DIY Overland camper trailer build: cabin part 8 - Aluminum composite cladding
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- In part 8 of the cabin build series I skin the trailer using ACM panels. I used Sikaflex 252 adhesive to attach the panels. I used 8 tubes and premium 3mm (.008") skin thickness ACM.
piedmontplastics.com/products/acm
Sikaflex 252 black: amzn.to/3Kzaou8
Sikaflex 252 white: amzn.to/3FMralL
1/2 vgroove bit: amzn.to/3EbzWLk
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This man said hell no I ain’t paying 30k+ for the mammoth overland lmao. I’m doing the exact same build. Glad I found this video
Enjoy it
Great use of our PSG AluPoly ACM! What a cool project.
It's good stuff!
Do you know if they are making the ACM in 10ft long sheets? Thank you.
@@danielciceu6354 yes
nice that you made it so one sheet on side - no seams
Yah, trying to limit the trim
very nice usage with ACM panels
They have been great so far!
Absolutely awesome video
Thank you very much!
I feel to lucky to have found your videos! I'm planning a truck camper - so pretty much like your build on the back of a flatbed - and I've been getting lost in the rabbit hole of aluminum sheets welded together vs. plywood with fiberglass resin vs. 5V roofing metal vs. fiberglass insulated panels.... the list goes on the longer you look!! I used to work as an architect and we used ACM all the time for facades, but I never thought about buying the stuff for my own projects. So cool that it is workable with wood tools and adhesives and looks like you can rivet / screw if you want to go that route. I'm in the Boulder area so I'll have to check out Piedmont to get my stuff.
Wondering if you've noticed any issues with durability in your travels with a 0.008" thick aluminum skin? Any cuts from branches / pinstriping, etc?
Also did you attach the insulation to the ACM at all? Or is it just taped in there with the foil tape?
Thanks a million for posting these videos! I get that it probably took extra time but I've never seen something like this come together with this use of ACM
No issues with the finish so far. The insulation isn't attached to the ACM. It is just press fit into the frame and taped from the inside so it can be removed if needed. Good luck with your build!
I cant believe i found this bideo in time, tomorrow i was going to buy 1.2 mm aluminuim flat shett to skin the trailer box i built with kube loc. Might go see this stuff first i think
It’s good stuff!
Good talking to you earlier.
Thanks, enjoy the show
First video I've seen of yours. Found it as I am planning on using ACM panels on the outside of a small camper also. Omega brand as that is what we use in Aspen for wall panels systems on residents. One thing I see in your frame design. I think you need more vertical tubing on the side walls. I build quite a few steel structures. That long span will sag and possibly cause problems with the panels.
Welcome, good luck with your build! Haven't had any issues yet but I will keep that in mind if I do.
We are going to be using this type of concept on our build and was also wondering about the steel frame/aluminum corrosion aspect. We have used Sikaflex throughout our build as well so thank you.
Should only be an issue if the bare metals are in contact.
Hello.
It's a very nice video.
I am also currently manufacturing deformable camping trailers.
I want to make it as light as possible, but it's very difficult.
From JAPAN
Sounds great! Goodluck
Thanks for the videos! I've studied them in the planning for my build. How is the 3mm ACM holding up to dents and dings? Seems like 4mm is the architectural standard, and 3mm is used mainly for interiors or signs. I'm getting ready to do a slide in truck camper with the 3mm from Piedmont, but hearing reviews that it dents easily has me questioning now. Thanks!
No problems so far.
love the video i get my panels from PiedmontPlastics in 3 days is there a certain blade you used to cut it with the skill saw? thanks!
I just used a standard wood blade.
Interesting, I finished designing mine on sketchup and got my quote from a steel company for materials today, I’m planning on using a light gauge steel sheeting for the outside for price purposes. But I might look into this now,.
Wasn’t cheap but don’t think it’s significantly different from the price of steel.
Where did you purchase the aluminum composite? I’ve seen where some people are purchasing from a local print shop. Just curious where you sourced material.
@@Buzzsteele piedmont plastics, it’s in the description.
How did you seal the edges of the panel? sealant and trim or just sealant?
They will be sealed with more 252 and trim soon.
I was totally expecting you to use sheet steel after how your wheel wells turned out ? Was is weight savings or fabrication time that pushed you toward ACM.
Both, ACM is much lighter, weatherproof and already has a surface finish.
I'd love to know how this material is working out for you? I am just starting an overland build and I'm researching exterior siding materials. Thanks!
It's good so far!
How do you cut your composite aluminum panels?I currently building a diy truck camper and i am using acp ...i tried to bend them and it always failed...any tips????
I just used a wood blade on the circular saw and a 45 degree bit in the router.
did you use a aluminum frame or did you what did you do to deal with the unlike metal issue?
There shouldn’t be an issue since there is no bare metal contact. The steel frame and ACM are both painted. The sikaflex then separates them even further.
Does the adhesive work good when applying it in cold weather? Or did you keep it warm until it was ready for use?
I kept it inside until I used it to help it flow. I applied it midday when it was close to 50 degrees without issue.
Great project!! Your method has given me confidence to move forward with my pop up topper. A couple of questions: all of the pro builds use rivets, which seems like a pathway for water. I can't understand why they wouldn't just use an adhesive like this. Cost maybe? Also, when placing the panels, it looks like the glue sets up pretty quick. Do you have to hustle to get everything lined up before clamping? Thanks for your insight.
I assume rivets are cheaper and easier. The adhesive actually sets up slow so there is lots of time for clamping. It is VERY sticky though so you want to get the alignment very close the first time.
@@infosponge Thanks!
great work. How is the extension and contraction in extreme temperature?
No issues yet, seen ambient temps from -10 to 110.
@@infosponge thanks for the response. Is there a thicket material that’s available to use. Also, where are u located?
I have observed people using a flat bottom V bit for ACM route and folding
I tried that on a scrap and for the angle I needed it wasn’t better.
@@infosponge thanks for the reply - - maybe flat bottom V is only best for square bends
Nice work! Did you put something between your wall's frame and your aluminum to prevent corrosion (steel frame against aluminum wall) cause I want to the same for mine but i struggle with that issue :/
The sikaflex 252 separates the metals as well as the primer on the steel and the white finish on the aluminum.
@@infosponge nice!! I think I may overthink about it hahaha you save me a lot of problem on that one!!! Keep the good work!!!
i don’t know if that router bit is the correct one i do ACM PANELS and we use a different one😮
Worked fine for the few cuts I did. If you have a better option let us know.
Hi, pretty educational. Are you going to put some rivets on it or the sikaflex is strong enough to hold everything ?
The sikaflex has been plenty strong. I may add a few rivets to the corner trim when I finalize that part.
How do you finish the outside joints?
I currently have pieces of rubber windshield t-molding covering the seems. Eventually I will make aluminum trim.
Hello! Did the Sikaflex flatten out and create a nice tight seal when you used the fasteners? I'm wondering if it creates a bead and isn't nice and flush? Thank you.
I didn't use any fasteners. It flattened out a little when I applied pressure but certainly didn't bleed out. Seams to be a good seal. I will add more with the corner trim.
Do you remember the depth you put the router bit for your bends by chance?
Just tested it on a piece of scrap. You want to get all of the way through the core without touching the aluminum.
Thanks for the vid. Nice work. Now - Sika ? Is that equivalent to PL Prem, or Loctite polyurethane adhesive ?
Or did you specifically go out of your way to get that product. Thanks.
The sikaflex has been proven to work so that is what I went with. I can’t say if the other brands are as good or better. Sorry.
Ok thanks for the response. I called an RV shop near me - they use Sika 221 (but not 252).
Looks like it’s billed as both a Sealant & Adhesive. Price is quite a bit lower too.
I’m guessing it’s almost the same recipe.
Ha! - maybe I’ll rivet AND Sika. Suspenders and a belt ! Thanks much.
Can I use a galvanized sandwich panel instead of ACM and inside panel ?
Sure, you can use many materials.
Thank you @@infosponge
Learning a ton with your videos. What material or product did you use for edge and corner trims?
I am currently using automotive flexible weatherstripping but my gaps aren’t tight enough. I will eventually make custom aluminum trim. amzn.to/44yWD7N
What axles are you using for that trailer?
Timbren: th-cam.com/video/hMsCRTWrOiQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=SI_eoSNtnKkKLFfE
I couldn't see what product number, or thickness you used for your ACM, can you share what you used? Thanks
My PO says ACM WHT 0.120AL. I purchased three 3MMx60x120 .008 601 WHT/WHT ALP PRM MS2 sheets and one 3MMx48x96 sheet.
Hi I'm curious what primer you used for the steel? I was planning on por 15 but worry the 252 won't bond good to it? The por 15 sticks to steel like no other but I'm keen to know what you used and how it's holding up, thank you
I just rough sanded the steel and used cheap aerosol etch primer.
@@infosponge thanks for the reply, I like how simple you made that! My confidence has returned haha. You still recommend the 1/2" v bit for the 45° bends (routing)?
@@pmatter5620 that worked for me. Just do a small test piece to get the depth right. Don’t cut into the other side obviously, but more importantly get really close. If you leave too much material the paint will crack from the pressure of the bend.
Hi do you think i can use this acm as my wall panel for my outdoor flight cages for birds?
I don’t see why not. It’s durable and weatherproof.
@@infosponge thank you so much! We'll give it a try
Doing all that routing with a cordless Ryobi 😅 electric Dewalt would have been the best tool
Had no issues with the Ryobi but thanks for the recommendation.
I know it is too late, but next time have a look at VHB tape.
I did consider it.
What kind of router bit did you use for the bends? just a standard carbide V shape bit?
1/2 vgroove found here: amzn.to/3EbzWLk
Thanks and awesome work!!
What suspension did you use for this?
th-cam.com/video/hMsCRTWrOiQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AY-bRNxXwt5Hq9Zm
Clever way to bend
Thanks
what was your source for the ACM panels?
Piedmont Plastics
How much did each sheet of ACM run you?
Around $85 for 4'x8' and $135 for 5'x10'. Prices may be different now though.
@@infosponge Awesome! I am sure they are more expensive now but getting a baseline is always nice. Thanks for all of the build videos! If you are ever over in Bennett I would love to see the finished trailer!
Where did you buy the ACM from? Shipped or picked up?
@@fairwind3111 Piedmont Plastics. Local location near Denver.
@@infosponge fastest response ever! Thanks for the info and of course the great build video’s!
Which particular ACM product did you use and which thickness?
I used premium (.008") skin thickness
@@infosponge did you find an ACM dealer or did you have this material shipped to you?
@@mauriciogonzalez6302 I purchased the panels from my local Piedmont Plastics warehouse in Denver.
What size ACM sheets did you use?
I think I did one 4x8 and three 5x10 sheets
The project looks great! Found a local piedmont plastics local to me and plan to use ACM as well. Thanks for sharing!
What did you use for trim?
Im using various widths of 1/16th aluminum angle (painted black with steel-it) for the trim.
@@infosponge just curious, will you secure the trim via adhesive or fastener?
I looked up Piedmont plastics seems like a good product. Are you in Michigan? I'm in Brighton Mi.
I’m in Colorado
A bunch of companies make ACM, this one was just convenient and in stock.
Another similar product brand is Alumanate sourced from Laird Plastics or your local sign shop.
Please get a sample of \ Aluminum composite cladding tap it what you think a branch force is when hitting it . this crap can not be fix