Rezarf
Hard Core 4+
Howdy folks.
SOme of you know I am building a trailer for camping/exploring, and I am at a crossroads...
I am at the point of adding sheet metal to the frame I built up and I am trying to decide between steel and aluminum. Here are my thoughts on each. Care to chime in? I hope so
Aluminum:
First, I like the idea of no rust on the aluminum panels, that and the fact that it wouldn't require a paint finish for protection is a huge plus, and offsets its initial higher purchase cost. The weight makes good sense too. My only concern is fastening the aluminum to the steel frame. I have been researching a combo of marine grade adhesive & rivets... there is also a product for the semi trailer industry that is a sealing "tape" that replaces mechanical fasteners... it is wild stuff for sure. 3M amazes me!
I may still make the lid out of 18ga. steel to "hide" the rivets.
Steel:
If I were to go steel the costs are much cheaper and I can always come back and weld things to it and modify it easier... that might be nice. The idea of rust on a trailer and my 40 isn't appealing However, steel can take a beating and keep going strong as well. Painting/undercoating will keep the rust at bay but in all reality it might be an uphill battle.
Let me know what you thinks!
SOme of you know I am building a trailer for camping/exploring, and I am at a crossroads...
I am at the point of adding sheet metal to the frame I built up and I am trying to decide between steel and aluminum. Here are my thoughts on each. Care to chime in? I hope so
Aluminum:
First, I like the idea of no rust on the aluminum panels, that and the fact that it wouldn't require a paint finish for protection is a huge plus, and offsets its initial higher purchase cost. The weight makes good sense too. My only concern is fastening the aluminum to the steel frame. I have been researching a combo of marine grade adhesive & rivets... there is also a product for the semi trailer industry that is a sealing "tape" that replaces mechanical fasteners... it is wild stuff for sure. 3M amazes me!
I may still make the lid out of 18ga. steel to "hide" the rivets.
Steel:
If I were to go steel the costs are much cheaper and I can always come back and weld things to it and modify it easier... that might be nice. The idea of rust on a trailer and my 40 isn't appealing However, steel can take a beating and keep going strong as well. Painting/undercoating will keep the rust at bay but in all reality it might be an uphill battle.
Let me know what you thinks!