Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Does this sound like it makes sense?? I'm planning on making my wall out of 5/8" A/B ply with 1x3" firring strips as studs with styrofoam insulation between the studs. For the interior i'm thinking about 1/8" birch ply. As for the roof, Im planning on using 2 layers of 1/8" ply with the same studs, insulation and interior panels. Do you guys think this will be sturdy enough? Also, I dont want to go with aluminum, I'd like to make the exterior light grey. Should I just use exterior paint? epoxy?

So many questions......where to start!?!?!

jolly

Don't use furring strips, use 1X lumber or cut your own. If you use 3/4in insulation, the furring strips are a tad smaller than 3/4in. You won't get good contact with the walls.

I used 1/8in ply for both walls sides. I also used aluminum to cover the trailer. If you are covering it with aluminum, 1/8in ply on both sides is fine. Oh and one layer is OK on the roof.

I used 5/8 on the first build - way too heavy if using furring strips. On the second and third build, I used 3/8 ply and cut my own furring strips to 3/4 thick to accommodate the 3/4 insulation. I thought the 1/4 exterior would be too wavy for me - but opinions will vary

I'm planning on painting this one, so using 1/4" ply on the outside, 1/8" on the inside and ripping my own studs will work?

I used luan ply (slightly less than 1/4") on inside and outside. I think 1/8" could be used on both sides IF 3/4" INSULATION is used to fill the gaps, and glued on all surfaces.

The insulation should keep the waves out.

Certainly, 1/4" is plenty. If you use luan, don't leave it sitting around. It can warp dramatically.

jollymon1375 wrote:I'm planning on painting this one, so using 1/4" ply on the outside, 1/8" on the inside and ripping my own studs will work?

That should work fine or if you don't think it will be strong enough, use 1/4" on inside and out.

Cool, 1/4" inside and out is what I'll do. Like I said, this is my first build so I'm looking for all the help and advice I can get!

Next, what should I seal the ply with before I paint it and does anyone know where I can get black extruded channeling for corners, door frames etc?

Thanks so much for the help, you guys are awesome!!

I would strongly recommend that you seal all surfaces with CPES. It's expensive but it's a proven product and will seal the wood against moisture. I put 2 coats on before I primed my walls.

http://rotdoctor.com/products/product.html

That stuff IS pricey but it looks like I only need the 2qt kit. I've figured out that my trailer will only have about 130 sq ft of surface area.

I'm finishing the trailer mods today and hopefully get into some wood work later in the week. CHEERS!!

J

jollymon1375 wrote:Does this sound like it makes sense?? I'm planning on making my wall out of 5/8" A/B ply with 1x3" firring strips as studs with styrofoam insulation between the studs. For the interior i'm thinking about 1/8" birch ply. As for the roof, Im planning on using 2 layers of 1/8" ply with the same studs, insulation and interior panels. Do you guys think this will be sturdy enough? Also, I dont want to go with aluminum, I'd like to make the exterior light grey. Should I just use exterior paint? epoxy?

So many questions......where to start!?!?!

jolly

I use 1/4" ply in and out for the walls. Ditch the furring strips, like Rocky said. Use regular 1-by's for framing. Where hinge screws will go, use a hardwood frame member.
I've built 6 T/D's and my kits this way. No problems.
If you assemble the panels on a flat surface, they will come out flat, even with 1/4" or 1/8" ply. They will stay flat 'cause your building a Structural Insulated Panel. Very strong!
As was said, seal ALL exposed edges of the ply!!
CPES or regular epoxy are both great for this.
As for painting, Doug Hodder is my Idol!!
Maybe he'll chime in about that!!

...good advice about materials, so I will pass along what I would do for paint/sealing...seal the ply with 3 coats of epoxy( I use www.RAKA.com) and paint either with an automotive base/clear(can be tricky/expensive) or use a 1 part urethane based topside marine paint...spraying either paint is the way to...if you look at Doug Hodder's work, he uses an auto base/clear and achieves amazing results.......
madjack

I'm using 1/4" plywood for the outside walls and 1/8" birch plywood for the inside. I cut up 2x4s to make my own 3/4" furring strips so I could control their thickness and save money. Have covered the outside with fiberglass cloth and epoxy from Raka.com. Inside of the walls will have 3/4" foam insulation. It's lightweight and strong. Plan to paint the outside. Probably with epoxy boat paint.

Before you go cutting your furring strips, Get some insulation and measure it. It may not be 3/4 inch. Cut the strips to fit the insulation. I spent a lot of time fixing that on my build.

jollymon1375 wrote: Next, what should I seal the ply with before I paint it

I painted mine and just went with a couple coats of good quaility oil based exterior primer. then top coated with a good quality latex extrior house paint. I'm ending my second season of camping (including 1 camp out at -15) no problem with the paint.

I would highly suggest epoxy and fiberglass on all the seams I didn't and the first time out all my seams cracked. I had to strip all the seams and seal them and then repaint. This season no problems.

Good luck and don't forget the pictures

I have also heard that some people take a sheet of 3/4" plywood and cut voids to make a big cookie cutter wall stud/spacer.