I wanted to pop over to the experts on here to get ideas on how to skin a steel frame since it might be something you find on expedition trailers.
This is actually going on a flatbed truck, but the process should be the same.
I want to build the frame out of 1x1, 1x2, 0.065 and 0.120 steel tube. I have done a drawing of a possible frame design and the weight is fine (580 pounds). I think welded steel will be better than aluminum for cost, durability, and I can weld steel easier.
Now to the problem. I construct a steel frame, how do I skin it such that I can get a smooth side, waterproof, for a reasonable cost? I had thought about using 3M tape or Sikaflex252 to bond some sort of FRP to the steel, but if I paint the steel first to prevent it from rusting, isn't this going to provide a poor surface for the tape or glue? If I don't paint the steel, that seems bad too. If I rivet aluminum siding to the steel, I have to worry about galvanic corrosiion, plus leaks at the rivets.
Any suggestions? For reference, here is a picture of my envisioned steel frame (thanks in advance for any ideas!):
This is actually going on a flatbed truck, but the process should be the same.
I want to build the frame out of 1x1, 1x2, 0.065 and 0.120 steel tube. I have done a drawing of a possible frame design and the weight is fine (580 pounds). I think welded steel will be better than aluminum for cost, durability, and I can weld steel easier.
Now to the problem. I construct a steel frame, how do I skin it such that I can get a smooth side, waterproof, for a reasonable cost? I had thought about using 3M tape or Sikaflex252 to bond some sort of FRP to the steel, but if I paint the steel first to prevent it from rusting, isn't this going to provide a poor surface for the tape or glue? If I don't paint the steel, that seems bad too. If I rivet aluminum siding to the steel, I have to worry about galvanic corrosiion, plus leaks at the rivets.
Any suggestions? For reference, here is a picture of my envisioned steel frame (thanks in advance for any ideas!):