I built my first subtrunk a couple years ago and made it out of three-quarter inch plywood. The thing weighs a ton! I am about to make another one and wanted to do it out of half-inch to help save on the weight. Can anyone tell me if this is a terrible idea? I didn't want to sacrifice quality, but the thing just weighs a ton. Can I make a quality sub- trunk out of half-inch plywood?

Thx to the buddy who PMed me. I think I have my answer.

(Even though you have your answer...)

While the last sub trunk I helped make was 30 years ago, I would imagine you could make a good sub trunk with 1/4" plywood with a stronger frame inside (2x4?). As long as the top is thick enough to support you fine and rests on the framework, you should be good.

Kind of like the load-bearing walls in a house -- it's not the paneling or drywall that provides support, it's the frame inside where you don't see it.

Jay

Hi Matt,

The sub trunk I use was built using 1/4" plywood, laminated with ABS plastic. It's held together with rivets and extruded aluminium angle, manufactured for ATA cases: http://tinyurl.com/nejw23r

The lid has been reinforced with steel, and can easily support a couple hundred pounds.

It's held up fine for the last five years, surviving a few tours, and third-party LTL freight shipping.

Thanks guys!