Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am coming to the part of my build where it is time to start planing my kitchen and cabinets. I was wondering what thickness of plywood everyone used for cabinets and for cabinet doors? and what is everyone doing to seal the wood? Thompsons water seal?

We are trying to be ready for Spinnernuts Guadalupe Gathering in New Braunsfels, TX. and hoping to see all the Texas Teardroppers there.

Thanks Big DE

I think it all depends on what you are putting in your cabinets weight wise.
walls may only need 1/2 inch plywood while other areas may need 3/4 inch. It all depends. I would do a drawing an then decide thickness

I would seal them with a polyeurathane( waterbased is just fine also) It can be a wipe on poly or spray/paint. just make sure you put on at least 3 thin coats are better than 1 thick coat...just make sure you get good coverage

If time is an issue take a look at kitchen and bath cabinetry in the big box stores they come in 3" increments so width is generally just a matter of a tiny filler block. 12 or 15 inch cabinets like over most refrigerators in most kitchens will bring you to a comfortable counter height once added to the height of the trailer floor. They come in several depths again in 3" increments. You can also order matching parts other doors , wineracks fillerblock ect. Toilet topper cabinets are another option or even a recess mounted medicine cabinet as yet other ready made options. Just depends on the amount of room you have in your galley



I chose to go doorless because they would be knee knockers the counter lifts up and seals the galley wall shut and when the cabinets swing in there is no where for things to go because the opening is sealed by the lower galley wall. The little plactic drawer unit is the single best item that was added.

I have to admire modern travel trailer construction. Given the constraints of costs/weight/time they do a very decent job.

I stripped and then totally rebuilt the inside of a 21 foot Coachmen a few years ago, and learned, from taking the old cabinets apart mostly, how to make a strong vanity that weighs 12 pounds.

They use minimal internal framing and a lot of 1/8 plywood. When attached to the walls of the trailer they are sufficiently strong.

Lighter is good.

I cheated and used two 30" cabinets I bought from HD.





The two were a perfect fit plus it allowed me about a 4" space between counter and bottom of cabinet to slide things under, like my stove.

Barb