ceiling and had about 150 lbs of gallon water jugs holding it all down. That's without the outer skin yet. Many of my spars are doubled 1x2s and the ends rest on the wall ledges, with everything glued (PL polyurethane construction adhesive) and screwed together. I'll be using CPES to seal the wood, then something over the top for UV protection. Time will tell if it holds together bouncing down the highway, but so far I'm comfortable with my construction decision.

Jeanette

Here you go, my roof is made with 1/8in baltic birch on the inside 3/4in foam insulation and 2 layers of 1/8in luan on top all covered with .040 aluminum. My spars are 1X2s (1 1/2in X 3/4in) wide side down.

The roof is plenty strong. I think I would be just fine with just one layer of ply on top.

As for trim, I used 1in X 1/2in x 1/8in x 16ft aluminum that I bought from the metal supply place. I had to anneal it which was time consuming but not that big a deal.

Big DE wrote:MadJack what is a "anneal"

In a nutshell, it is heating up aluminum trim with a torch to soften it for bending.

Look at this thread, there some links at the bottom that will point you to more threads.

asianflava wrote:

Big DE wrote:MadJack what is a "anneal"

In a nutshell, it is heating up aluminum trim with a torch to soften it for bending.

Look at this thread, there some links at the bottom that will point you to more threads.

Rocky, ya left out the link..
Donnie, goto top of this page and click "search" enter anneal(ing) in the search window and het submit....you will get a ton of info on the subject.....
madjack

Awww Nuts!

I searched for it again, here it is:

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ght=anneal

madjack wrote:
Julie, a kazillio,(maybe less) have built their roofs thataway...I am not a fan of the prime and paint finish method but once again a kazillion(maybe less) have done exactly that...a flooring outlet is about the only place that will have T mold but even they may have to order and you may have to anneal it to put a bend init...if you have to order, wait and order from Grant at L'ill Bear, RW Johnson or SoCal...you will probably be happier with their product...


madjack Cool
Yes, I need to check with Grant and see how he will ship and what the time frame is... But we may just hang the doors and bring a tarp for Grand Lake! haha My doors are just plain old square...
The prime and paint method - I'll be sure to seal it good and the edges. But not near ready for that yet ! !
Roof goes on this weekend !!!
Julie



Don't get in a hurry Julie check with Grant about the molding.

As you said you can cover with a tarp.

See you in 14 days.

I wish I was farther along with my build.

Pat

I used 1/8" in and out with only 1" spars and insulation. The box is very ridgid and I don't plan on walking on the roof.
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... ic_id=3161

I don't plan on walking on the roof of mine either, but that 1/8 skin over panel insulation and 1/8 ceiling skin is very strong.

Could it be broken? Could a hammer damage it? Of course, but for normal use it is sufficently strong.

Remember the roof is curved on most of these critters, which adds strength as well.

I built a camper, a step up from a tent, not a tank. My Coachmen travel trailer has rafter/joists ever once in a while, aluminum skin and NO sheeting.

dave