Fiberglass VS. Aluminium

[Koko65]

Hello all

my build is getting closer and closer to starting every day. I go to pick up the HF trailer tomorrow. The design is almost complete (in my head at least), but I am still debating the exterior finish.

I have not decided to have a woody or an aluminum skin. If I would do a woody I would cover in fiberglass as per Steve's manual. I am curious as to which method would have less weight, assuming the same sandwich wall construction. Also, is there a difference in long term maintenance between the two?

Any and all comments are welcome and as soon as I start to put together the trailer I'll start a build journal... with pics.

Onno

[Koko65]

Hello all

my build is getting closer and closer to starting every day. I go to pick up the HF trailer tomorrow. The design is almost complete (in my head at least), but I am still debating the exterior finish.

I have not decided to have a woody or an aluminum skin. If I would do a woody I would cover in fiberglass as per Steve's manual. I am curious as to which method would have less weight, assuming the same sandwich wall construction. Also, is there a difference in long term maintenance between the two?

Any and all comments are welcome and as soon as I start to put together the trailer I'll start a build journal... with pics.

Onno

[madjack]

...the fiberglass is probably lighter...keep in mind, with fiberglass a UV resistant varnish needs to be applied over the FG to protect it from the UVies...both will require some maintenance so that is probably a wash(FG may need a touch more).............
madjack

[Koko65]

Thanks MJ.

Now I just need to do a cost estimate. Locally sourced .032 aluminum is just over $6 / foot @ 4th width. I am not sure how to price the FG, can I assume that all coats of epoxy would be of the same thickness as the initial wet out? If that's the case I think I have seen an online calculator for that.

I love the look of the stripper and getting the cedar would be easy... But cutting all the strips and placing them all might be a bit daunting.

Thanks for the help.

Onno

[madjack]

...your first wet out of the FG cloth with epoxy resin will use considerably more than subsequent coats...
madjack