Aluminum expansion and contraction

[Rileybear]

Hey I have a question on my new 27 foot international. The other day while looking on the curb side of it, with the sun directly hitting it on that side, the aluminum looked like it was concave in that one area. After the sun went down the aluminum looked normal. Can anyone tell me if this is normal with the aluminum expanding and contracting. I also put a straightedge across the area with the concave and it was 1/4 of an inch indented, yet when the sun is in the straightedge doesn't have a gap.

[Melody Ranch]

It is normal.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Everyone whose trailer exhibits the same condition will say it's "normal".

So some do but I believe the majority do not....WHY?

Mine doesn't so it's "normal".. too.

[Naper]

If the early morning sun warms up the curb side of our 27FB it will develop a large depression. In a couple of hours its gone. Doesn't happen all the time, seems like the conditions have to be just right.

[batman]

In our 1964 Safari we have heard creaks and pops as the morning sun warms the skin from the chilly sierra nights. However I have not noticed panels deforming. However it does make sense this would happen. I will have to be more observant next trip. It may be more noticeable in spring and fall with cooler nights and warmer days.

Dennis

[Rileybear]

Thank you all for your input it just looks so noticeable and of course like all of us we hate to spend the kind of money that air streams command and then have to park it in the shade so it looks good.I just think this is something that airstream needs to be aware of and rectify.Unless this is the reaction of the metal.But then again why is this not happening to every ones?

[tpi]

Probably just the way the panels are individually fitted, and under what circumstances. Mine displays this behavior.

[Ag&Au]

I have never seen our trailer do that, but I'm sure, now that I am looking for it, I will at last think I see it.
Regards,
Ken

[Melody Ranch]

Your suffering from new (and proud) owner concerns. Not to worry.

[FLYNCLD]

It's alive!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Everyone whose trailer exhibits the same condition will say it's "normal".

So some do but I believe the majority do not....WHY?

Mine doesn't so it's "normal".. too.

It depends on the temperature of the aluminum when the trailer was assembled. If it was a cold day, the aluminum will expand when warm, giving the "crumple". If it was a warm day when it was assembled, it won't be as pronounced.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by overlander63

It depends on the temperature of the aluminum when the trailer was assembled. If it was a cold day, the aluminum will expand when warm, giving the "crumple". If it was a warm day when it was assembled, it won't be as pronounced.

Now that DOES make sense, thanks!!

[blmitch5]

Mine was made in August so maybe that's why I've never noticed it. That seems to make sense.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by blmitch5

Mine was made in August so maybe that's why I've never noticed it. That seems to make sense.

Now I'm really cornfused, our's made in February.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Now I'm really cornfused, our's made in February.

Maybe it was a warm day in February...
All I know is what I was told by a mucky-muck at Airstream, and it made sense. I didn't go out on the lot looking at production dates, though it might not be a bad idea to do that tomorrow.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Terry,

One thing thats not happening with the Classic, the Rice Krispies effect.

With the 63 Safari we had that snap, crackle and pop every morning as old Sol rose above the horizon. No waves in the skin, but she was very vocal as the new day started.

I can understand the concerns others have though, it sure don't look good to see shiny wavy Airstreams.

[indy]

Just a thought. Thermo expansion and contraction the grearest force known to man/woman.

Alum. will expand aprox. 1/8" in 10ft with 100deg. change.

It will move under the temp change.

got to love it.

Be Safe

Indy