Is it necessary to have the breaks in the skin?

[sherwoodpfifer]

Hey guys, I know this might be a total newby question, but is it completely necessary to have the breaks in the skin? Is there a purpose for this or is it simply asthetic/nostalgic?

The reason I ask is because if possible I'd like to replace my skin with a flat/smooth surface with no breaks. I have a 1971 Compact that will need several panels replaced.

Again, this is a complete newby (I've had my trailer for 3 days) talking here... is it beneficial to keep the skin with breaks? Am I using the term "breaks" correctly? I'm refering to the creases in the aluminum that run horizontal along the camper.

[boandsusan]

I don`t believe there is any reason for the creases other than decorative. Most of the newer camper/trailers seem to have smooth/slick outer skin. I prefer the creases/folds to the smooth look.

[sherwoodpfifer]

I can certainly see why you would prefer the creases. It has much more of a nostalgic feeling to it. I'm just exploring options. I've only had it for a few days but I know sooner or later I'm going to need to replace some skin.

Thanks for the response.

[universalexports]

yes there is a reason, aluminum is super hard to keep smooth due to contraction and expansion in the heat, it is called "oil canning" I believe, it will get waves in it in hot weather if it is smooth, when I first got my camper I was also wanting to do the smooth skin, I researched it alot, you also have to be more precise with cutting the edges under the trim to allow for the shrinkage/expansion.
also if you try to glue aluminum to wood it will not work due to it changing size it will pull loose.

however after having my camper almost a year the factory skin has definitely grew on me, and now I would rather have it the factory style.

I'll see if I can find my post about it,

Here it is

vintageshasta.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=skin&action=display&thread=2734

[Gremlinguy]

The "breaks" are for strength. Take a piece of aluminum and it flops around like crazy, take that same piece and and put the breaks in it and you will notice it is much much stronger. I do paint and body for a living and do allot of metal fabrication. The "breaks" are very important in my opinion.
Mike

[sherwoodpfifer]

This is what I was looking for. Okay, I'm leaning toward staying with the factory skin now. I was also advised of the cost of replacing the skin and that salvaging as much as possible is a good thing.