Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hey Gang!
Im just planning my first build, using ideas from the generic benroy & the 8' cubby. I would like to design it using a ship theme, as I work on the water.
Is it possible to use wood panelling on the exterior? Can I protect it enough against the elements? Ideally I would like to use something setup horizontally, to represent planking, then cover the door with the same, but vertically, if that makes any sense...
Its my first build so I dont want to get too far out of my league, so if I have to do aluminum I will, but im just wondering, as ive seen some nice wooden exteriors.
Thanks
S.

Welcome S.
To answer your question---it depends on the kind of paneling. There is certainly some nice stuff out there.

Just my opinion but I would use plywood under if it is thin paneling. We have a bunch that build and then laminate nice stuff over for a good finish. Hides the screws and nails. Can't remember who but one even used door skins set at a diagonal. Turned out really beautiful.

We have a thing for pictures so please take lots.

Enjoy

...llook in the Hall of Fame (top left of page) and scroll down to Woody's teardrop...if that is not planky enough for ya, you can get plank panels(in 6" wide planks) usually in pine, knotty pine or cedar and lay it on the horizontal...see goldcoops tear for an example...seal it up with epoxy and spar varnish or MinWax ClearShield(or similar) and you should be good to go...
madjack

I was actually thinking of using something like what you would skin the inside with, but outdoor rated if there is such a thing.
Im definately looking at building with plywood & skinning the outside. Id rather not get into laying strips. Id like to do it over the top as well, so it would need to be flexible. If not then I will just use aluminum there...
S.

..like I said...checkout Woody's teardrop...that is beaded birch paneling, on the horizontal...basically a plywood product...a reverse T&G paneling laid horizontally would probably work as well
madjack

Wow you weren't kidding! That thing is gorgeous!
We have the technology. There is hope for me yet...
S.