Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

What are yous guys skinning the roof with. I'm 5' wide (I mean my TD is 5') and plan to use 5X5's that are 1/8 to bend easily. If I then skin that with AL is the 1/8 enough or do I need to put on two sheets for the added strength? Or should I just use something else that is 1/4? I'm thinking that 1/8 would be sufficient with the foam insulation underneath and AL on top, am I OK with that? What are your thoughts? I still have wireing and insulation to install but I'm thinking ahead.

The 1/8th is plenty. (Besides, do you think you can bend 1/4"? Don't know your profile.)

Also, aren't you just going to use luan if you're skinning with aluminum? If so, your choices are pretty limited and already made for you, especially at 5 wide.

Ira wrote:The 1/8th is plenty. (Besides, do you think you can bend 1/4"? Don't know your profile.)

Also, aren't you just going to use luan if you're skinning with aluminum? If so, your choices are pretty limited and already made for you, especially at 5 wide.

That's what I was thinking but wanted to make sure. Things are moving along pretty well after my setback. I'll get more pictures posted soon.

Thanks
Jim

I put 2 layers of 1/8" ply on my roof, then I skinned with aluminum. I think that if one layer would have been fine. If you aren't putting aluminum on top, do 2 layers.

Rocky, is there any difference as far as possible damage to your aluminum goes depending on your substrate?

The Cubby plans only call for 1/8" under .032 aluminum. (Is that number right, or did I screw up the decimal point?)

But again, these are the CUBBY plans on top of the 1100# HF trailer, where everything is recommended light.

And Jim--your TD is looking AWESOME!!!

My sides only have one layer and they are fine. The 1/8" holds up just fine, no dents or anything (except one). It only has a small ding caused by the door flying open and slammming against the side. When I did the top, I staggered the 2 layers to prevent leaks in the seams, it may have slowed the leaks but it didn't stop them. I used .032 (you had it correct) aluminum on the top and sides.

If you use two layers of 1/8...what do you glue them together with?

asianflava wrote:I staggered the 2 layers to prevent leaks in the seams, it may have slowed the leaks but it didn't stop them.

You have leaks in your roof? Any idea where it's coming from?

steve wolverton wrote:

asianflava wrote:I staggered the 2 layers to prevent leaks in the seams, it may have slowed the leaks but it didn't stop them.

You have leaks in your roof? Any idea where it's coming from?

When I took the trailer out for the first time, it was as Lenny puts it, a monsoon. I think everybody's trailer leaked that weekend. I didn't have the aluminum on it so it could have come from anywhere. It doesn't leak anymore, except where I cut a hole in the roof and haven't yet covered it.

I used polyurethane caulk, spread with notched scraper, to glue the second layer to the first.

asianflava wrote:I didn't have the aluminum on it so it could have come from anywhere.

Ah, ok. Now it makes sense. I didn't realize that was before you had skinned it.

Eventually I'd like to skin mine with Filon, but after seeing the prices I think that may be a long way off.

Juneaudave wrote:If you use two layers of 1/8...what do you glue them together with?

I used epoxy. Brushed it on, and clamped....

Steve used two layers of 1/8" plywood on the Lil Diner. I'm betting he used epoxy, but I'm not sure.

I would have used titebond III.

Mike...

asianflava wrote:

steve wolverton wrote:

asianflava wrote:I staggered the 2 layers to prevent leaks in the seams, it may have slowed the leaks but it didn't stop them.

You have leaks in your roof? Any idea where it's coming from?

When I took the trailer out for the first time, it was as Lenny puts it, a monsoon. I think everybody's trailer leaked that weekend. I didn't have the aluminum on it so it could have come from anywhere. It doesn't leak anymore, except where I cut a hole in the roof and haven't yet covered it.

I used polyurethane caulk, spread with notched scraper, to glue the second layer to the first.

That makes me feel better. I couldn't imagine how water would get through the AL. Good to hear 1/8 is all I need. 1/8 it will be.