Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

The new delimia... which way? I have read all type of posts and possibly know the answer to my madness. I started messing with skins last night. I have some 1/8" birch and some good ole luan.

I placed my ribs 12" centers. I was looking to see how sturdy it was using 1/8". It actually seemed ok but maybe little more flex than I really want. I can go double layer and get what I want. Gluing and water protection will prob remove additional flex. Case solved, right? Nope

I have a couple sheets of luan laying around, yes, box store. I cut one of them to fit and tried it out. It had no flex and was solid. I like the feel but it will take some persuasion. I left it in a bind overnight and getting it to bend but looks like a few more humidity and temperature changes and it might get there.

Wanting to ask the pros... What would you do? Stay with 1/8" and double layer or be patient bend the luan. Lamaination has been an issue with Luan but now I will have to laminate the 1/8". Cost is not really that big of a concern it will end up costing about $100 more.

As always, Thanks for all the advice.

BTW I will be using .040 aluminum

...IMO, with .040 AL, the single 1/8" by itself is sufficient...heck, I laid my .040 AL directly over the spars(8"centers) with no underlayment whatsoever and am completely happy with it...as always with such things, YMMV.......
madjack

thanks for the input... going to can the luan and stay with 1/8 birch. After my post I went next door and laid my hands on their RV and it had almost twice as much flex.

Kevin,

I'm no expert but I used a single layer of 1/8". My spars were spaced at 12" o.c. at the tight curves and 16" o.c. everywhere else (except at the vent fan.)



My 200# have been on the roof several times after the aluminum was installed and it is plenty stout.

Take care, Tom

I used .040 aluminum and 1 layer of 1/8" birch. Very sturdy.

I used 2 layers of 1/8" Birch, laminated together over roof supports spaced at 12 inches.
No interior ceiling paneling (open spars)
I used no aluminum, the Birch is enough.

Rob

Interesting... Over thinking, over building and over spending.. Is it that obvious I'm an American!

Thanks for all the input