Camper Trailer Skin options ?

[IggyB]

You can buy it already UV treated. Weight wise it's about same as 1/4" plywood, maybe a little heavier

[VE2WHZ]

i have make 2 camper

one with steel and 1 wiht alum..

the alum s better ...

sratch the steel = rust and heavy

the alum is juts a bit expensive but is good choice

[Hafwit]

I'm curious for an answer from anybody who would know...for a steel-framed trailer that needs no further structural support, why not consider a composite material? There are a ton of fiberglass and plastic materials that could be used. I ask because I have a trailer that has wire mesh panels that allows too much dirt and other junk to infiltrate when going off road. If it were to rain, that would only make things worse. Since I hate cleaning dust off everything, what composites might I consider for attaching to the outside, and how would you attach them (liquid nails, rivets, etc).

Thanks,
Greg

[jeep4x4greg]

i have make 2 camper

one with steel and 1 wiht alum..

the alum s better ...

sratch the steel = rust and heavy

the alum is juts a bit expensive but is good choice

What thickness did you use for the aluminum....yours is one of the trailers which i use for inspiration

[jeep4x4greg]

I'm curious for an answer from anybody who would know...for a steel-framed trailer that needs no further structural support, why not consider a composite material? There are a ton of fiberglass and plastic materials that could be used. I ask because I have a trailer that has wire mesh panels that allows too much dirt and other junk to infiltrate when going off road. If it were to rain, that would only make things worse. Since I hate cleaning dust off everything, what composites might I consider for attaching to the outside, and how would you attach them (liquid nails, rivets, etc).

Thanks,
Greg

Good thinking..after you posted this I started looking up FRP (had used some in a kitchen a while back) and unfortunately, unless specifically made for outdoor use they will break down with exposure to UV. and, of course the outdoor FRP is $300+ USD per 4x8 sheet (even saw some over 1000$ a sheet!)

[VE2WHZ]

What thickness did you use for the aluminum....yours is one of the trailers which i use for inspiration

26ga

[gahi]

Most cars are I think 20 gauge, plus they have the compound curves stiffen them. Considering aluminum is softer, I wouldnt want to go any thinner. Also, see whats available in the sizes you need. For me, I needed some 5ft x 10ft sheets. Heres a shot of the frame with the aluminum on it.

[Piet]

Caught this from a local ATV web forum

I would recommend that if you require a plastics that is going to be used for a outdoor application that you go with HMWPE more commonly know as Tuff Sheet. This material is used on outdoor hockey rinks and it has excellent cold weather properties.

http://www.ultratuffpolymer.co.nz/material.html

Not sure where to get though

[VE2WHZ]

Most cars are I think 20 gauge, plus they have the compound curves stiffen them. Considering aluminum is softer, I wouldnt want to go any thinner. Also, see whats available in the sizes you need. For me, I needed some 5ft x 10ft sheets. Heres a shot of the frame with the aluminum on it.

WOW

do you have more pic ??

[Titanpat57]

I used FRP on the first trailer build. I scuffed it lightly, primed it with Rustoleum Plasic primer, then shot it with two light coats of silver rustoleum...two years old, came out great and looked great!