Protect me from my stupidity

[Myke]

Went to price materials today and had a question. All the plywood I looked at in 3/8 and 1/2 was either interior or weather protected applications. When I lifted one corner of either size to check to see if there was a decent side, without a lot of knot holes, even the 1/2" had quite a bit of flex. I looked at the OSB. It was also for weather protected applications, but when I lifted it, it didn't flex. When I built houses, we used OSB for walls and roofing. I called my father-in-law, he said OSB is stronger than plywood but weighs more. He suggested interior paneling, foam insulation and 1x2 framing and just using T1-11 siding for the exterior. I hope to have the floor done next weekend,so I have a little time before building walls. If the OSB is properly sealed, marine paint?, is there a reason not to use it?
Myke

[halfdome, Danny]

Myke, you may want to read through this thread about OSB.:D Danny

[Myke]

Danny,thanks for the thread. I did a search for OSB, but couldn't find one. After reading I've come to a conclusion. To each there own. It seems for every question asked there are reasons for and against it. I guess the best we can do is take all the information, and try to make an educated decision. I agree that the price of plywood won't make the camper beyond my budget compared to OSB. I was more concerned with the strength and rigidness. I'll admit. once they are together, the plywood seems rigid enough.
Thanks
Myke

[halfdome, Danny]

My current build I'm using what's called Pacific Birch Light. It doesn't look like any Birch I've seen, but I'm covering it all up. Nothing will be exposed to the elements. It's a 12 ply 3/4" X 49" X 97" sheet weighing in at 47.2 pounds and $44 per sheet wholesale. It seems very solid and when all the components are assembled I'll have a very solid and ridged box/teardrop. Danny

[toypusher]

Myke, I would not worry about the flex if you are going to use framing. You can use 1/4" outside, 3/4" framing, insulation, 1/8" inside skin and it will be plenty strong.

[mikeschn]

Kerry is right. You either build a torsion box body and minimize the chassis, or you build on a solid chassis and minimize the body.

Mike...

[Classic Finn]

My current build I'm using what's called Pacific Birch Light. It doesn't look like any Birch I've seen, but I'm covering it all up. Nothing will be exposed to the elements. It's a 12 ply 3/4" X 49" X 97" sheet weighing in at 47.2 pounds and $44 per sheet wholesale. It seems very solid and when all the components are assembled I'll have a very solid and ridged box/teardrop. Danny

Hi Danny

What are you building this time?

[halfdome, Danny]

My current build I'm using what's called Pacific Birch Light. It doesn't look like any Birch I've seen, but I'm covering it all up. Nothing will be exposed to the elements. It's a 12 ply 3/4" X 49" X 97" sheet weighing in at 47.2 pounds and $44 per sheet wholesale. It seems very solid and when all the components are assembled I'll have a very solid and ridged box/teardrop. Danny

Hi Danny

What are you building this time?

Heikki, I'm building pretty much the same as before. You can check out my TD#3 progress in myWWW button below. Jane talked to someone at work and said Heikki is the Finnish equivalent for Henry. Is that so? Danny

[bobhenry]

If the OSB is properly sealed, marine paint?, is there a reason not to use it?
Myke

There are those on the forum who have a lot more disposable income than I. Mike is correct build with the best materials you can afford. I am the heratic I used osb on 2 teardrops. My first was a little 3x5 tear to be pulled by my motorcycle. It has sat out 2 1/2 years rain sleet snow and ice here in Indiana. It has survived because I put 2 heavy heavy coats of polar seal white rubberized roof coat on every piece and after assembly I coated every seam and edge. It looks like the day I built it . There is no swelling or delamination. If you need to keep cost down it works, if you can spend more use the better materials.

[Miriam C.]

If you are going to skin over the osb you can use it, but get the kind intended for roofing. MO only! Someday I am going to make one and seal it with epoxy so I can have the outside looking like the OSB. I really like the patchy look.

[Myke]

BobHenry, I looked at your album to find the osb tear. That teardrop dog house is pretty cool.
Myke

[bobhenry]

BobHenry, I looked at your album to find the osb tear. That teardrop dog house is pretty cool.
Myke

Most of the build pics for the toy trailer are on pages 10 & 11 ! Did you find them ?