Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Ok, so I was checking out some local ply wood distributers. I guess I have some options for skinning the roof, 1/8" Baltic Bich, 1/8" luan, or 1/8" bending plywood. What is the difference/advantages/dissadvantages in these?

1/4" is out, too heavy. I'll just put a second layer up front or make a rock guard out of diamond plate.

If there is no aluminum skin to go over it all and those are your choices...I'd avoid the bendy ply. Regular 1/8" baltic birch will bend just fine and will take a finish, no matter what it is better than the luan. The bendy stuff without a lot of support will be all over the place and end up soft when pushed on. Luan typically has crappy core to it, won't take a screw or fastener very well. Luan is cheap...baltic birch will cost at least 2x maybe close to 3x the luan...don't know the pricing on the bendy, just never needed it. Baltic will also hold a flat surface much better between the roof stringers, over either of the other options.

I went with 1/4" baltic on the Voyager on the flat portions, and 2 layers of 1/8" on the curves. Baltic can also take a hit a whole lot better than luan from a rock, pine cone/ whatever. Just my opinions. Doug

It also depends on your finish.

I bought cheap luaun, broke a sheet apart to see if the core was filler or an actual layer of wood. The stuff at Lowe's was crap, with a particle-board type center, whereas the luaun at Home Depot was 3-ply -- good enough for me.

I'll be fiberglassing most of the trailer, then coating with DuraBak (truck bedliner) -- therefore, the cheap wood will work just as well for me.

If you want to ever see the grain of your wood, you'd be best with Doug's suggestion. I agree with him to avoid bendy ply. It's too bendy; you can get luaun or birch to adhere to the same curves with a bit of work.