HoSS Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 So, I'm arriving at a design for my camper body. Have seen this example which i love. Lifting hard roof - Advantages of low centre of gravity and clearance for travel and full headroom when camped. And the advantage over soft-side in thermal insulation. I would build the frame myself, its from aluminium corner profiles with composite panels bonded in. But i'm struggling to find a suitable profile. The standard camper stuff is not strong enough. I've yet to pass by my local metal supplier, but if anyone has any good sources it would be appreciated. Either quarter round, or 45 deg chamfer. I imagine it needs to be around 4mm for strength (opinion welcome) and about 150mm high. Also unsure what grade of Alu to use - I wouldnt want it to fracture, but equally it should have some rigidity and not bend willy-nilly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 All truck body Ali sections are available from aalco in Southampton phone: 02380875200. We have their catalog at work. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted April 27, 2016 Author Share Posted April 27, 2016 Cool, looking on their website now. Any Ali-knowledgeable types here who could recommend a grade? All i'm used to is a) the stuff i can bend, b) the stuff that machines nicely Aalco have suitable profiles, but 3mm. I'm worried thats a bit light for a structural member, but then i guess bonding the composite panels in will add a lot of rigidity.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 5083 grade plate and 6082 grade sections are what would often be specified for aluminium boat structures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 I'd assume if Aalco are selling it to truck body builders it is of suitable grade & strength or there's no point them stocking it - I'd also guess they could tell you if you phoned them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrover598 Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 Out of interest, what and where from are the composite panels you are planning on using? I ask as this is exactly the same build route i'm planning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted April 27, 2016 Author Share Posted April 27, 2016 Out of interest, what and where from are the composite panels you are planning on using? I ask as this is exactly the same build route i'm planning. I'm looking at this manfacturer, just beacuse its closer to me. http://polyfont.com/index.php But those composite panels are pretty easy to find. Try http://www.jacksoncoachworks.co.uk/home.html or http://www.gmpanels.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Member Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 Why not just get them cut from tubing? You then have a vast choice of diameter, wall thickness, and material grade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpants Posted April 27, 2016 Share Posted April 27, 2016 Another supplier is Service Metals . Just picked up their catalogue today at the commercial vehicle show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted April 27, 2016 Author Share Posted April 27, 2016 Why not just get them cut from tubing? You then have a vast choice of diameter, wall thickness, and material grade. Yeah i had thought of that. Will see what price my local supplier gives and compare that with extrusion. The nice thing about the coachbuilding extrusions is that it has the returns to locate the wall panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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