new to site, few questions on weather proofing

[ekswoodwork]

howdy!

I'm new to this site, I live in Maine, USA and build traditional wooden boats on the coast. I'm looking to build a small caravan for travel and I'm interested in using plywood or hardboard. around here, everyone uses aluminium. My question is: because we get a lot of snow and cold weather up here, does anyone know how well the ply/hardboard holds up to the elements? I am very familiar with marine ply, but it's not much cheaper than aluminum. I'm looking for some other options. also, does anyone have acutual plans for building an older style caravan? So far I've only found a few for models from the 60's and 70's. I have no problem designing my own, but anything helps.

Thanks so much! I've enjoyed looking over the site, ya'll seem to be more into these retro trailers than most here in the states.

[belinda]

G'day!

a lot of us have various editions of Keith Winsers "Plans for Caravans" which was a popular book here through the fifties and sixties. These are dense little publications with lots of drawings and print the size of the telephone book.

I have a 12th edition (1967). At that time it seems aluminium was beginning to dominate, but ply was still popular.

However, we all know that there are instruction books and instruction books, and some that look terrific are hopeless when you try use them. Does anyone on the site actually own a van featured in one of these books? Or tried to follow his instructions and make one? Or have horror stories of "when Dad tried to make a van in 1958"? I'd be interested to know.

In terms of weather, would you be using the van in the depths of Winter? When I lived in England I remember that caravanning was definitely a Summer pursuit and anyone with a classic car tucked it up firmly in Winter. In general I think a well-made van can be quite comfortable and last very well in most climates if kept under cover.

cheers

Belinda

[veedubnut]

G'day,

Welcome to the fold... I have often seen plans and books for building 50's and 60's caravans on ebay.com from time to time, would be worth your while checking there regulalry.

I intend using my Teardrop Trailer when completed for my skiing trips to the Snowy Mtns. It is soley constructed from timber and marine plywood. I really can't see there being a problem with the climate. Although one would obviously not want to leave it in those conditions for weeks or months on end.

Cheers

Greg

[trodler]

Hi EKS

Most of the vans over here would have originall been built with marine ply and only a small number would have used masonite or hardboard as you call it. I have found that the masonite makes the overall project a lot heavier and that if you dont use a lot of glue the nail and screw heads work loose.

If you were intending to build a caravan from scratch and wanted to keep the costs down I would go for a very good quality 3.6mm exterior ply for the outside skin.To protect it all It would need a couple of coats of Enamel sealer undercoat and finished with 2 coats of Enamel to give you an excellant finish,although some prefer plastic paint, and paint under the van with a good quality bitumen paint.

To Waterproof the roof a thin canvas was laid over the roof and painted in, then it was finished in a coat of Silversheen or aluminium based paint.

You may need to take into consideration extra insulation in the walls, roof and floor if you are going to use the van in the snow.

I have a lot of books on how to build caravans back to the 40's but if you can let me know what length and style you are after (boxy or egg shaped ) Ill see what I can come up with. ;D ;D

Cheers
Trodler.

[retro1]

The best place for you to look is on the net.
Just look in Google or Yahoo
I found these which are avalible in USA which is closer than Australia.
Here is a good sample of plans for small vans/trailers
www.teardropplans.com/

[ekswoodwork]

Thanks for the info! I like the idea of plywood and paint, but I;m not sure what 3.6 mm "good" ply is equal to here in the states. I could use 4mm okume marine ply, but that's not exactly " cheap!" has anybody fiberglassed the roofs?

[retro1]

A 3.6 mm marine ply may be a bit dearer but in the long run it will last the best.
Cheer
retro1