These developed first just as a
really simple camper idea ( a "hard tent” ) , and then using that idea as a base camper , everybody could add what they wanted … or not … so we have a continuous evolution of the basic design , which is really kind of Cool , and we’re constantly finding/testing a better way to build it …. Although the original foam and canvas works fine too …
After these 8 + years , we’ve seen all kinds of Foamies …and from what we’ve read here , really all of them were a success … and some have had real Adventures (thousands of miles ) so the system is well tested.
How you build it is How you WANT to build it … Pretty much anything works as long as you stay reasonably close to familiar designs with a long proven history …
Personally I only have a few suggestions gleened over the years of “Foaming” …
1. Use "the Mix" to waterproof any and all wood that you’ll use… It’s Cheap and it works …
2.
Use some kind of "drip edge" to not only keep the rains off , but also the ever present morning dew from permeating your floor ( even thought it’s “treated” . ) We all love to wrap that outer canvas around and under the floor , but if we use Titebond 2 to secure it , the daily moisture is enough to eventually soften the glue and allow water intrusion , and then Rot ( we’ve seen it , done it
) A simple drip edge keeps all the water going past the floor to the ground … keeping your under canvas and floor Dry as toast…
3. Take your time , think it out ( Planning ) , and most important ,
HAVE FUN building it … It’s Really EASY , and a very enjoyable experience . And if you build it right , you end up with a really practical camper trailer that is pretty much maintenance free and Thrifty to maintain .. You can park it outside and not even have to cover it … and they still last a long time …
( WARNING : a personal Opinion ) I’ve worked with Fiberglas , both polyester and epoxy resins for many years now … and in all projects /jobs, the call was always for a Smooth finish , which required MUCH filling, leveling , Sanding and priming … And that was done on HARD substrates with edlectric/air tools and lots of elbow grease … On Foam , that’s going to be tricky unless the glass is of sufficient thickness to be self supporting ( like a boat hull) … Glass is really great for some things , a bit “overkill” on a Foamie Camper trailer … the sandpaper , the masks ,the glass dust .. I’m just too old to deal with that mess
… If you’re set up in a shop equipped for that , then Cool !!!