Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

What are the pros and cons of 3/4" plywood only sides compaired to insulated side walls?

Easy and fast.
I have no insulation in my teardrop and have not had a cold or hot night.
But we haven't been camping in the snow either.

I build a 3/4" side that covers the frame. You can have the best of both, 3/4" wall and insulation. Just make the inside wall finish a "Foam backed Rug". Granted its not as good as foam insulation but it is something, and you have to finish the walls anyway. I live in Pa. and camp from April to mid November and the cold has never been an issue. In the summer I have a 12volt fan (pictured) and a full door screen. If you do this put the rug on before you put the roof on, it makes things a lot easier. The photos below are of a foam backed Vinyl (same theory).

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/len19070/ ... pg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/len19070/ ... pg&.src=ph

And Yes.. it is easy and fast.

Happy Trails

Len

I want it strong, easy and warm/cool.

I used 3/4" plywood only for the sides. The original teardrops used 1/2" only for the side walls and floors.

I used 1/2 inch ply as the core, mohogany on the exterior, I'm building a woody, and birch ply on the interior. total thickness 1". Something to think about is that plywood on the interior won't take stain on as evenly as other materials. I guess it's all what you want the look to be. Doug Hodder

Even today some of the commercial builders are using 1/2" walls and floors which can save on the weight and expense. Using 3/4" not only makes for a very strong box but the 3/4" side doors are very solid and tend not to warp.

Another couple of cents worth from Denny

I used solid 3/4 ply for my sidewalls, no regrets.

The piece removed from the door opening I used as the door, the window openings are the awnings. No warpage, but it's not yet been a year.

The trailer has survived it's first winter with no problems, no leaks, and no fungus.

Good Luck, whatever you decide.

I can't speak about the 3/4". I insulated my tear as per the Cubby plans and am very pleased with the results. It was a lot of work but I really like the thicker look and feel of the sides and doors. I would think that insulation would also cut down the outside noise as well. A framed out wall also provides a void to pull wire and install backing for coathooks and other things with screws. George.

1/2 w/o insulation and we've been down in the low 30's and had to crack windows.

Doug.. did you use a full sheet of 1/2 for a solid core or cut out a lot of it leaving support framing? I'm considering 1/2 ply but cutting out all non-supportive pieces leaving a frame around the edges, door opening, and cabinet mounting areas. A lot of waste I know but quicker than cutting all the 1x2 pieces and joining them together to make a frame. Dave Speicher

Dave, I used a solid sheet of 1/2" material. To get it to the 10 feet, I used a 3 wing cutter and cut the pieces on the aft end and glued them up using epoxy and a maple spline. They are way stout. My trailer is pretty heavy however, not to be pulled with a Yugo. I did it this way as I sort of wanted to fast track it to make the Ne. gathering, so didn't think out any short cuts. All of my wiring is done through the ceiling, no side walls. Trailer running lights/brake etc... will be done underneath. Number 2 will be done differently... It's a learning process. Good luck with your build. Doug Hodder

I'm running all my wiring through the ceiling also that's why I thought a 1/2" core for the walls would be plenty. Thanks..... Dave

I also opted for 3/4" plywood sides on my current teardrop project. Ease of construction was main factor. I plan 2" insulation in floor and ceiling! My last teardrop had no insulation and very thin autostore carpet on 1/2" walls. I was never cold although didn't have really cold weather when camping maybe high thirthies was coldest! Amazing how quick body heat will build up in a small interior volume. Humidity is sometimes a problem but a small DC computor fan helps immensely!

Gerald in Winnipeg