aluminum versus stainless steel

[Greg1410]

I would like to line one shower wall with aluminum or stainless steel. Also, would like to do this for the bathroom door. Would like some opinions as to whether aluminum or stainless steel sheets would be better. Also, what grade/gauge recommended and if anyone know a good source.
Thanks.
Greg

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If you will be running into the structure of the trailer (it depends a bit on exactly what you are doing) aluminum is by far the better choice. Electrolytic issues will drive you crazy if you try to mate up stainless steel with the aluminum that is already there.

Durability wise, a better grade of stainless will beat even a better grade of aluminum. Water and un-treated aluminum are not happy partners. In terms of what to use, how much do you have to spend? There are a dizzying range of ever better alloys to pick between. 304 stainless is pretty much the "bog standard" version. 316/317 are a bit fancier. The 400 series stuff has more nickel in it ( = holds up even better). If you go aluminum, fancier alloys may or many not be what you are after. Coatings (like the clear coat on a trailer) likely are the better way to go.

Bob

[Isuzusweet]

Believe it or not you can actually get to have your cake and eat it too. You can buy a stainless steel coated aluminum sheet (I have this in my Airstream by my cooktop). I thought the people below sold it but I couldn't find it on their site so I'd phone them and ask if they sell it, or would know who does.

http://www.octopusproducts.com/octolux-solid-metals

Try this place....

http://www.chemetal.com/designs/796-...steel-aluminum

Cheers
Tony

[rugjenkins]

Aluminum would be the better choice. 1. It's considerably lighter than stainless. 2. Easier to form to the contours of the camper. 3. Easier to cut
4. Less issues with electrolysis with that being said many have used stainless steel as the best choice for structural fastenings where aluminum is not an option. Stainless is used because it doesn't corroded like regular steel does nor does it have the same electrolysis reaction. 5. Stainless is way more expensive.

[SuzyHomemakr]

If it's just the aesthetics that you're looking for, you can get Formica laminate in various metallic shades. http://www.formica.com/en/us/products/decometal/m610

An even easier solution would be stick-on stainless steel paper. They make it for appliances, maybe it's available in larger pieces.

[Ralph12]

If you use aluminum, make sure you use alclad, it will be much more resistant to corrosion, but is harder to work into tight radiuses, in this respect I would use thin stainless for your application.

FAA A&P, CAA(UK)AEC4
Vintage kin 1978 AVION 28J

[jimstream]

I saw a thermal plastic kitchen backsplash material in the kitchen department of Home Depot. Light weight, glues right on to your current wall, does not dent or scratch, cut to shape with kitchen shears. Comes in 4 by 8 sheets. Many textures and designes but I can't remember the name. Comes in copper, stainless, aluminum, brushed stainless looks. Samples at the store.

[Tbeck11931]

Check with Texas Vintage Trailer in New Braunfels made they can give you some info on this subject. Aluminum and Stainless sets up a galvanic process when the come in contact over a period of time.
Thomas