VHB Tape Recommendations from 3m - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-07-2015, 05:58 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Name: Mark
Trailer: EggCamper 2012 #109, by 2006 Tundra or 2014 Outback
Western Massachusetts
Posts: 156
VHB Tape Recommendations from 3m

A lot of folks are using VHB tape to attach various things to their Fiberglass campers. I posted this to another thread, but figured it might get buried, so here it is:

re: 3m VHB tape for solar panels, and awnings

3m's support has been excellent. We were at the annual trade show for our hardware store supplier in Orlando in late Feb. 2015. I had some questions about mounting a solar panel with VHB tape. There was a member of the technical department at the 3m booth. He answered nearly all my questions and while I waited, he called another tech person at 3m when he did not have an answer to one of the questions.


That question was about surface preparation of fiberglass before applying VHB tape. The "VHB Tape" specialist on the phone call from the office recommended using Acetone to clean the fiberglass gelcoat, then clean off the Acetone residue with alcohol, (even though Acetone evaporates quickly, it does leave a very light residue) and then a light scuffing using a Scotch Brite type pad or very light touch with very fine sandpaper before applying the VHB tape. He said Not to use MEK as a cleaner or prep, as that might soften the Fiberglass.


The tech rep. at the show also mentioned the fact that you should wait at least 24 hours, and preferably more, before putting full weight on the item. He noted that one big reason VHB tape was developed was to hold Automotive Side Molding on to Cars and Trucks, and that in the past, 3m sold more VHB tape to Auto manufacturers than to anyone else. He also said that Scotch, "Extreme Mounting Tape" #414, sold at many hardware stores, is consumer packaging of VHB tape. That product is advertised to hold 20# for a 40" strip, or 1/2# per square inch. There is another Scotch 3m product that says it will hold 10#per 40" strip, but that is not true VHB tape. #414 is 1"x60", and sells for around $7-10, but appears about .025 thick--and most folks have been using the .045 thick VHB tape for most purposes on our FGRV's. So, if you can use the thinner version of VHB, it's available on the shelf at many Hardware Stores.


And, most all sizes and thicknesses are available through Grainger, but almost always require a 2 day wait. That was the case when I ordered some VHB tape to install bendable solar panels on our Eggcamper. Grainger ordered it from a regional warehouse and I picked it up at the local branch store in 2 days. Still haven't installed the panels yet, but hope to soon. Maybe I'll install an awning with VHB also.

Mark
coastsignal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 07:12 PM   #2
Commercial Member
 
tractors1's Avatar
 
Name: Charlie Y
Trailer: Escape 21 - Felicity
Oregon
Posts: 1,583
Most 3M VHB spec sheets show a 72 hour period is required to attain the maximum bond strength; I use several different industrial ones.
__________________
Charlie Y

Don't drill holes, try custom storage you design: https://RVWidgetWorks.com
tractors1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2015, 09:46 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Mike Magee's Avatar
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 2012 Escape 19
Oklahoma
Posts: 6,021
Great info!
Mike Magee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2015, 08:15 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Name: Kathy
Trailer: 2017 Escape 19
Washington
Posts: 600
Registry
Thanks for this excellent information. I've bookmarked your post for future reference.
Evergreengirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
eco


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
3M VHb Tape and Exterior Wax D Davis Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 42 03-25-2013 04:32 PM
Where to find VHB tape in Edmonton Rodger Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 4 09-07-2011 12:11 PM
FS: Roll of Very High Bond (VHB) tape by 3M Linda Johnson Classified Archives 1 09-28-2009 05:13 AM
Other uses for VHB tape Lisa H. Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 08-18-2009 08:47 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.