I am attempting to do my own aluminum trailer, it has a 6'4" SW . All the previous posts are very helpful.My questions are ....where can I find decent wood paneling and colored wallboard like I see in many conversions. And .. something for the ceiling coverage/ i have been to both Lowes and Home Depot and the paneling choices are extremely limited and virtually no wall board that isn't a "busy" pattern? Any ideas would be great. Thanks, MG
Posted 2008-08-07 5:37 AM (#89174 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
Well, for the ceiling you can use a material called Hullliner(it's used in high end motorhomes), it's 102" wide and can be bought through any upolstery shop. As far as the walls, I have had good luck using a super smooth 1/2" plywood from Home Depot(it's not available from Lowes) and the filling the seams(if you don't fill the seams wallpaper will bubble up from behind) with spackling(actually bondo) and covering the walls with wallpaper, I have trailers out there that are 7-8 years old and the wallpaper still looks good. Last few trailers have all been soft walls and I get that from Jazz Sales.
Here's a picture of a wallpapered and hullliner trailer.
Posted 2008-08-07 8:14 AM (#89179 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Expert
Posts: 1391
Location: North of Detroit, MI
I used bead board plywood from Home Depot for my walls. It has lap edges, so it can fit together nicely. It's 3/8" thick, so I was able to screw it to the furring strips. It's intended for the ceiling of porches so it's considered "exterior" plywood. I had trouble with a few panels that had too many oval plugs (I intended on staining mine) ... but after searching through the piles at 2 different HDs, I got enough.
Some folks have trouble with the thin paneling and will end up putting plywood behind it.
I'm started using the 1/8" white board that can also be used for wipe boards. It's the stuff used in the bathrooms of manufactured homes. I haven't finished my ceiling yet. BUT... I may look into the Huffliner stuff. There is a small shop near me that can probably get it. He used to do horse trailer interiors and now repairs shuttle buses.
Posted 2008-08-16 10:07 PM (#89837 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Sylvania, GA
I used wood paneling from lowes. 5 to 6 boards come in a pack and it's $9.00 per pack. They are like 4 inches wide and 10-12 feet long. Kind of expensive but is gorgeous in our DIY project. Gives a very rustic, country look.
Posted 2008-08-19 10:04 AM (#89972 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
New User
Posts: 3
I just directed someone else to www.JazzSales.com and I'll do the same for you.It looks like Jazz Sales carries a line of wall vinyls and ceiling fabric! Go check it out! I also found out that they recently opened up to the DIY LQ converter. So anyone can buy from them now.
Posted 2008-08-23 8:55 AM (#90233 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Charter Member
Posts: 251
Location: Holland, Tx
My trailer is no where near as classy or as fancy as many of the DIY guys here, but I got my wall material from Lowe's...
Home Depot carries a similar product, but (if I remember correctly) it is better quality (thicker) and a little more expensive. I probably would have gone with it instead if I would have found it in advance. Our Home Depot store here is pretty new and the associates there didn't direct me correctly to the right department. I found the material in Lowe's quicker, but MANY of the pieces i got weren't totally useable...they had greenish/blue spots on the wood. They came in plastic wrap - 6 boards per pack. ~$14 each pack, but I waste A LOT.
Posted 2008-08-23 9:00 AM (#90234 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Charter Member
Posts: 251
Location: Holland, Tx
It's different and not appealing to everyone, but I used corrugated metal for my ceiling. I considered rusting 'spots' of it for a more rustic appearance, but decided against it.
Posted 2008-08-25 4:55 PM (#90352 - in reply to #89167) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 479
Location: central sierra nevada foothills
Mandi/Abby,
I love how your's is turning out! I also like how the ceiling turned out as well! It may not be extavagant, but it's got that western outdoor feel! Let's see some more pics when it's all done!
Posted 2009-05-26 7:56 PM (#105498 - in reply to #89174) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Member
Posts: 38
Location: michigan
Hi, the pics of trailer are great!! what type of material is behind your walls. In my Merhow the white alum. walls are all up. I really liked the wall paper idea. What type of insulations did you use on ceiling?? I am thinking about using carpet padding,& then use a vinly materail or found this material @ wal-mart that looks like tooled leather.I will have to use trim boards to help hold in place, also i saw some tacs that look like the old stlye tacs. I will try the jazz sales site. Please e-mail me back @ darksladytango@yahoo.com thanks,Jean
Posted 2009-09-17 2:09 PM (#110810 - in reply to #110765) Subject: RE: DIY LQ'S
Member
Posts: 38
Location: michigan
Sorry, I forgot my computer is locked on caps. all the time so I just used to seeing the lettering that way. I sorry if I offended anyone. Thanks, Jean