Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am having some problems with my home built teardrop. I bought the Lou Drop Inn not quite a year ago (I did not make it). The side walls have started to warp badly. I am not sure if it would be worth trying to get this fixed, and if so, what needs to be done. The other option would be to just chalk it up to experience and look for another teardrop. I only paid $1900 for it, have really enjoyed it, and would love to try to get it fixed if possible. Anyone have any suggestions???

You can see the first three pics on my album of the problem. If this isn't the right place to post this issue -- please let me know where to post.l

Thanks!

Wow. Sorry to hear about that! It looks like the wood was just painted over and not sealed any more than that and that is why the delamination is happening. I had a similar issue, but due to the endgrain not being sealed and I was able to catch it in time. This looks like it is pretty bad but I am no expert (Or even beginner) to fixing stuff like this, but it does look like the walls need to be replaced. If the inside looks ok, You could try and seal it up and cover it in aluminum but I would worry about mold in your lungs. Lucky it was only $1900. If you do go for a total rebuild, at least you have all the hardware that you will need. I would keep camping in it until it just isn't feasible while in the meantime looking for someone to rebuild for you.

I'd rebuild it. You have all the parts. A few sheets of plywood. I'd skin it this time.

From what I saw of the pictures there is only one side seriously involved up near the top. If you are going to skin it the delaminated portion can be removed and a filler used before the new skin is applied. If you have mold setting in that is another problem and you might have to replace the one side before skinning.

If there is not a mold issue, I would remove the delaminated parts and fill them. Then repaint. If the wood is not warped and the doors and hatch close properly I would skin it with Aluminum. Much cheaper then rebuilding and it will hold up better to the weather.

First -- thanks to all who responded. This is a fabulous forum for bouncing around ideas and asking for help! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Just to add a bit more -- the interior is fine -- no mold or water damage inside. I now have a plastic tarp AND an RV cover over it. So I don't think it will damage further. I like the idea of filling up the damaged areas and then skinning it with aluminum. What type of filler do you recommend? I am not sure I can do the aluminum myself -- where do you start? Are there people out there that can cut the aluminum and attach to the walls. I can do the painting myself -- but not sure about the skinning.

Good solutions all. You can skin it with thin wood too and paint. You will want to seal anything you put on. If you do Alum. you don't have to paint. Perhaps one of our members down there does alum.

Filler=any wood filler or Bondo (cheaper for big jobs) and paint to keep moisture out then cover.

Lou Drop Inn wrote:First -- thanks to all who responded. This is a fabulous forum for bouncing around ideas and asking for help! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Just to add a bit more -- the interior is fine -- no mold or water damage inside. I now have a plastic tarp AND an RV cover over it. So I don't think it will damage further. I like the idea of filling up the damaged areas and then skinning it with aluminum. What type of filler do you recommend? I am not sure I can do the aluminum myself -- where do you start? Are there people out there that can cut the aluminum and attach to the walls. I can do the painting myself -- but not sure about the skinning.

Yeah skinning the teardrop with aluminum is an involves process if you are not an experienced do it yourselfer, I am not sure level on that. With the sheets on top and the sheets on the side it's not hard at all, cut cut em to size and don't mess with any gluing, the trim is the trick in holding it up there and sealing it out. The "cleaning up" of the existing wood is a whole 'nother job in itself too. Too bad you are not closer. Maybe try a craigslist ad? Post some photos and start taking resume's and looking at people's website's or photos of work they have done. It may be tricky because most people are new construction, not repair people.

I am very glad to hear the inside is still doing ok tho!

Aluminum is not the only choice to skin, you might want to try Filon which is a fiber reinforced plastic. It is frequently used on truck bodies so that you can understand its durability. You might be able to find someone in your area that does truck repair and has experience using Filon. If it were me I would consider filling with something like Bondo or other auto body fillers. I know that one of the members of the Buckeye Tearjerkers group does that in the plywood sides of his home build teardrop when bashing around in the sticks.