Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

so in my plan I am going to use the Okoume Marine Plywood 1/4" (6mm) on the exterior over a ply skeleton/insul. but I would like to have the top half exposed and the bottom 2' high covered in a painted aluminum. So first question:

What would be the proper finish for the wood? this trailer will always be stored inside. I am guessing that you only finish the exterior on this otherwise the glue wont adhere to the skeleton.

Secondly, with the 1/4" Okoume on the whole exterior, is there a problem with having the aluminum only half way up as far as water penetration? I know it would be desirable to have the aluminum under so everything is lapped down the side but that doesnt work in this scenario. would it be acceptable to have an aluminum flat trim at the joint with the rubber insert to cover the lap with either butyl tape behind or caulking?

thanks in advance,

I assume the wood will have a natural finish?

Thee way to build a "woody" is to fiberglass/epoxy and then coat with spar varnish for UV resistance. I might suggest you add the aluminum over the glassed and varnished finish. I would add some kind of sealant under the top edge, but not the bottom.

And speaking of epoxy, it doesn't play well with some wood stains. But it works well with aniline wood dyes.

Tony

Tony,

thanks for the reply. I like your book very much

fredo wrote:Tony,

thanks for the reply. I like your book very much