Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Ok, so i'm kind-of a newbe. I've been reading every post for a while now, and decided to start building 3 weeks ago. I'm close to seeing the end. I still need Wheels/tires, fenders, electrical, windows, skin, and trimwork. However, I'm having trouble finding aluminum skin.

I need 2 sheets of 4x8 and one slightly wider for the top skin. I have called a couple of places, and they are telling me aluminum skin will have to be custom ordered, and will be somewhere in the $3.75 to $4.00 per pound range. Wouldn't you guys think 4.8 sheets would be standard? Also, Is this what the rest of you all are paying for aluminum skin? Are aluminum prices like gasoline? (more or less, the same cost everywhere?) This seems EXTREMELY HIGH PRICED to me?! I'm in Louisville, KY, anyone know where to start looking?


Oh, since i've seen almost every post on the site; I already know Madjack will need pictures.

That's a very good start you have. Especially for only your first post.

Check with a sign supply place in your area for the 4 x 8 sheets and you can get them in colors also, As far as the roofing goes I was able to get mine local at a trailer shop where the specialize in repairing semi-trailers. It was pricey for sure but fit the bill perfect.

My roof metal came I believe 102 inches wide and however long. They sold it to by the foot which was about 22 bux. So yeah aluminum is high My side aluminum was 76$ a sheet and they were 4x10 black.

Hope this helps some....Welcome aboard!

Ken

You can try looking for a semi-truck trailer repair place. They use aluminum for the roofs of trailers and usually it is about 105" wide and they will cut what ever length you want.

...my, what progress you are makeing there....a location would be nice, 'cause AL prices vary widely...I can get 4x10 sheets locally for around 65 bucks but over that size, availability and price get MUCH more difficult...one source for wide AL are places that repair 18wheeler trailers and they will have it in 102"s wide onna coil...a good mail order outfit for AL is http://www.saf.com ...oh yeah, thanks for the pics...it helps to keep AuntieM calm and her bubble oil level
madjack

waylonh wrote:....

.............I'm in Louisville, KY, anyone know where to start looking?

Welcome to the board!

Try:

http://www.rvsurplussalvage.com/catalog ... uct_id=419

Cheers,

Coop

If you can find a roofing supply that does sheetmetal work, you might also able to source your aluminum from them.

Keep up the good work on your build.

waylonh wrote:Ok, so i'm kind-of a newbe. I've been reading every post for a while now, and decided to start building 3 weeks ago. I'm close to seeing the end. I still need Wheels/tires, fenders, electrical, windows, skin, and trimwork. However, I'm having trouble finding aluminum skin.

I need 2 sheets of 4x8 and one slightly wider for the top skin. I have called a couple of places, and they are telling me aluminum skin will have to be custom ordered, and will be somewhere in the $3.75 to $4.00 per pound range. Wouldn't you guys think 4.8 sheets would be standard? Also, Is this what the rest of you all are paying for aluminum skin? Are aluminum prices like gasoline? (more or less, the same cost everywhere?) This seems EXTREMELY HIGH PRICED to me?! I'm in Louisville, KY, anyone know where to start looking?


Oh, since i've seen almost every post on the site; I already know Madjack will need pictures.

I am in Ashland KY and I know it's a bit of a drive but Cornett's Building Supply here in town sells 4x10 sheet of aluminum in various colors pretty reasonably priced. I want to say it was around 65.00/sheet. Looks like you're off to a good start.

I haven't really started looking for sheet metal yet, but I do have an idea where to look. There are a lot of dirt racetracks around the southeast that run late models with sheet metal bodies. They go thru a lot of bodies beating and banging, so they use a lot of sheet metal. If you check with a racing supply shop, you might find a good deal, and they usually have a variety of colors. Just an idea....

To the playground Waylonh. Thanks for the pictures. You have a wonderful start on that TD.

You may try:

http://www.instantmetals.com/

Only a few hours away...

waylonh wrote: However, I'm having trouble finding aluminum skin.

I need 2 sheets of 4x8 and one slightly wider for the top skin. I have called a couple of places, and they are telling me aluminum skin will have to be custom ordered, and will be somewhere in the $3.75 to $4.00 per pound range. Wouldn't you guys think 4.8 sheets would be standard? Also, Is this what the rest of you all are paying for aluminum skin? Are aluminum prices like gasoline? (more or less, the same cost everywhere?) This seems EXTREMELY HIGH PRICED to me?! I'm in Louisville, KY, anyone know where to start looking?

Try this site.
http://www.lindertech.com/btp/
(Indianapolis). Ask for Jim Linder, he can help.

Welcome to the board Waylonh! I sent you a PM. about a source a few minutes from your house. For anyone else on the board here it is..

Apex trailer service
Jeffersonville IN.
(812)283-3325

For trailer repair parts such as fenders, couplers lighting etc..

American Trailer sales
New albany IN.
(812) 944-6077

For Aluminum trim, gaskets,windows and hardware

Tom Stinnett RV.
Clarksville IN.
(812) 282-7718--1-800-583-5685

Stinnetts are going price for most items. They have hatch gasket, edge trim mouldings of all types in-stock. The bonus for them is they have a re-con room where they save extra stock and new pull-off items that can be reused and they sell it cheap! I bought all the roof edging for my tear out of there for $5.00 a new pull off roof vent with garnish ring for $3.00 etc..
Even if they are a few bucks higher than what you can buy online the savings on shipping will far outweigh the difference.

Mark

Mark72 is my new best friend!


Thanks!