Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Frame is ready and i need to start building the cabin soon.

My frame is build for a 4 foot large cabin, to save cabin space and building time my idea was to build the wall out of 1/2 plywood and forget the insulation. I will put an air conditionner a Fantastic fan and a little heater anyway so i think insulating the top will be sufficient.

I am right with this in mind?

Best regards.

Two out of three of our trailers are 1/2 ply with no insulation and they work just fine for us.
I should add we don't get the extreem temperature changes the are experienced over in the States.

Cheers Dave

A lot have built that way

A lot of the insulation issue depends on were and under what weather condition you want to use your trailer. Also how sensitive to the heat or cold you or your partner are.

Wolfgang

The couple inches lost to the insulation is worth it. No condensation problems which makes moisture which could lead to mold, better sound insulation, and it doesn't get as hot as fast.

Do what you wan to, I'm not saying that it's the olny way to build, but mine is insulated.

asianflava wrote:The couple inches lost to the insulation is worth it. No condensation problems which makes moisture which could lead to mold, better sound insulation, and it doesn't get as hot as fast.

Do what you wan to, I'm not saying that it's the olny way to build, but mine is insulated.

I agree, but I live in TX too, so nobody want's to go to the Cool-hand Luke box Up north same song different temperature, so it depends on where you live. You could try it first. If you don't like it you could retrofit insulation (though it's easier to do up front).

I use 1/2' sides and glue a foam backed rug to the inside walls.



Though no one has ever sought an "R" value for a Foam backed rug it does have some insulating value.

I have never had a condensation problem, it was easy to install, is a nice finish for the inside and is a good middle ground for insulating.

Happy Trails

Len

Nobody here ever mentions it but that closed cell foam you buy for camping at any store like say Walmart works well and is available in different thicknesses. I had used the thin blue closed cell foam to line a homemade metal hardtop I made for my Jeep CJ5 and it worked great, easy to bend and it conformed well to all shapes and it was only 3/8 ths or so thick.

1/2 inch walls for a normal TD should be fine. The air and heater will more than be able to keep up. You don't have your residence listed so can't really answer to how hot or cold you might get.

Miriam C. wrote:1/2 inch walls for a normal TD should be fine. The air and heater will more than be able to keep up. You don't have your residence listed so can't really answer to how hot or cold you might get.

Yep ! Makes it tough helpin'out when we don't know Arizona from Amsterdam.

However being the sleuth I am I went back thru your 20 some post and learned you are buying plywood in Montreal so that is a good hint you are north of us U.S. folk.

Just starting a 4 wide 4 tall teardrop for 2 large folk and it is real tough to give up even an inch or two for insulation. I am very grateful Len mentioned the foam backed carpet for the walls I will probably use that idea in the little 4x7 I am building now.

I personally think the sheet foam insulation is an important part of the build and have both the barn and Chubby insulated. The barn is far more comfortable winter or summer with 2 1/4 inches of closed cell ridged foam in the floor walls and ceiling. Chubby has 1 1/2 in the floor and 3/4 in the walls and with a see thru lexan roof with zero insulatione He has become our spring and fall camper when the temps are moderate. The barn has become the unit of choice for hot summer weather as well as cold winter camping simply because it is easier to keep it comfortable.

Only the ceiling is insulated in our trailer. The walls are ply. We have never had a temp. problem and have camped to 12 degrees F. so far. We do have a 12 V bedwarmer that takes the chill off when it is really cold. On the other hand, condensation on the wall is an issue. Not so much that I would do it differently or make any changes, but if you touch the wall in the am, you get wet. We are trying a box of humidity remover crystals for closets to see it that helps.

nevadatear wrote: We are trying a box of humidity remover crystals for closets to see it that helps.

Make sure and post how well it works. That is a great idea... if it works

Bobhenry is right, i stay in Canada but i will travel to the states eventually.(route 66)
I will check if i can find a thin insulating material but a little bit of air circulation will control the condensation. Always better compare to a tent.

Next teardrop will be wider and insulated.

Best regards.

If, you already have plans for a "next"...build with the 1/2".
Sounds to me like lots of folks have made it work.

I'm just a 'wanna-be-builder' at the moment; mine will get the insulation because I don't plan to build another soon after this one......

My idea was to build a 5 foot large Teardrop and i already had the metal for the frame and finally buy a abandoned project from an other person to save time.Frame is nice but the cabin need to be start from the beginning.

With all the things my wife wants to have in this teardrop i am already out of space.She wants a portable toilet inside and my idea was to build an extension on the tongue but the frame is too short for that.

For a thin insulation i think neoprene fabric will get good results, a little pricey but cheaper by the quantity.(group buying?)

http://www.foamorder.com/neoprene.html

Regards.