installing FRP panels on trailers surface

[gene so]

Since aluminum sheeting takes a beating on both rec vehicles and auto's here in the Rockies at 6,500 feet. I have chosen FRP panels to cover my teardrop. I note that installation instructions are aimed at interior of home potential problems.
I am seeking the best adhesives and methods for usage with this material on a trailer that will have to deal with extreme temperature changes, due to the bright, clear sun at this altitude. How do you make sure that these panels will stay affixed to wooden constructed trailers, dealing with the expansion-contraction when being transported over the roads and trails, without cracking in the long run? I intend on covering all seams with a product like snow-water seal before attaching these panels.

Thanks in advance,

Gene So

[rowerwet]

First off, FRP is not UV stable, I built a tonaue cover for my truck with it and left it bare, in a year or so it was chalky, a few years later it was showing cracks in the surface. Painting it will give it some UV protection.
A better bet is Fillon the UV stable version, unless you live near a camper building area finding it and or getting it shipped will be expensive.
If you live in a cold area any plastic gets brittle in the cold.
Expansion and contraction will fight you, as plastic is very effected by temp, while wood is not as much. Floating the plastic is the only real answer that won't yeild big wrinkles.

I used the cheapest permanent skin out there, painted canvas, it is on its fourth winter with no recoating, the tear lives outside in new england. The only protection it has for the winter is a roof made of steel roofing that sits on the tear roof like a hat.

[razorback]

I used FRP mastic from Lowe's. Sherwin Williams guy suggested I use Krylon paint as the base coat. Krylon is designed for plastic. Then you can use any outdoor latex color for
UV protection. We have pulled ours over 30000 miles over 7 years with not problems.
Larry

[bobhenry]

I used Crane Plastics Sequentia brand Bath Liner panels. It IS UV stable per the specs. Mine had been in the weather 24 -7 for 3 years ( It just last year got inside storage). When I installed it I drilled an over size hole and trapped it under hard plastic Rosetta washers.
Other than these it floates on the sub strata. The joints are all caulked with the best 100% silicone I could purchase. You can heat it and shape it into tight curves with a good heat gun. You can router it and cut it with a fine toothed saw. I personally found a 4" cut off wheel on a small grinder was a great cutting tool. Please, please, please, be careful of the dust It is bad news. I got one hell of an eye infection from being macho. It's not real good to the lungs either. A simple paper dust mask and some wrap around eye protection is all that is really needed.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=38489&hilit=rip+van+winkle

[whitefishpoint]

I used Crane FRP from Lowes also. Built in 2010. No problems. Used PL polyurethane glue to glue FRP to FRP and FRP to wood. Worked great, no issues.

Never had a problem with UV.
Never had a problem with sub-freezing cold.
Never had a problem with expansion or cracking.

Use the Crane FRP from Lowes - you won't have any problems except for the horrible dust it creates when cutting it.

[bobhenry]

I used Crane FRP from Lowes also. Built in 2010. No problems. Used PL polyurethane glue to glue FRP to FRP and FRP to wood. Worked great, no issues.

Never had a problem with UV.
Never had a problem with sub-freezing cold.
Never had a problem with expansion or cracking.

Use the Crane FRP from Lowes - you won't have any problems except for the horrible dust it creates when cutting it.

Be warned eye protection and a dust mask are a must ! I learned the hard way

[len19070]

Heres my experience with FRP. Almost 25 years and it still looks great....even shiny!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35105

Happy Trails

Len

[PonyExpress]

Hi len19070,

Do you remember what brand of FRP you used for your outstanding experiment?

Thanks