It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:49 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 341 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ... 18  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 10:55 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
You have the right idea. A small unit like yours wont take much to heat or cool. Insulation and reflective material are your friends. The idea is to limit the amount of times your heating and cooling system has to cycle off and on and the runtime for each cycle. Our 4 season trailer is insulated with residential rigid foam, batten insulation, and reflective foil insulation. We also have thermal pane windows.

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:37 am 
Offline
LOST Addict

Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:15 am
Posts: 1439
Location: Pennsylvania
dieselenthusiast wrote:
You have the right idea. A small unit like yours wont take much to heat or cool. Insulation and reflective material are your friends. The idea is to limit the amount of times your heating and cooling system has to cycle off and on and the runtime for each cycle. Our 4 season trailer is insulated with residential rigid foam, batten insulation, and reflective foil insulation. We also have thermal pane windows.



Must be one heavy trailer...

Foil backed foam insulation is the best in any situation. Being that the seams are properly sealed. Bat insulation is way to heavy to use in any trailer or rv.

Also, bat insulation is pretty inneficiant compared to foam insulation. :2cents:

_________________
2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15

ATS42rle


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 7:17 am 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
PALiftedKK wrote:
Must be one heavy trailer...

Foil backed foam insulation is the best in any situation. Being that the seams are properly sealed. Bat insulation is way to heavy to use in any trailer or rv.

Also, bat insulation is pretty inneficiant compared to foam insulation. :2cents:


Actually, it's a very lightweight trailer considering it has the strongest chassis in the industry. It's also known as one of the best insulated 4 season campers in the industry. The ceiling alone has 5" inches of insulation. Here are the specs:

Dry Axle Weight (approx. Lbs.): 4128
Dry Hitch Weight (approx. Lbs.): 550
Net Carrying Capacity: 2822
Gross Dry Weight - Lbs.: 4678
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) - Lbs.: 7500
Exterior Length (approx. w / hitch): 23'10"
Exterior Height (approx.): 10'3"
Exterior Width (approx.): 8'6"

ROOF TRUSS SYSTEM
Heavy Gauge One Piece Roof Membrane
3/8" Plywood Sheathing (Bonded to Trusses)
R-15 Reflective 'Arctic' Foil Insulation
R-18 Dual Layer Fiberglass Insulation
Bow Style Roof Trusses (Bonded to Ceiling)
Interior Lamination Grade Lauan Plywood


HIGH DENSITY ONE PIECE LAMINATED WALLS
Designer Interior Decor Finish Paneling
Heavy Gauge Fully Welded Aluminum Superstructure
Solid Wood Fill - Full Thread Depth Anchor Blocking
Virgin 2 lb Rigid Dense Block Foam Insulation
Steel Inlaid Bonderizer Anchor Strips
Lamination Grade Lauan Plywood Exterior Wall Layer
Second Lauan Layer
Corona Treated High Durability Fiberglass Outer Layer

ULTIMATE DURABILITY FLOOR STRUCTURE
Residential Quality Plush
Commercial Carpeting Commercial Grade Linoleum with 20 mil Surface
5/8" T&G Plywood Decking (not chipboard)
R-7 Residential Grade Fiberglass Insulation
Reinforced Woven Highway Moisture Barrier

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 6:24 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Today's progress: the windshield wall frame.

Image

I set the front windows in their frames to see how they look. :thumbsup:

Image

These fixed front windows are a different design than the rectangular windows that open at the top (which I am using on the sides of the trailer). Does anyone have any experience installing trailer windows? I am not very clear how these windows attach and seal to the body, as there are no screw holes.

Image

Image

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Last edited by lfhoward on Thu Aug 20, 2015 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 6:32 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Here are the side windows for comparison.

Image

Image

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2015 9:38 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
As promised, here are pics! The plywood has gone up fast, and what you see here is about 2 afternoons worth of work. I took the pictures as the sun was setting, so they are a little dark, but you get the idea!

Image

A little closer in:
Image

One of the front utility cabinets (passenger's side):
Image

The weatherproof outlets for the "kitchen" on the passenger's side:
Image

A look inside thru the back door:
Image
You can see the compressor for the nail gun, plugged into the trailer's AC outlets. Super handy to be able to instantly tack the walls on after painting glue on the frame.

The electrical cabinet on the driver's side (also note the shore power inlet near the fender):
Image
I have my battery charger/converter running the lights. Batteries aren't installed yet.

Speaking of lights!
Image

The porch light is very handy also.
Image

Here's what it looks like when off:
Image

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2015 10:35 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
The craftsmanship looks good. What do you plan to wrap the exterior with?

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2015 10:53 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Thanks!

The exterior will be covered in 0.04 inch thick aluminum sheeting (5x8 so I don't have to splice it except on the roof). I have aluminum edge moldings for the roof corners and the door openings. At this point I'm still shopping for aluminum sheets. I found some good prices online but the cost of shipping makes it a non-starter. I'm hoping to find a place locally that can supply the sheet metal. I'd like to get aluminum that is pre-painted white, although a plain silver aluminum exterior would look good too.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:47 am 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
lfhoward wrote:

The exterior will be covered in 0.04 inch thick aluminum sheeting (5x8 so I don't have to splice it except on the roof).


That will also help with structural integrity. I've read that block insulation and one piece exterior coverings will help reinforce the structure. Does your trailer flex at all?

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:58 am 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Hardly any flex at all, because it is so overbuilt by the military. However, I think it would probably flex a little bit over bumps at 65 mph or off-road.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 12:23 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
The trailer looks like it's pretty rock solid. I would just make sure that the frame is anchored to the trailer in the best way possible and ensure structural integrity by wrapping the walls tightly. The biggest problem with trailers is keeping moisture and condensation out. Windows in the frontal area are usually hard to keep sealed. This is why some RV manufacturers stopped placing windows on the front. Many trailer companies are now going to a front cap as a way to ensure that moisture isn't being driven into the seems of the trailer. Many caps wrap the front and place the seam on the side of the trailer versus putting the seam at the front's outer edge. The same goes for the roof seams. Making sure that water doesn't seep between the floor of your camper and the trailer floor will be important too. You could always make a few cutouts in the camper's floor so that you can inspect for moisture. These are just suggestions.

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:31 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Yes, moisture is the enemy. I'm on tnttt.com, the teardrop trailer forum, learning as much as I can about best practices to assemble the trailer and skin it to be waterproof. I've made a few mistakes (using silicone sealer, for example), but nothing that can't be fixed or accounted for at this point, but all in all it's turning out nicely. Today I installed the back wall (no door yet) and one side wall's worth of interior insulation. There is just one major exterior panel left, which is the front slanted "windshield." I'm working on finding trim rings for those two radius corner windows so that they can be installed tightly and permanently. Those windows don't open, so that will help keep water out better than an opening window-- no seams to keep closed.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 8:57 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
I got the last piece of exterior plywood installed today: the windshield! Here it is with the two radius corner windows sitting in place.

Image

And a close up:
Image

In addition, I went over all of the gaps with PL Premium today. I made sure to squirt it in to the gaps carefully enough to seal the end grain of the plywood pieces.

I'm thinking the next step is to polyurethane waterproof the plywood shell, before the aluminum goes on.

I also have to make the doors and install the windows. Once it is secure and watertight, I'll move on to building the interior.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:08 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict

Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:15 am
Posts: 1439
Location: Pennsylvania
lfhoward wrote:

Image


I'm thinking the next step is to polyurethane waterproof the plywood shell, before the aluminum goes on.

I also have to make the doors and install the windows. Once it is secure and watertight, I'll move on to building the interior.


its pretty pricey, but have you looked at rubber butyl tape for around the windows?

also pecora is pretty awesome stuff! its rubber butyl in a tube. the tape and "caulking" is ever so slightly better then the tape.

EDIT: I completely forgot about Tremco..... their the Porsche of the industry.

http://www.tremcosealants.com/products/tremco-butyl-sealant.aspx

_________________
2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15

ATS42rle


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:17 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:32 am
Posts: 3100
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Hi PA!

Yes, I have my eye on some RV putty / butyl tape for the windows and for the roof vent fan. Also going to use it under the roof's aluminum corner moldings. Good to know about Pecora... that is new to me.

Any ideas for a good paint-on/roll-on polyurethane waterproof sealer? The whole plywood body needs to be shellacked! The aluminum will be the primary defense against moisture, but if the plywood has a waterproof seal on it, then there would be a second line of defense.

_________________
2008 Liberty Sport 4x4 Automatic
Image
Jeepin By Al 4" Lift Kit
BFG KO2’s 245/75R16
Full MOPAR skid plates
Rock Lizard Skink Super Sliders
AtTheHelm Front Recovery System & Roof Rack

M116A3 Trailer build thread: viewtopic.php?f=72&t=77997


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:23 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict

Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:15 am
Posts: 1439
Location: Pennsylvania
lfhoward wrote:
Hi PA!

Yes, I have my eye on some RV putty / butyl tape for the windows and for the roof vent fan. Also going to use it under the roof's aluminum corner moldings. Good to know about Pecora... that is new to me.

Any ideas for a good paint-on/roll-on polyurethane waterproof sealer? The whole plywood body needs to be shellacked! The aluminum will be the primary defense against moisture, but if the plywood has a waterproof seal on it, then there would be a second line of defense.



please ogh god stay away from putty.... tremco or pecoras rubber butyl is perfect.

let me look into the sealant for the plywood. when I specified buildings I didn't really specify plywood based sealers mainly because no commercial building I specified had a board of plywood on it.

ill post it back up on here as a reply or EDIT:.

_________________
2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15

ATS42rle


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 10:11 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict

Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:15 am
Posts: 1439
Location: Pennsylvania
disreguard my PM.

ExoAir 120

http://www.tremcosealants.com/products/exoair-120.aspx

call Rafael at 8564958089, I personally never met him, he must be the new guy there.

tell him exactly what your doing. most reps will help you out and refer you to their competitors. which is not odd at all.

if your able to get your hands on this... your golden! :rockon:

_________________
2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15

ATS42rle


Last edited by PALiftedKK on Mon Aug 31, 2015 10:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 10:17 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
Plywood does not expand and contract like solid wood, so that is working for you. I would just make sure that you use Dicor sealant around the windows and all the other seams. Depending on how much you use the trailer and how it is stored, it is recommended that you examine the seals each year and reapply the Dicor if you start to see cracks. If stored outside during the winter months (uncovered), there is a possibility that water will collect on the seals. As the water freezes, it will cause expansion of the sealant. This is why annual inspections are important. Once you open a tube of Dicor, it is recommended that you use the entire tube. The product doesn't stay good for very long once open. There's no such thing as applying too much Dicor, so liberal is okay.

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 10:23 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict

Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:15 am
Posts: 1439
Location: Pennsylvania
dieselenthusiast wrote:
Plywood does not expand and contract like solid wood, so that is working for you. I would just make sure that you use Dicor sealant around the windows and all the other seams. Depending on how much you use the trailer and how it is stored, it is recommended that you examine the seals each year and reapply the Dicor if you start to see cracks. If stored outside during the winter months (uncovered), there is a possibility that water will collect on the seals. As the water freezes, it will cause expansion of the sealant. This is why annual inspections are important. Once you open a tube of Dicor, it is recommended that you use the entire tube. The product doesn't stay good for very long once open. There's no such thing as applying too much Dicor, so liberal is okay.



dicor is "ok" to use. I looked that up and lauren would be perfectly fine using that sealant, but tremco usually on their sealants have a 15 year warranty. your basically garneted 15 years of no issue with tremco. I am not well versed with dicor product warranty but id assume it would be under 10 years.

the warranty basically is what you look at alongside with ASTMs and permeability.


EDIT:

What is the warranty of my roof?

Dicor offers a 12 year warranty for the sheeting only. The warranty covers only premature deterioration to the point of failure due to weathering only. It does not cover the original installation or the (glue, lap Sealant, Butyl tape) to install the roof. It is a pro-rated warranty. The first 5 years would include parts and labor. Years 6-12 are pro-rated for material replacement only, no labor. This warranty is offered only to the original purchaser.

its basically a 5 year warranty.

_________________
2012 Jeep Liberty KK 109k miles and stong
4" lift.
Gen 5.5 A-Arms
Maxxis 31x10.50x15

ATS42rle


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Teardrop camper
PostPosted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 11:00 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:54 am
Posts: 5827
Location: 7,000 feet, Zuni Mountains, New Mexico
From what I've been told from those in the RV industry, trailers do a lot of shifting going down the road. Dicor is a very flexible product and compensates for shifting and settling. If Dicor is applied over a screw hole, the product may last for 20+ years. But if Dicor (or any other product) is applied to a seam where shifting and settling happens, the product will last until it stretches too thin. Once thin, the product will develop cracks. This is why it is recommended that you reapply the product over the area rather than scraping the old product off. You keep adding layers of Dicor until the area is rather smooth. Lumpy sealant or sealant with air bubbles will eventually collect water which could cause expansion in the sealant. I'm not saying that other products aren't good, but dicor seems to be the choice produce in many RV repair centers. If you follow the correct application guidelines, you wont have leaks. I just purchased a brand new trailer and my dealer applied a coat of dicor over the factory sealant as a way to ensure weatherproofing for many years to come.

I think the bigger issue is maintenance. It doesn't matter which sealant you use, all trailers require maintenance. Proper maintenance is critical for a lifelong leak-free trailer. I've seen brand new trailers leak within a year or two because sealant wasn't applied correctly.

_________________
2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 341 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ... 18  Next

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group. Color scheme by ColorizeIt!
Logo by pixeldecals.com