Skinning my homebuilt trailer - ideas? How did you attach the metal?

[dondje]

Mike...

Gluing is definitely the way to go over riveting. Airplane manufacturers like Boeing now glue skins instead of rivet. The bonding technology is there and you won't have leaks. I also suggest bonding rigid insulation like blue board to the inside (spray glue). It will obviously have good insulation value. However, it will allow you to use a lighter gauge of sheet metal and still maintain rigidity and durability (against denting, etc...) in the skin. Also, if you glue the inside skin material (can be thinner for same reasons as exterior) to the insulation and frame, you will have an extremely strong sandwich system that is very light weight for its strength.

Regards,

Don

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike...

Gluing is definitely the way to go over riveting. Airplane manufacturers like Boeing now glue skins instead of rivet. The bonding technology is there and you won't have leaks. I also suggest bonding rigid insulation like blue board to the inside (spray glue). It will obviously have good insulation value. However, it will allow you to use a lighter gauge of sheet metal and still maintain rigidity and durability (against denting, etc...) in the skin. Also, if you glue the inside skin material (can be thinner for same reasons as exterior) to the insulation and frame, you will have an extremely strong sandwich system that is very light weight for its strength.

Regards,

Don

with all you said, however " glueing " large sheets of sheet metal can be very problematic ( especially doing it alone )_..compared to riveting which is almost idiot-proof, ... I did use my toy hauler to sleep in on trips, and I thought about the blue/pink insulation-board. However I did these trips in mild weather with an electric heater and sleeping bag and blankets ( temp considered ) .... also that tiny dab of silicone prevented all leaks. ..... good luck ... Mike

[dondje]

with all you said, however " glueing " large sheets of sheet metal can be very problematic ( especially doing it alone )_..compared to riveting which is almost idiot-proof, ... I did use my toy hauler to sleep in on trips, and I thought about the blue/pink insulation-board. However I did these trips in mild weather with an electric heater and sleeping bag and blankets ( temp considered ) .... also that tiny dab of silicone prevented all leaks. ..... good luck ... Mike

Mike...

The old contact cement gluing definitely took a lot of skill and patience to get it right. However, in addition to being stronger, many modern glues are much easier to work with. Still patience and planning are needed. Sandwich panels are the lightest, strongest, most weather resistant, and most durable way to go. Also, the most comfortable - temperature and noise.

Regards,

Don

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike...

The old contact cement gluing definitely took a lot of skill and patience to get it right. However, in addition to being stronger, many modern glues are much easier to work with. Still patience and planning are needed. Sandwich panels are the lightest, strongest, most weather resistant, and most durable way to go. Also, the most comfortable - temperature and noise.

Regards,

Don

As with any thing the longer the list of Criteria, the more complicated the solution ..... I did what I needed to accomplish my goals; I ended up happy with the results .... I hope you do also. ..... Mike