Best Bonding Adhesives

[PacificNorthWestJeeper]

So I am getting ready to start a whole new trailer/camper project. My M416 camper/trailer (linked at the bottom) has been great but I need one more, but more to come on that.

For the new trailer/camper project I am going to use 2x2 ¼ wall aluminum for the frame.
I am going to use 4x8 14 gauge aluminum sheets to skin the outside with.

I do not want to rivet or screw the sheets on, I want to use a bonding agent so there is a nice smooth and clean look on the outside.
I contacted a 3M specialist and asked what I could use that would stand up to camper/trailer articulation on a trail, 120+ degrees in Arizona and -60 degrees in Alaska.
The recommendations from the 3M specialist are below:

One method that could be considered would be to use VHB for panel bonding. The document below highlights this:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/290482O/panel-bonding-procedure-using-3mtm-vhbtm-tape.pdf

For a consumer or low volume use you can use the 4941 and 4956 VHB tape instead of the one mentioned. (those tapes are sold directly to OEM trailer manufactures and would not be available).

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293242237&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3290927187&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

There are many youtube videos of VHB trailer panel bonding of customers who have had success.

Alternately you could use a combination of VHB and 560 sealant. Some large camper manufactures use this. Use the VHB to hold the panels in place while the sealant cures and control bondline thickness.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293010992&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

I would say it is more common to use 2-6” pieces of VHB periodically on the posts and then lay a zig zag bead of sealant between the strips of VHB. In this method the VHB acts to hold the panel in place and provide bondline control.

You certainly could run a bead from the inside after for additional strength. Testing may show that this is not needed.

So with those thoughts from the specialist above I believe I will use the VHB tape to place the 4x8 sheets in place. Then enter the trailer and use the 560 sealant to caulk the gaps made by the VHB tape where the sheets contact the 2x2's.

ANYONE HAVE A BETTER IDEA ON HOW TO ADHERE THE 4x8 ALUMINUM SHEETS FOR A CLEAN SMOOTH LOOK?
ALSO IDEAS FOR MAKING A SMOOTH TRANISITION FROM ONE 4x8 SHEET to ANOTHER?
LASTLY WHICH ALUMINUM SHOULD I USE, AIRCRAFT GRADE OR???

thank you

 

[plh]

basically, I am doing the same thing with the VHB (5952 & 3614) and sealant. Make sure the bonded surfaces are very clean. I wiped down with alcohol wipes until no dirt can be seen on the wipe maybe 5 minutes (long enough to dry the alcohol) before applying the tape. Sikaflex 221 thou instead. I used 5053 alloy sheets. Slightly easier to source / less expensive for me than 6061. Both of the VHB tapes really stick! so be sure of your panel placement the first time. IG @83mmax

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

When I called 3M about removing VHB tape there was a big pause and he said its made not to be removed. Like above make sure you set correctly the first time because it is a HUGE PIA to remove. Im also in AZ and VHB works well excellent in the heat. With that said my experience with Sikaflex has also been unbelievable when it comes to bonding.

 

[PacificNorthWestJeeper]

basically, I am doing the same thing with the VHB (5952 & 3614) and sealant. Make sure the bonded surfaces are very clean. I wiped down with alcohol wipes until no dirt can be seen on the wipe maybe 5 minutes (long enough to dry the alcohol) before applying the tape. Sikaflex 221 thou instead. I used 5053 alloy sheets. Slightly easier to source / less expensive for me than 6061. Both of the VHB tapes really stick! so be sure of your panel placement the first time. IG @83mmax

Did you sand/scotch bright the aluminum surface contact points then hit it with alcohol or is this not needed?

 

[plh]

Did you sand/scotch bright the aluminum surface contact points then hit it with alcohol or is this not needed?

I did not sand/scotch bright. I could see if there is heavy staining or oxidation where scotch bright padding the surface would help the bond even more thou. I didn't have that issue.

 

[jwiereng]

Seems there are numerous VHB types available from 3M.

Specialist says use 4941 and 4956

PLH says he uses 5952 & 3614

Why are certain kinds chosen? What is the difference ?

 

[RedRaider1]

Get the 3M commercial vehicle tape, CV62 is made specifically for wall panel attachment.

 

[dirtweazle]

I second the VHB tape. Scuff the alum. use pointy tweezers to get tape started. As soon as you touch the tape it's on for good. If you want to seal for weather use 5510.

 

[ITTOG]

So I am getting ready to start a whole new trailer/camper project. My M416 camper/trailer (linked at the bottom) has been great but I need one more, but more to come on that.

For the new trailer/camper project I am going to use 2x2 ¼ wall aluminum for the frame.
I am going to use 4x8 14 gauge aluminum sheets to skin the outside with.

I do not want to rivet or screw the sheets on, I want to use a bonding agent so there is a nice smooth and clean look on the outside.
I contacted a 3M specialist and asked what I could use that would stand up to camper/trailer articulation on a trail, 120+ degrees in Arizona and -60 degrees in Alaska.
The recommendations from the 3M specialist are below:

One method that could be considered would be to use VHB for panel bonding. The document below highlights this:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/290482O/panel-bonding-procedure-using-3mtm-vhbtm-tape.pdf

For a consumer or low volume use you can use the 4941 and 4956 VHB tape instead of the one mentioned. (those tapes are sold directly to OEM trailer manufactures and would not be available).

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293242237&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3290927187&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

There are many youtube videos of VHB trailer panel bonding of customers who have had success.

Alternately you could use a combination of VHB and 560 sealant. Some large camper manufactures use this. Use the VHB to hold the panels in place while the sealant cures and control bondline thickness.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293010992&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

I would say it is more common to use 2-6” pieces of VHB periodically on the posts and then lay a zig zag bead of sealant between the strips of VHB. In this method the VHB acts to hold the panel in place and provide bondline control.

You certainly could run a bead from the inside after for additional strength. Testing may show that this is not needed.

So with those thoughts from the specialist above I believe I will use the VHB tape to place the 4x8 sheets in place. Then enter the trailer and use the 560 sealant to caulk the gaps made by the VHB tape where the sheets contact the 2x2's.

ANYONE HAVE A BETTER IDEA ON HOW TO ADHERE THE 4x8 ALUMINUM SHEETS FOR A CLEAN SMOOTH LOOK?
ALSO IDEAS FOR MAKING A SMOOTH TRANISITION FROM ONE 4x8 SHEET to ANOTHER?
LASTLY WHICH ALUMINUM SHOULD I USE, AIRCRAFT GRADE OR???

thank you

This is very similar to what I was told by one of their tech's. Main difference is material as I was going to bond steel and aluminum so they told me to use 4991.