Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Has anyone considered using the metal studdinng instead of the normal 2x4??? Weight might be saved as well...even though it may take different tools to build with.

Do you have any plans yet?

As you'll see, studs aren's used the same way you would use them in home constuction. On a TD, the studs are basically to have something to nestle your insulation in, to create your sandwich wall, etc.

For example, my vertical "studs" are actually just some 1 by 2s, which actually measure .75 by 1.5. As you can see, that's not gonna do much to shore anything up all that significantly.

As a matter of fact, some people use solid wall construction, no insulation, so literally no studs at all for structural use.

Might want to check the problem with using steel and Aum. It can cause what they call White Rust. We had that problem when I was working for Safari Motor Coach (Beaver).
Merlin

The only "stud" you'll find in my teardrop is me!


Yeah, yeah, I know, "In my dreams". But, a fella can dream. Can't he?



Seriously, most builders are using wall that are much thinner than your standard 2 x 4. The total wall thickness in my Cubby is 1 1/4 inches. 3/8" plywood outer skin + 3/4" insulation + 1/8 plywood inside skin. The framing between the insulation is only 3/4 inch thick.

Hey Tom, do ya use your stud finder alot?????
Just wonderin.

Steel studs are easy to work with once you get used to them, but many are not designed to be structual members (it depends on what gauge you use). Unless you plan on making 3 1/2" thick walls, they probably wouldn't work, as they are basically C shaped, and don't work well laid flat.

I’m using for spares 1” X 1” square 0.095 metal tubing, bolted to the ¾” plywood sides.


Raul

Boodro wrote:Hey Tom, do ya use your stud finder alot?????
Just wonderin.

I tried one of those things. But, for some reason the arrow always point back towards me.

maybe it is your magnetic personality

Or maybe it's broke??

Sorry just had to say it, it just jumped out there, couldn't help myself, no restraint.

TomS wrote:

Boodro wrote:Hey Tom, do ya use your stud finder alot?????
Just wonderin.

I tried one of those things. But, for some reason the arrow always point back towards me.

Yep, have to keep mine in storage. Got downright anoying having that thing go off every time I got close to it......

Larwyn wrote:

TomS wrote:

Boodro wrote:Hey Tom, do ya use your stud finder alot?????
Just wonderin.

I tried one of those things. But, for some reason the arrow always point back towards me.

Yep, have to keep mine in storage. Got downright anoying having that thing go off every time I got close to it......

I had high hopes when I purchased my stud finder, but I was soon disappointed. It would find dense lumps of wood in the wall and even some walking around on two feet, but no STUDS!

What a waste of money,

Joanne

ralaco wrote:I’m using for spares 1” X 1” square 0.095 metal tubing, bolted to the ¾” plywood sides.


Raul

Raul,

There have been a number of tears built using steel tubing for the frame. I seriously considered building mine that way. After some serious consideration about the pros and cons, I decided to go with traditional wood construction. I am deviating at the galley hatch though. I am going to frame it out of 3/4 x 1 1/2 steel tubing. I've heard a lot of stories about hatches warping or not sealing well when the weather changes so I'm going to try to use steel for mine and see how it works. (Plus I'm more confident in my skills with metal than I am with wood.)

If you are going to build a complete frame out of the 1x1, you won't need 3/4 ply for the outside. Half or quarter ply would work. Some have just skinned with aluminum right over the steel frame.

Joanne

Joanne

No, I’m not building the entire frame with steel, sides are made from ¾” ply and just all the spares are going to be 1x1 steel tubing bolted to the wood sides.


Raul

ralaco wrote:Joanne

No, I’m not building the entire frame with steel, sides are made from ¾” ply and just all the spares are going to be 1x1 steel tubing bolted to the wood sides.


Raul

I understand now! I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress. We all love to see pictures of the build process. (hint!)

Joanne