What are the teardrop trailer skin options?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What are the teardrop trailer skin options?” We will discuss the interior and exterior skin options along with the different types of teardrop trailer skins. We will also discuss a few other factors before installing a trailer skin and we will talk about insulating a teardrop trailer.
What are the teardrop trailer skin options?
The two different types of options when it comes to trailer skins are:
- Interior skin options
- Exterior skin options
Interior skin options
There are a few interior choices available, and there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the interior skin. A popular interior teardrop trailer skin option is a plywood counter. This makes it easier to place the sink and other cooking essentials, such as cooking utensils. You can also opt for a galvanised steel back hatch counter.
- To protect your teardrop trailer from the elements, you can purchase a protective coating.
- These coatings are highly durable, and if you don’t want to risk damaging the trailer, consider buying an interior teardrop trailer skin that has a removable surface. This way, you can change the look and feel of your trailer without modifying it.
- Teardrop trailers are versatile, making them a popular choice for both paved and off-road travel.
- Most teardrop trailers have sleeping space for two adults in a compact footprint. They feature a rear hatch, galley, and roof rack, and their shape maximises fuel efficiency. Some teardrop trailers even feature rooftop tents.
Exterior skin options
There are plenty of materials to choose from. Some people prefer something rustic while some might prefer something elegant, or something that will make you stand out among the crowd. Just remember to pick one that will accommodate all of your things and will match your style. It is also important to select one that is durable.
- You can use fibreglass batts or Styrofoam sheets for insulation. These materials are compressed and will need to be shaped to accommodate wiring.
- Other materials, like plywood, are a more flexible option and can be cut to fit the shape of your teardrop trailer. However, if you plan to use fibreglass, make sure to cut channels to suit the wiring.
- Teardrop trailers are relatively small, and their beds are between 35 and 39 inches long. Inside, they contain under-bed storage and a table that can convert into a full-sized bed during the night.
- Floor-to-ground height is 20 inches, and there is an interior height of 56 inches. Depending on your taste and the size of your Teardrop trailer, you can find several skin options.
- There are several modern and attractive designs. These designs allow people to easily pull a teardrop trailer with smaller cars.
- When purchasing the teardrop trailer skin, consider the insulation you need.
- Fibreglass batts or Styrofoam sheets are common options. When using fibreglass batts, make sure to cut channels to accommodate the wiring.
When it comes to selecting a teardrop trailer skin for your teardrop trailer, there are many choices available. Some of the most popular choices are fibreglass, Styrofoam sheets, and plywood. With several options, it is important to know what you need for your teardrop trailer.
Types of teardrop trailer skins
The skin on the teardrop trailer is important and so are the measurements. A teardrop roof extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front. Its three-layered construction consists of the inner and outer skin, as well as the actual interior and exterior framing. The different types of teardrop trailer skins that are available in the market today are:
Aluminium skins
- The aluminium skin is pretty common as many people use this type of skin on their teardrop trailers. These skins can be easily installed and they have several benefits.
- The aluminium skin is light and there is no need to worry about rust and other damage.
- The price is also reasonable and the overall look is great. However, they are not recommended for the interiors.
Fibreglass skin
- Fibreglass skin has been more prominent for teardrop trailers and they are also easy to maintain. It is built to last long and they seem to have a good resale value.
- Fibreglass is also said to have better aerodynamics and they are more common than aluminium.
- Fibreglass can also be used in the interiors and is the most common for teardrop trailers.
Styrofoam skin
- Styrofoam skin is also widely used in teardrop trailers since they are extremely light. Many people use foam instead of plywood, but there are also a few disadvantages with Styrofoam skins
.
- Foam is harder to bend and getting those round shapes of the teardrop camper can be a difficult task. Overall, the foam has a lot of work to be done and is not the perfect match.
Plywood skin
- Plywood skin is found in most teardrop trailers, especially on the inside.
- Plywood can bend and take the shape of a teardrop trailer.
- It is also easy to install plywood panels on the inside.
- It is known to act as a good insulator and wood will hold everything in place. It can be fixed with ease by only adding glue to the interior walls.
Factors to consider while choosing a teardrop trailer skin
When it comes to choosing a teardrop trailer skin, you will need to consider a few points, such as,
- One important thing to consider when choosing a teardrop trailer skin is the overall weight.
- Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) refers to the weight of a teardrop trailer based on factory standards.
- Keep in mind that UVW does not include optional accessories such as fuel tanks, propane tanks, or cargo.
- You should also add the weight of your full engine and any fluids you plan to carry. Moreover, tongue weight (also called kingpin weight) should be 10 to 15 percent of the Gross Trailer Weight.
- When considering the weight of a teardrop trailer, it’s important to consider how much weight you want to carry.
- A teardrop trailer is one of the smallest types of trailers and they can hold the least amount of weight. Hence, it is important to consider a skin that has the right amount of weight to match your trailer.
- When you overload your trailer with heavy items, it tends to drag on one side. This can put too much pressure on the trailer.
Insulating the teardrop trailer skin
There are many different options for insulating the skin of your teardrop trailer. You can choose to use Styrofoam sheets or fibreglass batts. Both of these materials will compress to fit the trailer’s reliefs and are relatively inexpensive. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing an insulation material.
- These are some options for teardrop trailer skin insulation. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure it is made to fit snugly on your trailer.
- Choosing a one-piece skin is one of the best options since there are only fewer seams. This type of material minimises thermal expansion.
- Make sure you have enough space for your teardrop trailer’s insulation in the front and back.
- In addition to insulating the skin, you may also want to consider adding insulation to your walls and windows.
- Be sure to find the right insulation material that is used for teardrop trailers. Using a UV-resistant spray foam kit will be a huge benefit.
- You should also check out a teardrop trailer manufacturer’s warranty to make sure the rig is watertight.
- If you have a teardrop trailer that is not made of aluminium, you should consider adding some insulation to the roof. Because this area is prone to condensation.
- Remember, the roof is the part that will absorb the most damage.
- You should also add foam to the ceiling. There are plenty of foam kits and they can be installed with ease.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “What are the teardrop trailer skin options?” We have discussed the interior and exterior skin options along with the different types of teardrop trailer skins. We have also discussed a few other factors before installing a trailer skin and we will talk about insulating a teardrop trailer.
Citations
http://www.mikenchell.com/weekender/skinning.html
