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

[Mike0123]

Good morning,

Looking for ideas and opinions on this please. I am thinking of using 26ga sheet metal for the skin on my pull-behind homebuilt. I guess that's this first thing I'll be looking for opinions on. Has anyone else done that, and how did it work out?
Most importantly, how did you attach it? Looking for ideas and opinions there. I am looking at using the Loctite Weld Bonding Compound, any experience with that? The frame is steel tubing.
I suppose I could rivet the skin on ... or am I missing a better way?
I was hoping to avoid the riveted look.

What has been used and done on other home-builts?

Thanks
Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Good morning,

Looking for ideas and opinions on this please. I am thinking of using 26ga sheet metal for the skin on my pull-behind homebuilt. I guess that's this first thing I'll be looking for opinions on. Has anyone else done that, and how did it work out?
Most importantly, how did you attach it? Looking for ideas and opinions there. I am looking at using the Loctite Weld Bonding Compound, any experience with that? The frame is steel tubing.
I suppose I could rivet the skin on ... or am I missing a better way?
I was hoping to avoid the riveted look.

What has been used and done on other home-builts?

Thanks
Mike

If you go to my albums you can see my 03 Toyota Tacoma Pick-up that I removed the oem BED, built a flat-bed for it and then a box which I used for transporting my RT and camping ..... I built a frame from 3/4 " X 1/8th thick angle iron and covered it with 26Ga. galvanized sheet metal .... went to Spyderquest in Springfield Mo. from Vermont 8 X's ..... good luck ... Mike

[Mike0123]

If you go to my albums <snip>

Thanks
Looks like you used rivets. Any issues at all? Never any loosening or something like that?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks
Looks like you used rivets. Any issues at all? Never any loosening or something like that?

I was careful about using the proper length, so they stayed in.... I was able to use STEEL rivets because I had a Rivet gun ( & compressor to use ) ..... otherwise, it would been too difficult .... Mike

[K80Shooter]

They make rivets that will not leak water when it rains, use those if you can find them.

Here's some on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Waterpr.../dp/B00HB3GXDM

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I would use rivets. Far less likely to work loose than screws. There must be something right about them. After all, many airplanes through the years have been held together with rivets!

If you take time planning how many to use and where the put them you can make the riveted look quite pleasing, I think.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

They make rivets that will not leak water when it rains, use those if you can find them.

Here's some on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Waterpr.../dp/B00HB3GXDM

Mine were regular POP rivets & they can leak .... I just put a dab of silicone caulk on/in them. .... Dab with finger - wipe - done..... Mike

[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

[BajaRon]

"Skinning my homebuilt trailer"

You're going to need a very sharp knife! Critters are bad enough! But a Trailer!