Alternative skin options

[kd5edj63]

Thanks Tony. The place I get my car paint also has marine paints as well as comercial grade paints for things like steel fencing and buildings.

[alaska teardrop]

what else can you do for skinning a trailer. than was mentioned above. any new ideas out there?

slow

Cowhide?

[eggsalad]

Here's an idea I haven't seen that I'm about to use on the roof of my camper, The Coffin.

3/16" Masonite as the base with 4mm Coroplast as the skin. Coroplast is cheap (<$10 for a 4x8 sheet), lightweight, waterproof, and highly UV-resistant.

Just because I haven't seen it used before doesn't mean no one has done it!

[alaska teardrop]

Just because I haven't seen it used before doesn't mean no one has done it!

Well O.K. How about Walrus hide?

[Tinbasher]

Just looked at the UK equivalent of Correx. £60.00 an 8x4 sheet

[kd5edj63]

I am almost certain I will use a very high quality paint from Behr. Its way more expensive than even a good quality paint (about $50 a gallon). I forget the name of the paint, but I wont have to spend 150 on an epoxy primer and then a couple hundred more on urethane paint. I'll deside when I get closer to doing it. I have not yet even made up my mind on a side profile

[dguff]

You could also use old cedar fence boards and galvanized steel!!

Jerome

[Mary C]

Jerome yep, I used Foam yep 2 inch foam to build mine then covered it in canvas stuck on with titebond ii glue and then painted it with Glidden gripper paint , looks good and waterproof too. Don't know your name or where your at but good luck!!!

Mary C.

[rowerwet]

mine is covered with glidden gripper and canvas, the canvas protects the paint from peeling, and the paint keeps the canvas from the elements. It was applied over bare plywood and is still doing well years later.
I haven't had to repaint yet, and there are still no leaks.

[woodywrkng]

Wilsonart laminate sides. attached with contact cement to 1/2" plywood. Holding up fine, tough as heck.

[citylights]

I am doing an aluminum skin all by myself. The 4x10 sheets are a little heavy, but not unmanageable at 44 lb. You have to get a little creative about clamping things without an extra pair of hands. I haven't had any help yet, and at tis point it is a matter of pride of accomplishment. I *will* finish it myself!

[drewh1]

Good for you John - I am right there with you, doing it all myself, becoming a sort of a mission.

Regarding alternate skins, I am very much committed to using all recyclable materials, wood, steel, aluminum, and as little plastic as possible. It is one of the appeals of this project for me.

[1130451B]

I thought about this lots too, with the price of wood these days I am wondering if there is a better alternative to aluminium and metal sheets or glass over plywood. Here are some of my ideas;
Canvas - Why not just staple canvas like a 12 or 18 duck, or even fleece, and then soak it in epoxy and fiberglass cloth? It is how some of those custom fiberglass dash places do it; they stretch the cloth over the complex shape or form then glass and sand.
3mm plywood or veneer - Why not cover it in a thin plywood, 3mm - 6mm, and then glass epoxy it?
Fiberglass Sheet - Has anyone tried using that plastic or fiberglass shower surround? I think you can get it in a roll. Glue it on and seal the seems?

As long as you have framing you shouldn't need think 1/4 to 3/4 inch solid plywood covering. The cloth should be strong enough, it is on skin boats, and the glassing should make it water proof and rigid enough. Even really thin sheets of wood or plastic/fiberglass should be fine again as long as your framing is solid enough to stand on it's own, should also weigh a lot less too.
Thoughts?

[saywhatthat]

lots of luck

[printer]

Don't forget to check if the material is UV safe if it will be exposed.