Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Has anyone ever used a vinyl roof on their TD? I have a line on some nice UV rated vinyl for free and have toyed with the idea of using it as a roof. It might be a temporary thing just to see how it works. I may later add a different roof. I thought it might be lighter and hey...it's free!

I used it on the "Slowmobile"

It works well. But it took six people to install it. Once you use the contact cement on both surfaces it can not touch till it is in it's "perfect" spot. You can not move it once it sticks down. I am happy with it.

My removable convertible roof is marine grade vinyl. Works great!

I was thinking about making it removable, at least some parts of it. I also thought about using the vinyl instead of a hatch over the kitchen area. What material did you have underneath to glue it to?

Theres nothing underneath my vinyl. Just a couple boards and a screen roof!

absolutsnwbrdr wrote:Theres nothing underneath my vinyl. Just a couple boards and a screen roof!

Did you add any insulation to the cover? I saw a picture of your teardrop on a different site and really liked the idea. I have some vinyl that I would like to use as the roof hoping that would trim some of the weight. If I were to do something similar, do you have any suggestions/advice?

Thanks

The vinyl roof itself doesn't have any insulation. However, I did make removable insulation panels that I can install on the inside for cold weather camping trips.

Here are all the panels laid out in order from front to rear. Its basically two layers of 3/4" insulation glued together. One layer fits between the roof spars, and the other layer create a "ceiling".



Here's the main rear panel installed




If you're going to make the top removable, just install the snaps a couple at a time, alternating sides. And be sure to pull the vinyl snug across the roof.

absolutsnwbrdr wrote:The vinyl roof itself doesn't have any insulation. However, I did make removable insulation panels that I can install on the inside for cold weather camping trips.

Cool idea and something I can add later on if I want. Overall, how do you feel about the screen and vinyl top? If you were to build again, would you go with a hard cover? I have some reinforced vinyl that is uv rated (and free!) so that is what has me think about going this route. I also like not having to put windows in right away as there is plenty of air flow in your design. I think I could use the vinyl as a covering for a foamie if I wanted as well so I am considering both options. I suppose it wouldn't take much to put a hard roof on if I wanted.

Thanks!

Dirk

I've built two teardrops, and they've both been convertibles. My next one (whenever that may be) will be a convertible too.

Wondering, what's your opinion of sewing a thick comforter to some marine vinyl and making an insulated soft top like that?

Wimperdink wrote:Wondering, what's your opinion of sewing a thick comforter to some marine vinyl and making an insulated soft top like that?

I think insulation is insulation...meaning it would be better than no insulation at all and it would be inexpensive but there are better insulators out there. However, it would work in the meantime until you have some extra cash to buy something better. I am all about using what you have on hand and then upgrading later. You may want to glue it on so as not to introduce any holes that could cause potential leaks. I had looked at the reflectix insulation at the local big box store. It comes in rolls and has foil on both sides. I think it would work well. I think I might make it like a blanket that would lay over top of the screened in area with some velcro or snaps just to hold it in place. Then put the canvas back on top.