Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I am in the very beginning stage of building a teardrop, in fact I don't even have plans or a trailer yet. I'm thinking through my head what I'd like for the outside and have the idea of using old pallets over the foamboard then my inside board of I'm not sure yet.

What would be the best way to secure all three layers or is this even feasible? For my interior, I'd like to eventually use maps as my "wallpaper.

Or is this just a crazy thought?

Thank you for your thoughts and comments.

Debbie

First question, why do you want to use pallets with the foam? The foam alone has been shown to be quite strong enough for walls and roof, but that doesn't mean it's wrong to mount it to something else. Am just curious if you are doing it for something other than strength.

Second question, are you just meaning reclaimed pallet wood or the entire pallet? Am assuming you mean pallet wood.

It's not a crazy idea... depending on your reason for doing it. But it will add a lot of weight and make construction more complex.

ETA: Pallets aren't built to be taken apart. There's a lot of manual labor involved if you start stripping the wood off. My trailer was factory built so I've already shown an inclination towards laziness but... If I were to try to incorporate pallets, I'd use those for the interior, like bed frame, cabinets, inner flooring, etc.

I'm thinking the pallets will add character to the outside, something different. The foam I assume will act as my insulation???

Reclaimed pallet wood....and there is the thought of using the reclaimed wood as part of the interior build as well.

Well you could just build a foamy normally. Then attach pallet wood on the outside with construction adhesive if it's the look you're after. I might resaw it to 1/4" thick to save weight. Would be an awesome vintage look

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dakippen wrote:I'm thinking the pallets will add character to the outside, something different. The foam I assume will act as my insulation???
Reclaimed pallet wood....and there is the thought of using the reclaimed wood as part of the interior build as well.

You can do pretty much anything provided you don't mind the weight. Pallet wood siding is going to by low strength/weight compared to most products that are used.

Your best strength/weight along with good insulation will be sandwich construction with thin outer layers and foam in the middle. Most in this section use a canvas and Titebond compsosite for the outer layers. It's simple, cheap, doesn't rot, and easy to work with.

If you prefer wood, I'd recommend using thin plywood for the outer layers of your foam sandwich, with a UV and waterproof veneer coating.

I really like building a 'rustic look' camper. My thoughts were to find an old wood fence being taken down and use the 1x6 boards vertically for the sides. Cedar boards would be very nice as they grey pretty and are light weight. The ends of the boards are cut to 4 or 5 feet, whatever the height, and to clean up damaged, worn ends. Battens are cut to seal between each board. My idea used corrugated steel roofing, easy to bend.

Tt

I would like a rustic look, but I also want to watch the weight as well. Since I haven't even started yet, I probably have time to figure out the best option. Thank you for the thoughts and ideas!

Tomterrific wrote:I really like building a 'rustic look' camper. My thoughts were to find an old wood fence being taken down and use the 1x6 boards vertically for the sides. Cedar boards would be very nice as they grey pretty and are light weight. The ends of the boards are cut to 4 or 5 feet, whatever the height, and to clean up damaged, worn ends. Battens are cut to seal between each board. My idea used corrugated steel roofing, easy to bend.

Tt

Something like this?



Or this?



Or perhaps this?

Absolutely!!! but that last image doesn't show... Not to mention hubby would just flip out if I suggested something like that!

Corrugated metal sure solves the roof curve bending problem ... That’s pretty STRONG stuff too ... “ RAT CAMPERS “ ... They’re doing that with pickups and hot rods , so why not ?