Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I was wondering if anyone knows of trim other than aluminum angle that could be used for TD's? I was thinking along the lines of a black bendable plastic or something like that. Thanks for any help.

Like this?

http://www.trimlok.com/detail.aspx?ID=1226

Wow 420 for 250 ft. could do a lot of trimming....

I would love to use something other than aluminum. I have been looking for something local still looking.

The problem with the plastics in the form you want is the UV resistance--they'll break down and crack pretty quickly. I was also considering some kind of rubber, but again, that dries out and cracks too.

I took madjacks advise and went to a local RV dealer yesterday. They have the same trim he used in 14' pieces for $16.49 plus I got a 530 page catalog from them. Now I need to figure out how to get the trim home, probably be taking a hacksaw with me. I searched a long time for trim alternatives and Trim-Loc has some that would work but like Ira said I don't think they would hold up in the sun. The RV shop also carrys a more traditional teardrop style trim that's 1 1/8" x 5/8" in 14' lengths for $12.25 each. I didn't see anything while searching that I thought would work on the door trim.

Victor, you might check out the local RV dealers, they carry trim. I got mine from a fellow the builds campers. The trim was 16' and just used some duct tape and tapped them to the right side of the truck and drove 175 miles home. Just a thought.

Jim,

That could work. Actually the longest continous piece I need is 100" so I might just cut it. I'd hate to scratch up the side of my blazer any more than it is already. Thanks and I'll keep that in mind.

...think again about the Trim-Lok...that lip guard and other of their trims are manufactured of the automotive and transportation OEM industry for trim on the OUTSIDE of vehicles...they make some pretty good stuff...don't they Fred...
madjack

Ira wrote:The problem with the plastics in the form you want is the UV resistance--they'll break down and crack pretty quickly. I was also considering some kind of rubber, but again, that dries out and cracks too.

I know what you're saying about the UV protection. I was thinking about the same stuff they make that fender trim out of on commercial type trucks. Actually, werent you gonna use that for a drip guard over your door? I think that would look cool.

Thanks for the link, Alaska TD

rampage wrote:

Ira wrote:The problem with the plastics in the form you want is the UV resistance--they'll break down and crack pretty quickly. I was also considering some kind of rubber, but again, that dries out and cracks too.

I know what you're saying about the UV protection. I was thinking about the same stuff they make that fender trim out of on commercial type trucks. Actually, werent you gonna use that for a drip guard over your door? I think that would look cool.

Rampage, From this link you can click on 'View Catalogue' in red at top corner for specifications. Or E-mail for a catalogue to determine your part # and then ask for dealers that stock & sell your part by the foot.

http://www.trimlok.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=30

Madjack Wrote:

...think again about the Trim-Lok...that lip guard and other of their trims are manufactured of the automotive and transportation OEM industry for trim on the OUTSIDE of vehicles...they make some pretty good stuff...don't they Fred...
madjack

Yup, I'm pleased with the trim & seal and the service. My teardrop has been on the road & living outside for a year now. Gravel roads, pressure car washes, long days of summer and the coldest winter on record (couple of stretches down to 50 below).

Photos taken this morning showing examples of how I used Trim-Lok parts. Sorry not washed. The quaint dimples in the Lip Guard are the row of rivets sealed over.

Fred

:peace:

I didn't think the trim-loc was UV safe, now I know.

Fred - It looks like you used the PLGB lip guard on the outside curve and the edges below the hatch. Can you tell us what you used for the doors and how are you sealing the hatch? Thanks.

As I built the Zephyr TD I was interested in keeping cost down. I discovered that at a nearby construction site they were throwing away vinyl sill pieces from an instalation of replacement windows. The job boss said I could have them. I collected an arm load and went back to by building one happy camper.

Using a table saw I cut these down to size and trimmmed the door and bottom of the walls with this found trim. Since I couldn't figure out how to bend the stuff I still used aluminum on the hatch. But I didn't want to aneal the metal so I took an easy way out. I cut slots in the side that would receive the bend of the curve. Hope the pics are self explanitory









It was free and it worked for me...

Dee Bee

Hey Fred!!! How come theres no snow in them there pictures??

Victor Star wrote:Fred - It looks like you used the PLGB lip guard on the outside curve and the edges below the hatch. Can you tell us what you used for the doors and how are you sealing the hatch? Thanks.

Victor, The alumimum flange around the door is 1/8". As shown in the 3rd pic, the perimeter trim is EGB7/16 Edge Guard w/ hot melt adhesive. The seal is X-125BT Rubber seal w/ butyl 3M tape and seals against the body. The trunk lid is also 1/8" and uses the same trim & seal.

John asked:

Hey Fred!!! How come theres no snow in them there pictures??

Gone. Aye John!

The hills are green and in the sixties.

Fred

:peace: