Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Looking good!

TheOtherSean wrote:Looking good!

Thanks....

One project yesterday was installing the door latching system. I am using storm door handles for this build. I am using my foam reinforcement technique for this process. First I cut out a reinforcement plate, in this case a piece of 1"x2" flashing. Then I take the soldering iron and make a slot using the flashing edge as a guide. Now I am able to glue and install the reinforcing plate. This makes for a good hard point for installing the interior latch. Before I glued the plate in I did predrill the holes for the latch.

Some shots of the gluing process.

Same procedure for the outside.




Also, got the foam grooving for all the wiring done. Now I just need to install boxes, run wire and recover and fair in wire grooves and that will be done. The hatch is nearly faired out and should be ready for canvas and then installed soon. Week is nearly over though so things will slow down again. I am beginning to see the end now though and that is good.

Just the flashing and the foam eh ?? Cool !!!

GPW wrote::thumbsup: Just the flashing and the foam eh ?? Cool !!!

Yup. I purchased longer bolts for the handle so they can reach through the extra door thickness on the foamie. With the handles on both sides of the door it will create a clamping action on the foam. The flashing is so it will spread the pressure across the foam surface and keep the handles from compressing the foam. Also keep the foam from breaking or bolt holes from enlarging with use. The only wood in this build so far is in the floor. All hard edges and hardware attachment points are flashing and or drywall beading.

That’s very Cool ... No wood , no worries ...

GPW wrote:That’s very Cool ... No wood , no worries ...

Well one would hope. Still in the test mode only time will tell.

Last day of break. Manage a few things. The door handle is now mocked up, just need to make the striker plate to take up the slack in latch to threshold.

Nice job !!!

Installed flashing to the shelving to give shelves a bit more support than just one piece of flashing. Installed electrical boxes where needed. Getting closer.....

GPW wrote:Nice job !!!

Thanks.

You could also cut tubing(sleeves) to the thickness of the foam and insert in wall where the bolts will be.
They would stop any compression, but would allow the bolts to be torqued down. The flashing would distribute any other stresses on the foam.

Any thoughts on bending/folding that flashing and using Pop rivets to make rudimentary FRAMES for the foam pieces ( or entire cabins ) ... throw in a couple anti compression PVC tubes like Roamer said ... and Bob’s your ... No wood , no worries , and you could cover over all that with an outer skin , perhaps that FRP product like Ken W used, or even canvas , or chipboard ... ... Interesting !!!

GPW wrote:Any thoughts on bending/folding that flashing and using Pop rivets to make rudimentary FRAMES for the foam pieces.

Not sure if I understand what you are getting at. I did make frames to fit around the doors on my first attempt and installing hard edges. It actually worked real good and looked good too.



I found that you would have to have your measurements and bends perfect for a good fit. I worked with it a bit, but went with this new way to make assembly a bit easier.