Durability In Materials For An Always In The Weather?

[Cathy P.]

I was looking through the threads and came across the one about how people protect their teardrops from the weather. I was thinking I want a camper that doesn't have to be protected from the weather. I am aware of what happens when materials get wet where they shouldn't though.

I am looking at the manufactured teardrops and mini trailers. They can seem very alike and very different at the same time. If looking for one that doesn't need to be under cover and will get heavy usage, what are the more durable materials. I know that better everything counts but that becomes more difficult when you aren't building your own.

Wood on the outside? Guess it would depend on if marine, quality and what coated in? Now, putting the aluminum over the wood, I'm thinking it might come unglued if even a smaller amount of water got between the two? I know anything "sandwiched" can come delaminated. I have noticed that most that sell them concentrate on giving details of the finished product rather than the build. I have found that I can get more info when CoolTears magazine covers them.

So, basically, I'm thinking of all the worst case scenarios and not really figuring anything out. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Of course, I would work to keep everything in tip-top shape being frugal, if there is a way to make it last, I find it. Thanks!

[Shadow Catcher]

Aluminum, Filon as long as you keep it sealed. some of the earliest aluminum tears are still around and I think our Filon tear will out live us.

[MtnDon]

I second that. Have a look at what the big RV makers use... nobody uses wood exteriors.

[les45]

It's not especially the skin on the outside as much as the joints where the skin breaks that causes the problems. My neighbor recently bought what looked like a really nice camper trailer only to find when he got it home that it had leaked at several joints to the tune of $6,000 in damages. I would be more concerned about treating the wood under the skin and making sure all joints are absolutely watertight.

[dogscats]

look at the fiberglass eggs with boned fiberglass .Boat up side down Make sure it's molded fiberglass . Filon has seams where water can get in

[GPW]

QUOTE: "Have a look at what the big RV makers use” ... Yes , they make a LOT of Money off repairing their products ... mostly from water damage ... No incentive to make them last , they’d lose profit ...
Which is why we came up with the Foamie trailer ... no worry even if it leaks (improbable) , Nothing to Rot !!! ( see Foamie trailers )

[Cathy P.]

Thanks for everyone's input.

[booyah]

epoxy and fiberglass at the seams, then protect the epoxy from the sunlight with exterior grade paint.

its like an upside down boat hull. I do cover it in the winter so I dont get snow melt in the fantastic fan vent hatch.