Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Our build hasn't begun officially yet, but we've been studying plans and reading lots of threads here on the forum and a black goo question has come up.

Is it a good idea to put the black goo on the bottom edges of the sides of the tear before you attach the sides to the deck?

I know many people talk about how to spread the goo on the deck, but don't recall any mention of the need to protect (waterproof) those bottom edges.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Susan

I prefer epoxy for sealing the edges of plywood...it soaks into the wood as opposed to just coating it. Good luck with your build!!!

Yes the lower edge should be sealed with something. I used asphalt paint. Asphalt paint is thinner than alot of the other black goo so it soaks in better. My plywood sides rest on top of the metal frame so I also used polyurethane roof and flashing sealant between the ply and the metal frame to seal out the water.


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Very helpful. Thanks! Susan

Susan I sealed the bottom edges with epoxy. I put PL construction adhesive to further seal out water, then screwed the sides to the floor. My sides sit on the metal frame and it works great.

Thanks Miriam.

Here's a related question. Should/must the sides be flush with the edge of the trailer? We are thinking about the 5x8 redtrailer for our build, but on the website it indicates the trailer is 61" wide!

Last I heard, 5'=60" but if the trailer is truly 61" wide, that's going to mean we'll have an extra inch to play with. We are also investigating the possibility of a custom build, but don't know yet whether that will work out (cost effectiveness).

Are there any problems if the sides are NOT flush with the trailer?

Thanks in advance, Susan

I didn't have that problem but a tape measurer will solve the issue. If it truly is 61" then I would build on top and adjust for it. You are not likely to find anything 5' wide to do the roof anyway so if it is an inch over ---who will know.