to frame or not to frame?

[Terran]

Hello,
I'm been trying to get together an idea of how i'm going to build my TD. I want something fairly small profile that can fit maybe a double mattress, just enough for two people comfortably. I don't really want it any bigger then my forrester. That's not really my issue though, i see alot of people build their TD's with just plywood sides with no framing, but then i see others using 1x4 lumber to frame their walls.

Is the added weight worth the strength and rigidity you get from framing it (plus i guess extra insulation and mounting points)?

[starleen2]

Found this quote from another thread, but its helpful here too.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=28208&highlight=

It appears to me that some teardrop builders think they are building a house where a self-supporting framework is built first and then skinned in with plywood to keep the weather out.

In a teardrop, the plywood does all the supporting and the framework is just there to hold the plywood flat and to make it easy to join the corners. If a framework is built first, and can hold itself up, then it's way overbuilt.

Andrew

[Miriam C.]

Depends on the size of the plywood. If you are using thin ply then you frame. If you want insulation you frame. Framing the doors and windows is needed and blocking for cabinetry. I framed but if I do a small one it will be plywood only.

Enjoy! and to the playground.

[brian_bp]

I agree that it depends on the plywood. I really don't think there's any weight to be saved by omitting the framework and using 3/4" ply (apparently a common choice), versus minimal framing (openings and edges only, no extra "studs") and 1/4" ply (for instance).

In solid-panel construction, larger panels require thicker material for adequate stiffness. A little teardrop doesn't need the panel thickness that a big rig semi-trailer might use, although of course it would be nice to be able to lean on it and not fall through!

[brian_bp]

Found this quote from another thread, but its helpful here too.

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=28208&highlight=

It appears to me that some teardrop builders think they are building a house where a self-supporting framework is built first and then skinned in with plywood to keep the weather out.

In a teardrop, the plywood does all the supporting and the framework is just there to hold the plywood flat and to make it easy to join the corners. If a framework is built first, and can hold itself up, then it's way overbuilt.

Andrew

I don't entirely agree with this. In a conventional house, although the studs are primary structural element the outer skin provides significant structural benefit, acting as a shear panel. This is particularly important to avoid twisting.

[Terran]

and in no way am i planning to fram a TD like hat, but it would seem that for anything that would require rigidity, one piece of plywood just wouldn't cut it. Saying nothing for trying to frame a rigid door.

It would seem that minimal though study framing would be required for anything but the most basic TD.