by dmdc411 » Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:44 am
I'm at the point of siding my Teardrop, been researching a good year now on what's best. I've spent too much time and money on this project to skimp now. I looked into FRP at the green box(Men__ds) store, its probably not UV stable, but if you paint it with exterior paint it should be ok, right? I have made calls and left two messages to the company here in Eagan MN with no results. As a note, my dad pointed out something here too, if the camper isn't going to sit outside except when used, it really doesn't matter if the FRP is UV stable or not. A few days at a time isn't going to hurt the FRP. Someone here on this site has used FRP of some sort for fence panels around a pool, these parts have been out in the sun for something like 9 years and still look perfect. Also, if your going to paint it anyway, why not combine FRP sheeting and the aluminum trim? That's an idea, thanks to the Windsor/cokes! Yah its Monday night, I worked all weekend, so now it's my weekend!! Aluminum sheeting is the ultimate in my book, I've worked with it extensively in aviation. Its easy to work with, no maintenance if sealed properly, and looks great. Sourcing has been difficult, but this summer I did find a reasonably priced($65-4x10ftx.040)supplier in the area. Next would be the roof to sidewall trim. Just the other day I found a RV dealer, Brambilla's, (awesome people) in the Minneapolis area. They've been the source of many surplus parts like, interior lights, electrical, and windows. They sold me a 4 foot piece of left over edge moulding for me to try and bend around the tightest radius I have, it worked great. It came from Bell Industries(2013 Cat. pg.567) in Eagan, MN. It would cost about $100(?) for all except the Tee for the sides of the hatch. Fiberglass over the plywood skin is great stuff too, but in my book its messy, sort of expensive, and still needs paint as a top coat. I think for what we need, any of these would be fine, it boils down to preference.