DIY Overland camper trailer build: cabin part 8 - Aluminum composite cladding

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.

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[PiedmontPlasticsInc]

Great use of our PSG AluPoly ACM! What a cool project.

[GKB]

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

[jwiereng]

nice that you made it so one sheet on side - no seams

[robcross]

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

[Arthalot]

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

[chibanoojisan]

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

[familurstrangers]

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!

[bradywilliams]

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.

[babypxcamper]

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.

[ottocornett]

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, .

[jmpowell]

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!

[Shiny_Winters]

How did you seal the edges of the panel? sealant and trim or just sealant?

[zinkpig]

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.

[mattmatthiessen]

Do you remember the depth you put the router bit for your bends by chance?

[MrTeslaX]

great work. How is the extension and contraction in extreme temperature?

[joedelmonte]

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.

[rocky.racoon]

Learning a ton with your videos. What material or product did you use for edge and corner trims?

[zacharyd]

did you use a aluminum frame or did you what did you do to deal with the unlike metal issue?

[tawright]

Does the adhesive work good when applying it in cold weather? Or did you keep it warm until it was ready for use?

[familyrst_adventure]

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 :/