Question on trailer profile layout, cutting

[papahank]

I've read so many threads here that I've lost track of the ones that talked about laying out the pattern for cutting the trailer sides. I'll be using a grid from my paper plans. I'll also be splicing plywood sheets.

I'd appreciate any links to threads that cover the tips and tricks of layout, splicing, cutting etc. I'm hoping to get started this spring. Thanks.

Steve

[halfdome, Danny]

What you ask for can be attained by the links at the top of every page.

sdtripper2's Indexis a great place to start, the Design Libraryis another along with the Generic Benroy Plans. Another way is to use the Searchbutton. If none of those choices work for you you can click on Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers Forum Index just below the left corner link to the Hall Of Fame and go to topic specific areas. Good luck in your build and try to make it to Spring FlingMemorial Day weekend in Chehalis Washington. You don't need a teardrop to attend, a tent will do. You will learn so much by attending Danny

[Barry and Darby H.]

Ok papahank,
All you do is set your plywood sheets up on the side of your trailer with clamps and start sketching out your profile and after a pencil or two and a six pack of your favorite beverage as a sidekick you'll be ready to cut. It worked for me at least. Good luck

[Arne]

My splice is at the front of the door frame, so is only visisble above and below the door. It is a simple butt joint.

Layout was done using graph paper, each 1/4" square = 2" in real life.

Using that I put in about 6 or 8 nails in the stacked ply for the walls. The nails were placed using measurements on the graph paper. Then I used a thin strip of molding laid around the outside of the nails to get the curve I wanted... and used a pencil to mark the curve... then started cutting off most material with a skill saw, finishing up with a belt sander.

If you go to the link, first page and go down, you will see the stack of 4 sheets of ply pinned together with roofing nails to keep them alligned. I taped small pieces of Styrofoam over the nails to keep from sticking myself.

[aggie79]

As far as laying out the teardrop, make a grid on the plywood. If you have a drywall square it will make laying out the grid much easier. I used a 3-inch grid because that was the grid used for most of the profiles in the design library. A thin piece of wood (batten strip) helps in laying out the curves.