Trim Craziness...

[ddcronk]

I'm building from the Kuffel Creek plans, which I like quite a bit, but occasionally they leave me scratching my head. This is one of those times. The plans supply a lengthy parts list with all kinds of trim pieces, to include aluminum angle, channel, flat stock and T-molding. I mean (what seems like) 40 pounds of aluminum trim. And then the instructions will have a helpful photo with the annotation, "Applying the corner trim."

Ooookay, but I can't tell if that is the channel, the angle (of which there is three types), or what.

The plans read like friendly instructions from a knowledgeable neighbor, but sometimes a more engineering-style approach would be appreciated.

But enough whining. I am skinning in 5052 .032" aluminum. What kind of trim did you guys use around the edges of the roof? On the edges of the galley? The door/doorway? Did you buy local or have it shipped in? Is it possible to have ten-foot long roof trim pieces shipped?

I am pulling my hair out trying to find out how the parts list at the back of the instruction book applies to the information in the middle!

Thanks so much for your help.

Dan

[markhusbands]

I'm not working off any plans, but I have pretty much resolved to buy pre-softened trim from one of the several distributors that carry teardrop specific products. Lil Bear Tagalongs is one, owned by a very helpful guy that can offer all sorts of advice and sketches on how to trim various aluminum stuff.

The very small potential savings that I see for Home Depot type trim, which then needs to be annealed, doesn't seem worth it to me.

[tonyj]

Having started my project from the kuffle creek plans (which has good basic info), changed course and incorporated info from the basic benroy plans on this site.

Have to agree that buying the softer trim from a supplier (and more kudos for grant whipp and his continued support of this community!) will save you loads of time compared to buying from a big box store, shortening legs and annealing. Unless you are hard-headed like me and love self-punishment while learning new skills, contact grant or some other rv vendor.

[Festus]

I bought the windows, door latches and hurricane hinge from Grant, but I bought most of the trim locally for two reasons. (1) I wanted long lengths for the roof edge trim and (2) it was too costly to have the long lengths shipped. I found an RV manufacturer that would sell me the trim that I needed in 16 foot lengths, so I didn't have to piece the roof edge moulding. I also picked up some T moulding and channel at a surplus liquidation store for a song. Check your local options out too. Building a teardrop is a lot like a scavenger hunt to find the various parts, but that's half the fun.