Budget siding/roof options

[mattiker]

Hey there, doing a budget build with 3/4 in plywood. I've read that aluminum sheet metal is a good option for the outside of the trailer, but am coming up empty on where to acquire it. My build is 4'x6'x4" if that helps at all.

Are there more budget friendly options for aluminum or alternatives that work alright (used metal roofing maybe)? Rain is a concern where I live.

Also, is there a minimum thickness that is recommended?

[Mr. Lahey]

Search the forum here for info on poor man's fiberglass or PMF. Very budget friendly and very durable. Roofs, walls, and hatch. Cover the whole camper with it.
Used on many builds here.

[tony.latham]

...but am coming up empty on where to acquire it.

Where are you located?



T

[Tomterrific]

Tradition dictates 1/2" plywood so that saves a little money. You can paint the outside so that saves more. I used white elastomeric roof coating over Revolution ply for my roof and it worked okay. I have an idea for a rustic teardrop made from old cedar fence pickets and a corrugated steel roof that would be super inexpensive.

Tt

[mattiker]

I'll be sure to look into fiberglass, hadn't really considered that option. I'm located in central Arkansas, reached out to a couple of junk yards and fabrications but haven't heard anything back from the fabrication type places. I'll look into 1/2" as well.

[tony.latham]

https://www.ryerson.com/locations/unitedstates/arkansas/littlerock

https://boydmetals.com/products/aluminium/

.040 mill finish or anodized.

You can buy trim from https://www.teardroptrailerparts.com/

Tony

[rjgimp]

Hey there, doing a budget build ...

If a budget build is what you're after, I concur with the suggestion of skinning with Poor Man's Fiberglass, which isn't really fiberglass at all but paint impregnated canvas. It is very durable, water resistant (been used in boat construction for decades - any questions?) easily constructed with minimal skills and tools, easily repairable, and very inexpensive. I suggest you do your budget an even bigger favor and trade that plywood in for EPS or XPS foam, which is easier and more forgiving to work with, cheaper than plywood in many parts of the country, and will never rot! Take a stroll through the Foamie section of this site and see what you think. Foam, in combination with PMF as a structural panel, makes a fantastic TD.

[GPW]

We second what Rob said !!! ^

Our Foamie with PMF skin lives outside and is going on it’s sixth year …

[Kim Armstrong]

You can find aluminum at Mr. Plastic in Little Rock or Great Dane trailers.

[twisted lines]

This post came at the last minute and nudged me, set on painted aluminum siding now thanks
Now for the 5'6" roof