Newbie needs advice

[MLT]

Greetings,

I came across this site while trying to decide how to build an enclosed Utility Trailer without breaking the bank. I have to say this site is a great resource with LOT's of information, in fact I've had a hard time digesting all the great info here and wanted to "Play Back" what I feel that I've learned to make sure I'm starting out on the right foot. My wife and I like to camp and after seeing all the great campers on this site I plan to build a TD after I finish the Utility trailer - in other words I'm hooked on the TD's

As I stated above, for my first build I'm going with a 5' X 8' trailer using a new trailer frame that I purchased at Northern Tools, it's not a kit but already built with angle-iron and I will add a floor made from a 2x2' frame and 5/8ths ply and coat the underside with Asphalt emulsion.

The sides will be 5-1/2' high and 8' long with a flat roof and a rear door - basically like U-Haul trailer. From what I have read I will go with "Sandwich" type sides and I'm wondering if using Lauan on both the inside and outside skin will be ok. Note the trailer will be used to haul remote control planes and will be kept in my garage and will only be outside during events. However I wonder if it’s worth the extra cost to go with sanded pine or birch plywood. This may sound silly but I want to be able to have a finish that doesn't look like wood, I want the trailer to look like it's clad in aluminum. Looking at the Lauan it seems like it would have a smoother finish than the sanded pine and my local BigBox store doesn’t carry furniture grade ply.

Speaking of finish, I plan to go with an oil base paint that is thinned so it will soak into the wood. That way I can lightly sand the ply with 400 grit sandpaper to remove any grain that has been raised by applying the paint. Because I will have seams in the ply, should I use fiberglass tape to cover the seams? If so what would I use to feather out from fiberglass tape? I assume this step would be like taping and finishing dry wall which I’ve done many times.

Sorry for the long post, there is so much information that I’ve become quite overwhelmed.

MLT

[Miriam C.]

to the playground MLT.

Is there a reason you don't just go with aluminum? You can use Luan but make sure it is not falling apart. The last I got the back layer was coming off. Look forward to seeing you build.

[tinksdad]

Two things jump to mind reading your post...

First, unless you plan on dancing on it, I think 5/8" flooring may be overkill, unless you don't care about the extra weight.. The 2x2 framing to get you level (or at least to the top of the channel on the NT frame) probably isn't a bad choice. I used 3/8" flooring on a 1x? frame on my HF frame.

Second..... to get the appearance of aluminum clad without the wood grain showing, you are going to need a good sanding sealer before you apply the top coat. I used Rustoleum Enamel aluminum finish, and from a distance it looks like anodized aluminum. Up close you can still see the wood grain on the birch plywood I used. Any time you add a liquid finish to wood, it is going to raise the grain unless you use some type of product to address this issue.

When you get started, post some ...
We all like to see the progress!!

[MLT]

to the playground MLT.

Is there a reason you don't just go with aluminum? You can use Luan but make sure it is not falling apart. The last I got the back layer was coming off. Look forward to seeing you build.

I guess the main reason I don't go with Aluminum is the cost, ~ $65.00 a sheet. Also thanks for the "heads up" on the lauan, after looking at some today I'm not so sure I will use Lauan on the outside.

MLT

[MLT]

Two things jump to mind reading your post...

First, unless you plan on dancing on it, I think 5/8" flooring may be overkill, unless you don't care about the extra weight.. The 2x2 framing to get you level (or at least to the top of the channel on the NT frame) probably isn't a bad choice. I used 3/8" flooring on a 1x? frame on my HF frame.

Second..... to get the appearance of aluminum clad without the wood grain showing, you are going to need a good sanding sealer before you apply the top coat. I used Rustoleum Enamel aluminum finish, and from a distance it looks like anodized aluminum. Up close you can still see the wood grain on the birch plywood I used. Any time you add a liquid finish to wood, it is going to raise the grain unless you use some type of product to address this issue.

When you get started, post some ...
We all like to see the progress!!

Thanks for the tip on the flooring and the sand and sealer. I visited my local lumber supply and I am seriously considering 1/2" Birch with limited 1x framing. The 1/4 birch and lauan was very thin and wavy and since this will be a utility trailer, I'm not concerned with insulation.

Oh I will be sure to post pictures, but it will be after Thanksgiving before I start.

MLT