Thrifty Alternatives ..Building Foam Campers

[linuxmanxxx]

Well if you were wondering what formica over a stick frame and foam looks like.......here you go. Sticks very well to the foam and frame with 30nf.

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[linuxmanxxx]

Continued

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[GPW]

Mel , I’m assuming each section would be glued up , screwed, stapled , whatever (the wood bits) , Then the whole sub assembly would get the mix , then foam glued on ... (GG does stick to the mix ) ..
At this point I’d be wanting a Large size FLAT assembly table ... But I know, having no table that size , I’ll end up crawling around on the floor for this (knee pads indicated)
Considering half lap wood joins for the cross members, roof “rafters” , that would “key” into the side panels . Then foam applied over them , so we’d be thinking of a pre inside covered panels for the roof/ceiling , and perhaps staining the wood , since it will be exposed ..unless we wanted to fill in between the rafters , giving us a thicker , more insulated roof .. That’s always good eh ?

This is a lot more woodworking than I care to get into ... spoiled by the assembly of thick foam sheets ... Money I save on foam I spend on labor .. and at my labor prices , that gets EXPENSIVE quick ... So it may be penny wise , and Foam foolish to worry about the price of the thicker foam ...

Ok, I ’m feeling much better about all this again ... I’ll just BUY ( ) the foam I need and be done with it .... it’s still a Big savings whichever way I look at it ... Apparently , Thrifty also has to be Smart and Calculating..

Now she tells me : “ you know how claustrophobic I am ! “ ... Great !!! Now she tells me ...

Stevexxx, I really like the idea of a Formica wainscoting on the inside , some of that modernistic stuff, half way up the wall ... maybe some cool wall covering up the rest and on the ceiling .. Decor !!! This one will be to make the wife comfortable ... if possible

Ever since I mistakenly showed the wife that "I dream of Genie" interior , that’s what she’s expecting ...

[linuxmanxxx]

Hey the formica is horrendously light and strong so might just wanna take it to the ceiling. The weight difference of it over the aluminum is akin to the difference in steel and aluminum. I got it 25 a sheet on clearance. It also comes in 5 x 12 sheets and it's oversized a very nice surprise.

[GPW]

Question ... Is anybody able to obtain 2” foam at the Loews or HD any more .. I see it’s not listed on their sites ? ...

[eaglesdare]

i haven't been up there lately. not sure when i will be going back that way. but i will look.

[eaglesdare]

does anyone have a link to where one might beable to purchase "aliner" doors. i would like to get a price range on them. but i just can't find any. i will be calling soon, but would at least like to know the amount of money i would have to come up with.

[GPW]

What does an A liner door look like ? ( I’ll check).... You can’t build one yourself ??? Just a door eh ?

[GPW]

Judging from the site pics http://www.aliner.com/campers/Sport it looks pretty easy to make something like this .... just a lot of hinging to seal .. and you’d have to plan ahead with careful measurements as the panels have to be properly offset to fold inward upon each other , meaning one side could be higher (slightly ) than the other to accomplish this ...
The door is just another folding door ... same old thing ...
I like where they put the AC , but their toilet placement under the bed/dinette is questionable ...

[eaglesdare]

i don't want to fuss with making doors again. would be much easier to just buy them.
i was thinking once i get the doors, i will just start building around that.
these doors have to be the 1/2 open type doors, not sure how to describe that. but if you looked up aliners, then you know what i am talking about.

[GPW]

Yes , I saw them ... looks like a piano hinge in the middle ... Nuttin’ to it !!!

[linuxmanxxx]

An aliner style build has always intrigued me but the numerous seems and laps screams water inside water inside. Plus it starts getting into not as good noise isolation. When I get more established I might play with this design and concept some.

[GPW]

Seems it would need a LOT of good weather striping to keep it dry ... especially around here...

[eaglesdare]

hmm, i thought about that rain/water issue. but when i looked at the aliners up close, i think that really isn't an issue. the main wall overlaps the other walls. with weather stripping fit just right i just don't see the problem.

so has anyone been able to find those doors? any idea of price range on them?

[linuxmanxxx]

Honestly since it's proprietary and such a niche market, I doubt you will find anything aftermarket.