Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am getting back to work on my build, the "Slowmobile". Has anyone used an exterior Vinyl as a roof material. My thought was to use some left over Epoxy I have as a sealer and glue on the Vinyl top material. It worked on cars for years. I found some fabric here http://www.glfi.com/vinylbook_tonneaupage.htm that has been used for tonneau tops. It is 78 " wide so no seams and is UV protected. There are also some Marine Vinyls that sound like they could work. Any thoughts?

Actually the abhesive that is used for vinyl tops was a contact cement.

I use marine vinyl from Joann Fabrics. Its uv protected and withstands all temperatures. Even had to store the trailer outside two winters ago and it had 10" of snow on the roof.

Its regularly $16.99/yd but they always have sales and send me coupons for 40 or 50% off. They only carry 54" wide though.

Hey Zach, what did you do under the vinyl as a sealer? Also did you use contact cement to adhere it as Wingnut suggested?

My brother used marine vinyl on his cabin car, and also on our td. He didn't use adhesive, as he wanted to allow for expansion and contraction in cold and heat. It's held in place by the trim. If we need to replace it at some point, it's a matter of popping some screws and sliding it out.

Love the way vinyl tops look. We got our vinyl on EBay.

Woodbutcher wrote:Hey Zach, what did you do under the vinyl as a sealer? Also did you use contact cement to adhere it as Wingnut suggested?

I didn't use anything. Its a convertible and the top snaps on and off. Underneath is just a screen.



Even with all the snow, the vinyl held up really well.

Well that is reassuring!!!

TPCE will get canvas adhered over 1-1/2 inches of foam board backed by a thin ply ceiling. There will be a pair of double spars at the vent fan, and the cabinet frames and bulkhead will add additional spar like structure. Some folks were a little worried that it might sag if it gets caught in an early/late snow storm unexpcetedly. After seeing the Equis under that much snow I am reassured that all is not doom.

Thanks guys, I think I am going to try the Vinyl. Zach, I really like your setup with the convertible top. Must be nice waking up on a nice morning looking into the trees! Nice job.

I ended up using a marine vinyl over 2 coats of epoxy. Contact cement for bonding. It has worked out great so far. Good luck with your build.

Here is the link to the place I bought from. They have a store near me and I was able to go in a pick it up. They do have some material that goes up to 62" wide , so I did not have any seams.

http://www.duboisfabrics.com//aboutus.asp

I am very happy with the vinyl I used on the roof of my homebuilt. It is called Brun Tuff, comes in several colors and is completely waterproof. I ordered it from a company called Your Auto Trim and I think its url is yourautotrim.com but I could be off on that. Anyway it is worth an internet search to see what they have.

Jerome

the vinyl i put on my 3rd TD, which i got from your autotrim.com, has failed miserably after 3 years...and the luan i used is peeling apart..
the good news is the tires still look like new.

Jiminsav wrote:the vinyl i put on my 3rd TD, which i got from your autotrim.com, has failed miserably after 3 years...and the luan i used is peeling apart..
the good news is the tires still look like new.

From upholstery experience. No fabric will be able to withstand the full elements of the outdoors forever. Only those convertible tops that have been kept in the garage out of the sunlight and away from the rain are the ones that endure. Ever notice that automobiles with vinyl tops needing to replaced? Canvas awing that fade and rip? And yes. . .even marine vinyl fails as well. Sure we have I made plenty of $$$ replacing automotive trim, convertible tops, marine seating and it's the same old story - Fabric just doesn't last for long outside unprotected. Manufactures will give you the Blah, Blah, Blah, about how resistant their product is and will even show you the warranty. Not being negative here, but if that is the look your're going after - then by all mean go for it. As for me, the only vinyl that I'll put on the exterior of a camper is sign vinyl - it's made to hold up to the elements.

I was just about to ask about how the trailer was stored, and how the vinyl failed.


My situation is a little different - as I can replace the vinyl roof fairly cheap and in only a couple hours. But I'm curious as to how long other trailers with "permanent" vinyl roofs hold up.

The vinyl on my Hog is going strong after 5 yrs, she's stored outside, under a canopy. I know eventually I'll need to replace it, but so far, all's good.