Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Using Steve Fredericks inside out method for walls & roof......

Can I use a cheap 1/8" thick paneling for the 1st layer? I have 1/8" oak for the finish layer but it runs $32+ per sheet.

I'm thinking that the lines that run vertically up the sheets may show on the edges where the roof meets the walls? Comments or suggestions?

Bruce

I don't see why you couldn't. But after spending more than a year of weekends building mine I think the cost difference between really cheap material and good material is very small.

Just a thought.

Yes I'm with Pizza guy - I tried some cheap 1/8 luan as an extra layer and it only frustrated me. It didn't bend well - the oak was very satisfying and provided extra strength as well.

John

Cheap material is CHEAP for a reason...

Quality is always...better?

Rob

Well, I don't know, I have 2 layers of 1/8 inch lauan on my little woody roof, and for the last 6 years, has been holding up very well. Check it out.
Roly

I have 1/8 Luan, two layers across the roof of by 5x10 Gen Benroy. I found a local wood supply house that had "Cabinet Grade Luan". I had never heard of it before. It was a little stiffer than regular Lowe/H.Depot luan but it was no trouble to bend.

I did not like the Lowes/H.D. luan and this stuff was $18/sheet. Look around at a local store, they might be able to order what you want.

I glued and screwed down the first layer and then glued the second layer over lapping the joints. Then I sealed the joints with fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Made for a little heavier trailer but the finish is automotive quality.

Pizza guy, I too used two layers of 1/8" lauan on my roof. I don't remember if Steve recommends gluing between the layers, I did anyway. On another note if you look for a plywood distributor in your area you can get some great deals I bought 1/8" and 1/4" maple they refer to it as Shop grade or shop worn (damaged, dirty, scuffed up stuff) I paid $5.00 a sheet. most of it I was able to sand clean, I was painting the trailer anyway so I didn't mind and I saved a ton of money. good luck, Walt
P.S. I find that these wholesalers who wouldn't usually sell to retail customers, don't mind selling these shop grade sheets.

Sorry for the hijack but MAN do I get frustrated when I hear people talk about the "local" supplier they found for 1/8 in ply I spent months calling every lumber place in the 2 local phone books (3 counties) and only managed to find someone 63 miles away because I bought 25 pieces, cut to 11 3/4" by 11 3/4" for some scrollsaw work, on ebay and the guy is 63 miles away and will sell me 5 x 5 sheets for $16 each if I go pick em up.

I hate you people who all seem to have local suppliers lol

Marck wrote:Sorry for the hijack but MAN do I get frustrated when I hear people talk about the "local" supplier they found for 1/8 in ply I spent months calling every lumber place in the 2 local phone books (3 counties) and only managed to find someone 63 miles away because I bought 25 pieces, cut to 11 3/4" by 11 3/4" for some scrollsaw work, on ebay and the guy is 63 miles away and will sell me 5 x 5 sheets for $16 each if I go pick em up.

I hate you people who all seem to have local suppliers lol

Marck....you're in PA....everything's here, but nothing's local!!
What you need will invariably be on the other end of the state!!

Marck....you're in PA....everything's here, but nothing's local!!
What you need will invariably be on the other end of the state!

Man ain't that the truth in this state