Aluminum skin

[Kaz]

So I finally found a supplier near me for aluminum to skin my trailer. Question is which is better. 6061 or 5052?

[Gunguy05]

Which ever is cheaper is what I would go with. I fretted a lot over this because I could only get 3003. In the end no big deal. It will all scratch and gain "character" I'm guess the 5052 is cheaper?

[Java Jack]

How much harder to work with is stainless steel?

I would really love to build a trailer at some point and skin it with Stainless Steel.

[ssutton]

5052 is a much softer grade of aluminum, it is also very corrosion resistant. If you are applying it over a plywood wall you should be OK with using it, however, if you are going to use it without a backing material and just over wall framing studs then I would not use it because 5052 will not take an impact and bounce back. It will dent MUCH easier than 6061 (T6).

6061-T6 is an aircraft grade aluminum (2024 T3 is the most common aircraft grade) and it is also very corrosion resistant. It is a structural grade aluminum and has a much higher yield strength (35,000 psi) compared to 5052. The surface of 6061 is harder and therefore will hold a polish a little better than 5052. 6061 T6 can be coiled and shipped because it will bounce back flat, 5052 cannot be coiled and it return to the flat position naturally. Therefore, you can order coils of 6061 T6 and have it shipped UPS, you cannot do that with 5052. Check your prices against this and see if you are getting a good price.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/m ... 6061t6.php

I have used both grades extensively, I generally use 5052 when I need to form it into complex shapes and 6061 when I need flat parts or parts with simple bends. 6061 will bend well in a brake, but attention needs to be made with the radius not being too sharp or it could crack. 5052 can be bent without much regard to radius. Both are great materials, it just depends on what your needs are.

Scott

[ssutton]

How much harder to work with is stainless steel?

MUCH MUCH harder when compared to aluminum. Most stainless gets "gummy" when it is not worked correctly, it can be very hard on cutting tools, and it is heavy when compared to aluminum. I have seen beautiful work done with stainless, I personally would not attempt it on a trailer but I am sure that someone with more experience than I working with it could pull it off. I am an old aircraft guy so I am biased towards aluminum.

Scott

[Java Jack]

I just love how stainless holds up against the elements better than aluminum. I know it adds weight but in my case, it is a don't care because I have a big ole V8 Truck and I can't even feel my existing trailer when towing. It could had quite a bit more and still not really impact me.

[dales133]

Stainless you could go alot thinner than comparable aluminium so that would help with weight

[jadedave]

Im using tractor trailer roofing .040 from a semi trailer repair outfit in Denver Co It comes on a 500 ft roll and is 103 inches wide . Does anyone know what grade AL this might be ?? It can be rolled and I was thinking I might be 3003 grade but not sure....