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Old 02-03-2016, 04:47 PM   #1
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Plasti-Dip an Airstream?

For those that don't know, plasti-dip has been quite an interesting development in the auto world. It's basically a tough, rubberized protective layer than can just be pulled off.

I was thinking if you had a new trailer and wanted to protect it, you could "encapsulate" the trailer in clear plasti-dip. It would have a matte finish, but would look quite interesting. You could do the roof white. You basically would have a leak proof trailer. Even do the underbelly and seal up everything water proof and protected from road salts.

You could prevent most damage to the trailer and possibly even prevent filiform corrosion. If you don't like it, just slowly tear it off.

$440 get's you 8 gallons:

http://www.dipyourcar.com/Gallon-Bundles/

Anyone think of any cons to this? Could keep your trailer in pristine condition, can be removed at any time and doesn't cost that much (a lot of your labor though even with a spray gun).

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Old 02-03-2016, 05:00 PM   #2
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Well, I don't put slip covers on my new couch or a bra on my car to protect it for some future owner, but reducing the enjoyment for me. For a similar reason, it would be a non starter for me on an Airstream.
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Old 02-03-2016, 06:12 PM   #3
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Old 02-03-2016, 08:04 PM   #4
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It might make sense to do the lower third or so if you did extensive boondocking down brushy roads. I'm thinking out west where the roads are passable but the sage brush gets close in. Could help reduce scratching?


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Old 02-03-2016, 08:13 PM   #5
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This ought to become required equipment for people preparing their Airstreams and tow vehicles for the WBCCI Alaska Caravan…

Especially if it can also be applied to trailer windows to reduce the chance of cracking from flying gravel.
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Old 02-03-2016, 09:02 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
This ought to become required equipment for people preparing their Airstreams and tow vehicles for the WBCCI Alaska Caravan…

Especially if it can also be applied to trailer windows to reduce the chance of cracking from flying gravel.
Years ago (late 70's and early 80's) I made 6 trips north into the Yukon and Alaska. I always lost a windshield. Just figured it was part of the cost of the trip. I carried full glass coverage insurance so it only was the inconvenience of having it replaced when I returned home. I had two Jeep windshields replaced and 4 in the Suburban. By the time the Suburban was retired I think it had had 6 or 7 new windshields. Maybe I should have had velcro on them to make them easier to replace.

I have no idea if that is still a commonplace occurrence on trips to the north country, but I expect it may be.
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:37 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WaLee View Post
It might make sense to do the lower third or so if you did extensive boondocking down brushy roads. I'm thinking out west where the roads are passable but the sage brush gets close in. Could help reduce scratching?


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Yes, definitely would help against scratching.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
This ought to become required equipment for people preparing their Airstreams and tow vehicles for the WBCCI Alaska Caravan…

Especially if it can also be applied to trailer windows to reduce the chance of cracking from flying gravel.
Could be useful for traveling in those harsh environments! The good part about it is you could spray your front windows and just peel it off when you want. You couldn't do the tow vehicle windshield though as you can't make plasti-dip transparent.
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Old 02-04-2016, 06:00 AM   #8
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Can't help but think of the Saturday Night Live Adobe Car!

Or this one in the image made of foam. Scary thing is that it is real!
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Old 02-04-2016, 02:36 PM   #9
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Um, I don't think you guys understand what I'm talking about. This is a silver car (similar to the silver on an Airstream) with clear Plasti-dip applied:

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Old 02-04-2016, 06:22 PM   #10
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The car photo is on a very overcast day and cannot be used to evaluate what the matt surface looks like on a clear sunny day. Same with an Airstream.
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Old 02-04-2016, 06:28 PM   #11
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Asking about plasti-dip from this crowd is asking for put downs. I'm all for it. I already plasti-dipped one car previous. Looked badass.
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Old 02-04-2016, 06:42 PM   #12
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Yeah- I didnt know they have clear- That could be cool.

Could be my solution to protect my hard work of polishing, AND the ultimate solution to waterproofing these durn things.... I sure would appreciaet the piece of mind after all my efforts to find every last loose rivet... I "think" I got em all.... but there will be more Im sure.
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Old 02-04-2016, 06:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by idroba View Post
The car photo is on a very overcast day and cannot be used to evaluate what the matt surface looks like on a clear sunny day. Same with an Airstream.
So? That's not the only picture of a plasti-dipped automobile to be found on the Internet.

https://www.google.com/search?q=plas...NZAFkQ_AUICCgD
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Old 02-04-2016, 07:37 PM   #14
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I just used the aluminum colored plasti dip on the top of my propane cover. Looks great. Time will tell how it holds up...

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Old 02-04-2016, 07:56 PM   #15
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I still think a Chrome 3M wrap would be pretty awesome

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Old 02-04-2016, 08:15 PM   #16
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wow- thats cool
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Old 02-04-2016, 08:52 PM   #17
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I plasti dipped my Honda two years ago. 8 seasons later it still looks good. I suggest buying the kit with the sprayer. Don't be worried either. This gun is very user friendly. It works like an HVLP gun but uses a blower pack to spray the paint. A few minutes of practice and your ready to apply. I would suggest at least 3 coats to any surface. You don't have to primer but I did, and for harsh conditions forget it. I had a shopping cart graze my passenger side and tore it about 16". Luckily you can reduce it again with acetone and smooth out imperfections with a rag soaked with acetone. Then reapply over area, if needed.

I like this product. I bought 900$ worth of it to do two vehicles. But I would not use it for off road purposes. However I would agree on it being a good sealing agent. I have yet to apply it on a trailer but would not be opposed of doing so, as long as it stays on the road. Road debris from the highway does tend to knick it away, even when applied thick. It comes in a crazy amount of colors also.

As far as a sealant, IMO the better alternative would be the RVarmor clear coat product. It's more like a UV resistant gel coat. When installed by their techs they guarantee it won't leak for life of the trailer.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:10 PM   #18
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when you see it in person, you will see the plasti dip dosnt have a finish anywhere near as nice as a aluminum sheet. The picture is photoshop to add effect.


you can do some cool project with plasti dip but the limiter will always be that it will be a matt finish...even with glossifier... it s still matt/satin finish.

I would use it on a argosy....but not a airstream with nice aluminum planel.

For harsh environement... it dosnt do very well...scratch and peel a lot.
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Old 02-04-2016, 09:16 PM   #19
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But, doesn't it peel off easily?
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Old 02-05-2016, 04:19 AM   #20
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But, doesn't it peel off easily?
No it doesn't. Acetone is your best opportunity. Peeling it off will only get you tiny pieces at a time. It loses its stretching ability pritty quick, becoming brittle. I could see someone being able to peel it off within a week or so of applying it.
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