Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am building (sort of) a teardrop. It won't look exactly like one but the size is comparable. Everything is done as far as framing, insulation etc. I am planning on working on the roof. I just can't figure out the best route to go on this. I was told to not use aluminum due to the fact that the sun can eventually cause it to kink. I was also told not to use galvanized steel as it could rust. Either way, I get mixed communication regarding both. I am thinking rubber roof but only need a small amount of glue (can only find the gallon size). Then, I will have to use a backer of some sort. I am totally lost on what to do. Any ideas?

alisaalthaus wrote:I was told to not use aluminum due to the fact that the sun can eventually cause it to kink. I was also told not to use galvanized steel as it could rust.

Welcome to the forum!!


Who said not to use aluminum?!?! I bet at least half the members on here have trailers that are covered entirely in aluminum! I'd probably stay away from the galvanized though... that would be a bit overkill.

As far as other materials, theres fiberglass, paint, vinyl.... you have many many options. How about some more info on the rest of your build?

oh and btw....

I was told that aluminum would kink if left in the sun too long. It is also very expensive in our area. I was told to use 1/8 tempered hardboard and paint/primer the heck out of it. I may use 1/8 inch marine board, not sure. I can pick up a sheet (rather thin) of aluminum, fibergalss backed 4X8 sheet and use this. I am not sure if I need a backing, tho. The camper has 2X2 rib supports throughout but was told that anything like 1/8 inch material would need a backing. Is this true? Whatever I use, I am going to put a molding from roof to wall to prevent leaking, no overhang. I would show a picture (located on my desktop) but not sure how to bring it in to this message.

Hi alisaalthaus,

Welcome.

I'm no expert, but my build has 2X2 rafters on 24" centers with 1/4' plywood on top. I'll be using fiberglass tape over the seams and three coats of epoxy over everything. I can sit on the roof without hearing a creek, (before the tape and epoxy, that's next weekend), and I'm over 200 lbs.

From what I've read on other folks build albums, many use 1/8" on 1X2 stringers with aluminum over that. When you get a chance, use the search function at the top of your page, and go through some of the build albums. It's unbelievable how many, light weight, methods have been used with great success.

Best of luck on your build.

Brian

Aluminum should not be that expensive, compared to fiberglass. I used 2 4x10 foot sheets, 1 5x10 foot and a 5x12 foot sheet and it was just over $250. As for the kinking part, we have had no problems with it. It does expand, but I used 2 metal strips on the roof to help hold it down.

Kinking!!?? Ever seen an Airstream kink? Trailers (and airplanes) have been built of and sheathed with aluminum for over 75 years with no ill effects. You must be getting bad and odd advice.

By kinking, they may be talking about the ripples that may appear in the aluminum when it gets warm in the sun. I think they call it the oil can effect.

When I put my aluminum on, I glued it down, then cut it and filed it EXACTLY to the edge, then put my trim on. This does not leave any room for expansion in the sun. So yes if you look at my TD just right on a hot day, there will be some ripples, but they go away.

Maybe leave a little room to the edge of your TD with the aluminum (but get it plenty close enough that the trim will cover of course) that might help prevent much "kinking".

Eddie Miller built his of aluminum skin on 1 inch square tubing. The rivets on the bottom and around the hatch are on 2 inch centers, and the rivets in the body are on 1 inch centers. A lot of work, but his does not ripple.