Roof framing

[Kendall restoration]

So I’m currently building a off-road style trailer and had some questions for y’all. I will create a post for my build from ground up soon. So how is everyone building there roofs? Completely flat? A little arch? I’m considering building a mini truss style roof with about 1/2 rise in the center of the roof to prevent ponding. Thanks in advance for any and all comments.

 

[billiebob]

Heres mine, all 1x lumber and semi trailer translucent roofing.
It weighs 40 pounds.



And a view thru the side door



Take out 8 screws and it lifts off to store standing.

 

[billiebob]

One thing to consider when choosing materials is how they react to temperature variations, solar gain. I choose wood plus fiberglass since they are both very stable, little measurable change with temperature variations.

Mixing plastic, steel, aluminium, fiberglass, wood, ..... might create a structure that if there is not enough room for movement designed into the structure it will tear itself apart.

 

[Teardropper]

I’m considering building a mini truss style roof with about 1/2 rise in the center of the roof to prevent ponding.

You'll need a level and a deck of cards to shim your parked camper to get the water to pond. Just give the tongue jack a twist if it is level.

T

 

[Kendall restoration]

That is a good point that the tongue jack could for sure help keep the water off. At this point I’m thinking I will build the roof flat then install a temp beam inside that pushes the center up >1in. Then once the roof is skinned and glued and screwed all together I would pull the beam out. I think that would give me the minimum arch I’m after. Thoughts?

 

[billiebob]

I'd leave the support in. A snow load could oil can it.
If you want a curve, just do it like the tear drop in post 4.

The back half of mine is level. Parked I leave it nose down. Camping, if there is water on the roof, I just drop the jack to add some slope. But ponding is only an issue if you have joints in the roof. If the roofing membrane is one piece and structural, ponding on a flat section is not an issue.

 

[Teardropper]

Thoughts?

You're overthinking this. It isn't a problem. As I said, use your tongue jack.

"I’m considering building a mini truss style roof with about 1/2 rise in the center of the roof to prevent ponding." What are you going to sheath with? How will your sheathing deal with that?

T