Homebuilt version 2 - wall help

[Textanker]

Hi all. I am starting to design my v2 Squaredrop. On my first design, (pic below) I framed a 5x8 utility trailer with 2x2 spars and 1/4 in sheeting inside and out with pink foam insulation. I want go 6x10 this time and my question is this: Do I really need to sheet the walls and insulate, or can I just use half in plywood with no spars? I am not too worried about the structural strength as I can tie in the walls to the metal guardrails around the bed, but I don't think I really need insulation as I won't be using it for any extreme cold/hot conditions. I can always put in a small AC unit and I will have an electric vent fan. The idea is keeping this super simple, modular and cheap.

Your thoughts are welcome.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I am currently building an expedition truck (The second. The first is still in use after 20 years).
My primary aim is light weight and durability.
For all of the inside furniture, I visited a distributor of multi wall polycarbonate roofing and picked up a pile of reject sheets with scratches and minor damage for the cost of a few slabs of beer.

I am gluing it together with single pack polyurethane (like Sikaflex) (and using the appropriate primer/surface prep) with aluminium angles (or UPVC plastic angles) inside and out to reinforce the corners. Angles could be thin folded steel sheet for lower cost. There is no frame.
This stuff is very light.
Top two in the pic are 10mm twin wall 1.7kg/m2.
Second from the bottom is 10mm multi wall 2.6kg/m2 that I reckon would be fine for your application.
Bottom is 18mm multiwall 3.1kg/m2.


The multiwall versions provide reasonable insulation. Gluing with angles in the corners avoids any cold connections.
I have also learned how to bend it in either direction.
It can then be painted (I am using 2 pack, but that is a choice) or it could be left unpainted.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Teardropper]

Do I really need to sheet the walls and insulate, or can I just use half in plywood with no spars?

I bought my first teardrop in 2004. It was commercially built and had 1/2" plywood walls. On chilly nights, condensation would form on the inside walls, even with the windows cracked.

Me? I build using what's called sandwich walls. I use an internal skeleton cut from 3/4" plywood. The interior is sheathed with 1/8" Baltic ply and the exterior 1/4" ply and the voids are filled with 3/4" of foam board.

Now, having said that, there are plenty of commercially made teardrops with solid walls.

Good luck with your build,

Tony

 

[rruff]

Do I really need to sheet the walls and insulate, or can I just use half in plywood with no spars?

What environment will you be in?

It's not how I would do it, but a simple build with good 1/2" ply should work. Glue and screw it together, and coat the exterior with something durable and waterproof. No exposed screws, seams, or penetrations if you can help it.

 

[Textanker]

What environment will you be in?

It's not how I would do it, but a simple build with good 1/2" ply should work. Glue and screw it together, and coat the exterior with something durable and waterproof. No exposed screws, seams, or penetrations if you can help it.

So currently I am in Houston, but I plan on going to New Mexico and Colorado mostly.

 

[rruff]

Definitely good waterproofing and paint the exterior white.

 

[Textanker]

Thanks for all the help. I think solid walls will do the trick.