Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Join Truck Conversion Today
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-16-2009, 03:04 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Default

New user to your forum, I really enjoy the information here. I did a search for 'Kemlite' and did not get any results. Has anyone here used it before? It seems most builders are using aluminum skins. I have a request for quote in with crane, just waiting to hear back.

http://www.cranecomposites.com/transportation/REF.asp

I did find one bus conversion online that used Kemlite and it seems to have gone well for the install at least.

http://www.webcove.com/eagle/summaryindex.html
__________________

oltmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2009, 05:55 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Default

...it is an option and if used properly it does look good/works well....the down side is that it will weather-gain water entrance and when freezing, the water will expand and will increase the opening size with every cycle....just like concrete on the roads do in the winter. if the edges are sealed under lets say a aluminum angle and caulk is used to seal the edges-you are going to have a wall/ceiling unite that will serve you well for years....but not forever-branches/snow and ice along with a number of other hazards with open the panel....requiring repairs immediately. the cost is an issue along with the shipping issue and all the problems with handling...and then the wind issue if you are not in a garage....i have messed around with it in the past and concluded it is easier to work with aluminum sheets......your experience might be different and by all means-please write your experiences on this forum....geofkaye
__________________

geofkaye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2009, 07:34 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Default

I appreciate your response. Right now I am just in the planning stages. Aluminum seems to be the more readily available material, that's for sure. I have emailed or called several composite companies this week and have not yet gotten a returned call. At least I know where I can buy aluminum.

I'll search for the answer, but what grades and thickness of aluminum are acceptable for a shell?

thanks in advance.
oltmann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-17-2009, 08:23 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Bob86ZZ4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1,819
Default

My rig is an '03 with 55,000 miles. Exterior is .060 aluminum. It seems to have held up very well so far.
__________________
'03 Freightliner FL112, 295" wheel base, with '03 United Specialties 26' living quarters, single screw, Cat C12 430 h/p 1650 torque, Eaton 10speed , 3.42 rear axle ratio
Bob86ZZ4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2009, 07:19 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Default

....my trailer has about 50,000 miles on it and it is scared from trees and a sign or two....plus backing does leave a few dents[oops!]....but all and all the .060 is the answer as far as I'm concerned....I have looked at high mileage FRP and other types of top coverings and I will stay with aluminum until there is a price change in UHMW and the shipping issue can be worked out-aluminum is the answer for me-but again I'm open to alternatives....geofkaye
geofkaye is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:00 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×