Roof Spar Spacing

[sunny16]

I'm sure that this has been discussed before but what does everyone have thier roof spars spaced at? That included the front of the trailer to the hatch hinge point. I have found that about 8"-12" is good to keep the 1/8" inside and outside ply sheets tight. My rear hatch I have spaced them at 12" and that seems like it should work ok. I don't think I will put inside and outside plys on the hatch. Only outside, but I will see when I get to that point. What has everyone else done???

[Kens]

Mine all vary in spacing because of window size on the front and roof vent. My TD is 5' wide so ply spacing comes in to play also. Average 12" to 16" Kens

[halfdome, Danny]

When spacing your spars consider the yield from the insulation, where your plywood joints will be and strength. Your spacing seems okay to me. Are you notching your walls for spars or building inside out? Inside out is so much easier, no gaps to deal with & more professional looking. Danny

[madjack]

...our roof spars are set at 9"s because that is just how they worked out and because we used bendy ply which has a tendency to sag...we used 4 3" vertical spars in the hatch, skinning the outside and putting a bead board panel in the center to hide wiring...
madjack

[mikeschn]

I've always tried to use an average of 12"... but it varies depending on where you are on the roof, and what's in the way...

Mike...

[Ira]

Sunny, your trailer is so cool and different, I would think you would follow your own rules.

What size spars do you plan to use?

[asianflava]

Mine are 12in on center.

[GPW]

We started out at 16" on center for the ply layout , but added so many extra ribs in specific locations , it works out to way less... odd spacings were marked on the sides outside to make fastening easier...

[toypusher]

I used approximately 12" on the spars, but of course some were changed to accomadate various things (Like the vent and for lighting suport purposes. I did put an inside skin on my hatch (it was in the plans for the Cubby) but I really think that it looks much nicer and makes it easier to keep clean. Also, on a curved hatch, I think that the inside skin helps offset the 'springback' effect of the outside skin. JMO!!