Attaching aluminum skin

[TheThom]

Hi everyone, I have an old pop-up camper that I'm rebuilding. I have a question: what is the best way to attach aluminum to the sides?

The sides are 1/2" CDX ply with 1/2 studs inside for support. I am planning on using aluminum angle at the edges and along hatch openings.

Here's a pic of the general structure

Do I only need to attache at the edges and at doors? Should I use an adhesive as well? What about 3M 5200 since it provides some flex?

Appreciate the info. I've worked really hard and would hate for the aluminum to buckle or bow with expansion.

Just so you know, I'm planning to prime and paint the sides w/ roll on bed-liner so I have some forgiveness there.

Thanks!

[TheThom]

Bump. Nothing? All of these great aluminum skinned teardrops and nobody has advice for how to attach it to the wood?!?

[linuxmanxxx]

I have built two skinned aluminum trailers and used 3M 30NF contact cement on both of them and only put screws through my sealed laps on my roof and have had them from freezing to 103 yesterday and zero oil canning happens with the neoprene based cement. Very few punctures anywhere for water to possibly penetrate and all my trim is glued and then sealed with silicone for zero leaks. The glue is waterproof so it automatically puts a waterproof layer over my 5 mm underlayment so no need to mess with any of the toxic nasty chemicals others use on here. Trust me high dollar glue is worth its weight in gold.

[jonw]

I simply put stainless steel screws through the aluminum molding and aluminum skin at the edges into the plywood walls (5/8in in my case). Used a generous amount of silicone caulk under the molding before screwing down.

I do recommend screwing and dry fitting the aluminum before permanently attaching with caulk or glue. Working with curves can present you with lots of surprises.

Have fun!