Aluminum or painted wood?

[justlisawv]

I am in the planning stages at this point. I know that there is probably info on this already but I couldn't seem to find it. This is our first attempt at building a teardrop. I like the look of the aluminum. Is there any benefits to NOT using the aluminum? Does it get hotter inside or does it reflect the heat? I keep thinking of the mobile home I used to live in and how extremely HOT the thing got. Thanks for any advice.

[aggie79]

For us, the aluminum seems to reflect the heat. (We do have insulated sidewalls, floor and roof.)

[Loader]

It really is all about the look you want.

I've used both painted wood and aluminum....there are pros and cons to both, and of course then there is the cost and ease of availability factors. Aluminum - I ordered and picked up right in town, as for the paint (used a two part epoxy based marine paint) I picked it up off the shelf at a local marine supply store. But either item could be ordered and delivered right to your doorstep.

You have to properly seal the wood under aluminum to ensure against rot, and for painted surface, you really need to make sure the surface is smooth (selection of a higher quality wood helps), sealed and primed, then painted. Of course sanding between coats to get that "smooth as glass finish" A lot more effort goes into getting a nice painted surface as compared to installing aluminum (in my humble opinion). One of he best examples of a painted surface is PlanoVet's Little Swiss Teardrop.

But for me, I really like the look (and relative ease of install) of the painted/colored aluminum I selected.

Good luck with our build and be sure to share pics!

[jonw]

Aluminum is definately easier to maintain and wont de-laminate when wet.

If you like the look a nice compromise is to use aluminum for the roof and hatch, and wood for the sides. That's what I did...

[doug hodder]

Done correctly with an automotive type paint over epoxy, you can wash and wax a wood trailer like a car. If you have to polish out a mill finish trailer with bird poop marks,oxidation etc... on it and want to keep it looking good.....much more hassle/ maintenance and it's a recurring thing. I've done them both ways....can't tell the difference in temperature. Doug

[doug hodder]

cuz it won't bond correctly....

[KCStudly]

... and most epoxies need protection from UV (ultraviolet light from the sun), from what I have been told.

[jonw]

If you have to polish out a mill finish trailer with bird poop marks,oxidation etc... on it and want to keep it looking good.....much more hassle/ maintenance and it's a recurring thing. Doug

That depends upon how particular you are on how shiny the finish looks. I guess I'm not that particular,

With mill finish I just wash mine once or twice a year whether it needs it or not and every few years I may take some polish to it but I never try to make it shine like an airstream.

I have a small cargo trailer covered with anodized aluminum - it looks better longer and every few years I put a coat of car wax on it.