Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I have been researching my soon to be build and was given a suggestion to use a product called Kemlite form Crane composites to skin my trailer. It is the product used on smooth sided semi trailers. I figure these guys must know a thing or two about weather, long life, and of course light weight. The rep told me that it is lighter than the .060 aluminum used in the past and was bonded using a simple contact cement. Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

According to Crane, Kemlite is just their brand name for a FRP or fiberglass reinforced plastic panel. Though their "Reefer Roof" looks like a good choice for the top of a tear as it is

* Thousand times less thermally conductive than aluminum
* Reflects up to two times more solar radiation than aluminum
* Light transmission of less than 1%-3% - keeps cargo cool
* LumaShield surface film for easier cleaning
* Extra glass on roadside and curbside edges for added strength
* SunPatch Repair Kit repairs small tears – cures in 10 minutes – no lost time!

The Reefer roof is .36 lb/sq. ft. and the sidewall is .6 lbs/sq. ft., not sure how that compares with aluminum.

GB

Part of the reason for the kemlite was that I have to buy it in 53' sections which would be the perfect amount to cover the two sides and the roof front to back. Does it look like a good product for this application?

It's a great product and I'll bet you can use the standard moldings that Grant sells for the seam where the roof meets the wall.

GB

Hey just noticed you are in Lehi, I am actually in Sandy, work in Draper. Small world, huh. I am looking to build a canned ham but make it a lift off, like a truck camper and use the trailer for 4 wheelers and as a general utility trailer. I may want to talk to you at greater length as I go to learn maybe from your mistakes or not if you haven't made any yet.

Kemlite's RV product is called Filon. This has been discussed many times on the board. Everyone that has used it say it is an excellent product, but expensive, and hard to purchase small in quantities.

I am looking to use one of their commercial truck products because it is cheaper and I will probably eventually paint it to match the tow vehicle, a 1950 Plymouth Suburban 2 door wagon. I have been quoted around $600 for the 53 foot roll of 8'5" wide product

the only negative I've heard about using it in this application is some bubbling when in prolonged hot sun. I've worked with it quite a bit in large trailer apps, its good stuff. Usually smooth on one side and textured on the other. I'd think you will want to put some kind of UV protectant on it fairly soon after the build, it dies over time in the sun like regular fiberglass.

You may want to check with the local semi trailer repair shops, they may have smaller sections available. There are a few in that area, Great Dane of Utah comes to mind right off the top. I've often gotten smaller pieces like that to use for repairs. Come to think of it, I saw panels of it at Lowes once too, in the bathroom fixture area. They use it as wall liners in restrooms.

Hello,
I am really intrested in this topic, as a newbe I am in the research part of my teardrop build and have looking and reading about various materials and the Kemlite you are talking about has been used before on several builds. It also goes by the name of "Filon". If you check the Crane Composite website they have some really good technical data available on it.
The TD builds I have read about are not that old, so I am not sure what the endurance of this material is. I did hear about the bubbles as the other post stated and I am not sure why it bubbled. But it appears to be used extensively on larger moterized RV's and I wasn't able find any big news about problems when scounging around on the web.
If you don't mind I would certainly like to hear what ever you learn, if you decide to try it, or if not why. I have sent off for more information from the company also.
Thanks,
Ron

rrawlings wrote:Ior not if you haven't made any yet.

Nope, no mistka, musta, mistakes yet, none at all! Check your PM.

Greg

Just finished a build with Kemlite. Nice to work with, Got it from Great Dane Trailer supply. They stock it on huge rolls and will cut it to what ever length you need. Comes 103" wide so if you are building 5 wide you will have 3 1/2 ft of waste. Mine was around $9.50 linear foot.

I have decided to go with epoxy and fiberglass cloth over the entire exterior. Thanks to all for the input on Kemlite.

"Prohandyman"-Can you please provide a link to that great Dane trailer supply where you got the kemlite material... thanks!

I don't think there is a link. I just contacted the local Great Dane shop in Indy. Check to see if you have one in your area. They have a retail counter and I just walked in.