Warping of aluminum skins when mounted to box

[Filthy]

Originally Posted by Unlimicon

I ended up using vhb on the skins for the entire camper. The aluminum I bought was coated white on both sides and the sikaflex would not stick. I had the back skinned and after 24 hours it pulled right off. I had to clean it up and use the 3m tape. Sikaflex work great for the bare metal to metal adhesion on the boxes though.

thanks!
This is an incredibly helpful reference project for me, appreciate you taking the time to share.

what is the gauge and dimension of your steel beams, how far did you space them?

Have you had it down the road?

[Unlimicon]

3” sq tube 11ga. Main rails.
3x2 rect. tube 11ga. Floor hoist and bottom compartment main down braces.
1 1/2 x 3 rect. tube 11ga. over cab support
1 1/2 x 14ga. sq tube walls, roof and bottom compartment non vital areas and bottom compartment floor supports.

[Unlimicon]

Also everything is spaced 16” where I could and I drove it from Tx to Al with no issues. It won’t win any races but I still passed a few other rv’s

[Unlimicon]

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[CA_Tallguy]

WOW love how that worked out.

[Firststoprv]

Originally Posted by Unlimicon

I’m building a motorhome on a Freightliner M2 chassis. I have the living quarters all framed out and I’m ready to skin it. Reading through 3m’s installation instructions for using the VHB tape has me a little nervous. It says not to attach the top or bottom so the panel can contract and expand without warping. Just would like some reassurance from someone else who has attached aluminum panels to their build with VHB tape. Did you take precautions so your panels didn’t warp? I’m using .050 aluminum and plan on using no rivets or screws just VHB tape to hold it on.

I did. And yes. You need 4 people to apply the panel. Don’t try it any other way. 3m primer 94 is a must too.

Call me if you have questions. 801-404-0545


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