How To Repair Aluminum Siding On A Camper

When you purchase a new RV you may have several questions related to the siding. Specifically, you may take questions that are centered around RV aluminum siding. Over time you lot may need to repair, supervene upon, make clean, wax or pigment your RV aluminum siding.

To learn more about these RV siding questions and more nosotros rounded upward the 10 Most Googled RV Aluminum Siding Questions, which are:

Tin can I Replace RV Aluminum Siding?
How to Remove RV Aluminum Siding?
How to Repair Aluminum RV Siding?
Where Tin I Purchase RV Aluminum Siding?
How Much Does Aluminum RV Siding Cost?
Can Y'all Pigment Aluminum RV Siding?
How to Make clean Aluminum RV Siding?
How to Wax Aluminum RV Siding?
Which is Improve, Aluminum or Fiberglass RV Siding?
Where Can I Find Vintage Camper Aluminum Siding?

Below we will answer all ten of these heavily Google searched questions about RV aluminum siding. In one case you're finished reading hopefully you'll have all the information you need regarding RV aluminum siding.

1. Can I Replace Aluminum RV Siding?

Yes, you can replace aluminum siding on your RV – both corrugated and smooth. The process is different for each type of siding, but information technology is possible to do it yourself.

For many people, when they buy a used RV it isn't always in the best status. Every bit a result, the aluminum RV siding might not be in the best condition. If this is the case yous might be because replacing the former siding with new aluminum siding. Luckily, if you want to practice this you lot can. That being said, y'all should exist very conscientious when removing the siding to avoid causing any further harm to your RV.

When yous replace the siding you volition need to remove several other parts of your RV then that y'all tin remove the siding. Every bit a outcome, you should only exercise this if you're confident that the harm is also much to deal with. Risking structural harm to the framing underneath the siding isn't worth the risk unless information technology'south admittedly necessary. However, if you determine that you need to replace the siding, it is possible to do so. Y'all should make sure y'all're familiar with all your tools before taking on the projection.

two. How to Remove RV Aluminum Siding?

If y'all want to replace your RV siding, y'all have to remove the old stuff first. Here's how to remove aluminum siding from your RV.

First, get-go by removing any lights that are installed along the side of the RV that could go far the way. To do this you will need to use a flat head screwdriver to remove them. You'll apply the flat caput to pop off the lens that'due south protecting the bulb. Once this is washed you can unscrew the light bulbs and place them somewhere safe.

Once you've removed all the lights, you tin move on to the staples. You tin employ the flat head again to do this, or you can use the back of a hammer to pry off the staples. When performing this step you should take your fourth dimension and be very conscientious. Going likewise fast could result in permanent impairment to your RV. Make sure you've removed all the staples before moving onto the adjacent step. Carefully examine the side of the RV because information technology tin exist easy to miss one or 2 staples along the manner.

Once the lights and staples are removed you can movement on to the aluminum RV siding. You tin use a putty knife on the corners of the siding. When doing this yous demand to make sure that you lot get securely wedged underneath the corner. You lot may need to use a hammer to straighten things out. You lot should practise this around all the corners and effectually the edges where it'due south necessary. When you lift up the corners and edges you will find a few more than staples underneath. Remove the staples equally they are the last things belongings the siding in place. One time the staples are removed y'all should exist able to carefully slide off the siding. You should remove it with a partner as it tin can be quite heavy and difficult to handle.

three. How to Repair Aluminum RV Siding?

How you gear up aluminum RV siding depends on the type of damage it has received. If you notice small holes in the aluminum all yous demand to exercise is perform a simple patch job. To do this you can cut a small slice of aluminum to fit over the hole. Smooth out the area you desire to patch and utilize it with a caulking material. However, this only works for small holes, if the pigsty is larger you may need to replace the siding.

Alternatively, you lot may notice that your siding has dents in information technology. If this is the example you should drill a small hole in the center of the paring. Yous can so adhere a washer to a spiral and drill the screw into the pigsty. When the screw is in place use a pair of pliers to pull on the washer. This volition pull the spiral and pop out the paring.

4. Where Can I Buy Aluminum RV Siding?

There are many types of RV siding that y'all can choose from and each of their benefits. However, if you choose to employ aluminum RV siding you lot won't have whatsoever trouble. It can be easily purchased online from several retailers such as Hemet Valley RV. However, if you lot adopt to purchase things in person rather than online you tin can go to your local Home Depot. Home comeback stores like Home Depot will typically take RV supplies available for purchase, including aluminum siding.

Other retailers such as Walmart will normally have RV supplies available for purchase likewise. So, it won't accept much driving around to find a shop that'due south selling the RV supplies you lot demand.

v. How Much Does Aluminum RV Siding Cost?

The cost of aluminum RV siding isn't static. It varies from store to store and the quality of the aluminum has a drastic affect on the price. That beingness said, aluminum siding usually costs somewhere between $three to $6 per square human foot. If you have an RV that has 1500 exterior square feet, that will cost somewhere between $4500 and $9000. That'south a good chunk of modify, and so make sure you're prepared to pay that kind of money when you purchase your RV. You should be accounting for repairs and additions y'all might demand to make when budgeting for your RV.

If you want aluminum siding with a vinyl end, information technology will cost somewhere between $four and $9 per foursquare foot. This ends of beingness $6000 to $13,500 for 1500 square feet.

half-dozen. Tin You Pigment Aluminum RV Siding?

Yeah, y'all tin can paint aluminum siding. The process will be unlike depending on the type of your RV and blazon of your RV siding, merely the results can requite your RV a total facelift.

Painting aluminum tin can exist tricky equally there is the adventure of the paint dissentious the aluminum and not sticking to the siding. However, you can paint the siding if you clean your siding carefully beforehand.

Before you lot brainstorm painting, you'll want to acid wash the siding with vinegar. This will remove oxidation and lower the chance of permanent damage beingness dealt to the aluminum siding. You should brand certain that you rinse the aluminum quickly after washing information technology with vinegar. In one case this is done y'all should paint soon subsequently earlier it oxidizes again.

7. How to Clean Aluminum RV Siding?

If you want to extend the life of the exterior of your RV, you should be washing it regularly. Letting dirt and bugs stay on the surface will arrive harder to make clean after. Here'due south how to make clean your aluminum siding.

You can apply a mild soap that is compatible with the surface of your RV. You can utilize a long-handled brush with soft bristles for difficult to reach areas. Conversely, you can use a wash glove for the easy to reach spots. You should rinse the area you want to launder first, and make certain to wash from the acme to the bottom. Additionally, when rinsing make sure that you don't spray water into whatsoever vents.

Removing dead bugs from your RV can be a difficult task. As a outcome, you should endeavor to remove them as soon as you observe them. Make sure that you use lots of water as this will hydrate the bugs and make them easier to remove. Yous can apply bug and tar remover products such as McKee's Road Kill Bug Remover.

8. How to Wax Aluminum RV Siding?

Waxing and polishing aluminum RV siding can help protect your RV and requite it a "new RV" expect and experience. For this project, you'll need wax and a polishing cloth or device.

Waxing and polishing the exterior of your RV can take a while, merely information technology will aid extend the life of your RV. That beingness said, y'all should be careful when applying wax or polish around RV graphics as it tin cause damage. You should besides only wax your RV when there isn't whatsoever water on the surface.

9. Aluminum vs Fiberglass RV Siding – Which is Ameliorate?

Aluminum and fiberglass are two of the near pop options for an RV siding fabric. Each has benefits and detriments, but one isn't necessarily better than the other.

Firstly, corrugated aluminum siding is like shooting fish in a barrel to replace. Notwithstanding, smooth or polished aluminum siding will require you lot to see an automotive technician to supercede it.

Additionally, aluminum is lighter than fiberglass. Every bit a result, aluminum RVs tin can be pulled by vehicles with lower tow capacities. This likewise means yous can buy a bigger aluminum trailer than you could a fiberglass ane.

Furthermore, aluminum is typically cheaper than fiberglass and has amend breathability. This reduces condensation and reduces the chance of mold growth. Painted aluminum likewise holds up better than fiberglass.

Conversely, fiberglass is a better choice if you are a regular camper in places with tougher weather. Fiberglass holds upwardly well against hail and won't paring every bit easily as aluminum. Unfortunately, laminates on fiberglass will fade and peel speedily.

Fiberglass provides far ameliorate insulation than aluminum which is incredibly important in colder weather. Additionally, although it is more expensive than aluminum, many believe that fiberglass has greater durability than aluminum. This ways you won't need to replace it as often.

So, both siding options have their pros and cons. You just need to determine what benefits are most of import to you.

x. Where Can I Notice Vintage Camper Aluminum Siding?

Vintage camper aluminum siding tin be found in a lot of the places you will find regular aluminum siding. Even so, it is more hard to meet. They aren't always in stock at your local stores. As a result, yous may need to order siding online. There are several retailers online that sell vintage aluminum siding and one of the best is Vintage Trailer Supply. And then, it shouldn't be too difficult to find the best option for you lot.

Getting the Virtually Out of Your RV Aluminum Siding

Afterwards reading we hope that all the questions yous had regarding RV aluminum siding are answered. We know that there's a lot of information in a higher place and it's a lot to digest. Yet, with the information above yous should have all the cognition you need to clean, repair, and supervene upon aluminum siding. Nosotros hope that we were a significant help to you!

What blazon of RV exercise you own? Is this your first time installing RV siding? Allow us know in the comments!