PMF vs aluminum skin for foamie

[luthienon]

I'm going to be making my own squaredrop foamie, I'm pretty far along in the planning and some of the trailer work. I was planning to go with a PMF skin.

My decision was mostly cost, I had priced out about $200 for PMF in November. I am starting to second guess myself based on longevity and wanted to see what the experts thought of an aluminum skin over foam.

Would it be a better or worse idea for longevity? My cost guestimate puts aluminum at nearly $1000 in material. I would assume there would be some different construction considerations, not to mention a weight difference.

Anecdotally, it seems like most people get good results with PMF and don't have a lot of bubbling or other issues. I'm not sure that I should expect a home built foam camper to last a long time, but 15-20 years would be nice (since I'm putting in the effort). But maybe some folks here have thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tony Latham]

and wanted to see what the experts thought of an aluminum skin over foam.

Without something to screw the aluminum to, I don't think it will work.

Tony

 

[Pmullen503]

If you are interested in longevity, stick with has worked for others. That means foam and PMF or wood and aluminum.

The key thing is the details that prevent water from pooling and sitting for a long time. That goes for foam as well as wood.

 

[luthienon]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll stick with PMF. Too much time to think, I guess I’d better get to work.

 

[ghcoe]

My foamie has been abused in the backcountry for 6 years. Never repainted and still looks good when cleaned up. I went with semi gloss exterior paint.