Aluminum Thickness

[rfhall50]

We are in the process of fitting out a 4'x6' trailer to hold equipment for our Community Emergency Response Team. The shell will be the standard 4' high made out of 1/2" plywood. We want to cover it in shiny aluminum sheeting. We are a part of a large healthcare organization and will be "showing it off" quite a bit.

I know this has been covered in many posts ad nausium, however I have not been able to find it.
What thickness of aluminum do most of you use to cover the exterior ?
Have located several sources, but of course, there are numerous thicknesses. Thank you in advance for your help.

Bob Hall N5VCU
Security Manager
Patriots Colony at Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA

[grant whipp]

Hi, Bob!

If you are talking about the mirror-finish polished & clear-anodized stuff, I've only seen it in .032" and .040" ... and since it IS a mirror finish, it really doesn't matter which thickness you choose, 'cause it's going to reflect all heat from the sunlight. Now, if you are talking about just really clean & shiny mill finish, most of us recommend nothing less than .032" on the sides and .040" on the top/roof ... anything more is overkill (unless it's all you can get),and anything less will end up warping and looking like a really dull fun house mirror.

Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[KCStudly]

I'm not using alum skin, but from what I have studied, 0.030 to 0.040 seems to be the popular thickness, with 0.040 getting the most common nod.

A much revered build currently underway went with 0.060 thk and found it to be too thick to be easily manipulated.

Good luck and welcome to the forum. It is a good thing that you and your group are trying to do.

Lots of options for healthy cooking using cast iron (CI) and typical camping cookware.

I should know since in a former life I made a point of eating healthy and working out; plus my wife is an RD, but that doesn't seem to be helping me any in my current life.

[rfhall50]

Thanks to both of you for your quick response. It is my plan to order the aluminum today.

Bobby