Exterior Aluminum

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Exterior Aluminum

Postby waterguy1111 » Tue Mar 16, 2021 6:53 am

I am getting ready to put the aluminum on my new Teardrop. I was just wondering if there is preference to install the sides first or the roof first? Each side will go on as a single sheet and the roof is 2 peices plus some diamond plate up front. All my trim came from Vintage Technologies. (Love that place!)

Thank you!

Ken
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby tony.latham » Tue Mar 16, 2021 9:23 am

I have always installed the roof aluminum first.

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But I don't think it matters. :thinking:

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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby lfhoward » Tue Mar 16, 2021 9:45 am

When I skinned mine I chose the easiest, simplest piece to cut and install first. It helped me build my metal cutting skills and confidence for the more elaborate cuts on later pieces.

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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby Graniterich » Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:15 am

I always do the roof first as well
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby waterguy1111 » Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:09 pm

Thanks all for the Advice! Much appreciated!!
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Exterior Aluminum

Postby ricky herbold » Wed Mar 17, 2021 2:10 pm

I installed the walls first, only because the location of the screws fastening the exterior plywood were closer to the edge on the sides and I used a router with a flush trim bit. The bearing would have been hitting right on the countersunk screw creating bumps in the metal. The trim will still cover it, but that was my reasoning. Like Tony said. I don’t think it really matters.


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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby halfdome, Danny » Wed Mar 17, 2021 4:35 pm

I install the sides first as I use a flush router trim bit that follows the profile of the trailer.
If I were to do the opposite then I'd be running into where my roof skins overlap each other 2 ".
My skins come 4 ft x 10 ft so I have to run them across the roof for a 5 foot wide teardrop.
:D Danny
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby James9324 » Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:44 am

Hey Danny,

I Would you mind sending a photo of your overlap on the roof? I am having a difficult time locating 5 foot wide aluminum too. I was thinking of an overlap as well. I was also thinking of running a 4 foot wide down the middle of the top and then doing 6 or 8 inch strips on the ends and then doing a trim piece on top of the so the water would still run easily off the roof.

I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of how you did it though.
Much appreciated. You can message it to me or post it, whatever you prefer.

Thank you so much!

James
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby halfdome, Danny » Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:54 am

James9324 wrote:Hey Danny,

I Would you mind sending a photo of your overlap on the roof? I am having a difficult time locating 5 foot wide aluminum too. I was thinking of an overlap as well. I was also thinking of running a 4 foot wide down the middle of the top and then doing 6 or 8 inch strips on the ends and then doing a trim piece on top of the so the water would still run easily off the roof.

I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of how you did it though.
Much appreciated. You can message it to me or post it, whatever you prefer.

Thank you so much!

James

Here you go James.
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I apply the skins from the rear where the roof meets the galley then overlap the second skin 2" over the first skin, etc. with 3M VHB tape.
If you start from the front your overlaps will be exposed to freeway driven rain so you'll need to do it as I described for water proofing.

I seal the overlap edge with the aluminum trim (and OSI quad sealant) that's in the picture.
:D Danny
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby James9324 » Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:15 am

So your top piece just lays flat across the bottom piece two inches? Then the trim piece on top of that. What do you use to seal in between the overlaps?

Thanks for the photo
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby halfdome, Danny » Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:38 am

As in my previous post, I use 3M VHB double sided tape to adhere and seal the overlapping joints, sealing the leading edge with aluminum trim and clear OSI Quad caulk, available at Home Depot etc.
Watch this video for more information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCY7bfmFik
:D Danny
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby James9324 » Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:35 pm

Would there be any disadvantage to doing the same technique that you used Danny but running the aluminum the same direction as the camper lengthwise? Overlapping the same way and then just using short strips on each side of the middle larger piece?
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby halfdome, Danny » Wed Apr 21, 2021 4:53 pm

With VHB tape you need to clamp the joint for 36 hours.
I clamp with a 2x4 on edge across the width of the roof.
Years ago on previous builds I used 5 foot wide aluminium sheet, a bit heavier guage.
:D Danny
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby James9324 » Wed Apr 21, 2021 5:52 pm

How about a ratchet strap all around he trailer??? Lol
Just a thought.

I would love to use 5 foot wide, but I can't find it.
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Re: Exterior Aluminum

Postby halfdome, Danny » Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:06 pm

I only have two seams on the topside of my teardrop, one is covered over with the tongue box the other one in my picture.
Going lengthwise like you suggest is more work and more area to seal.
:D Danny
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