6 replies to this topic

[Sphinx]

I'm buying an enclosed trailer with an exterior panel that needs to be replaced due to a relatively small hole.  Is it hard to do?  Looks like a series of screws from the outside that hold it to the frame, but not sure how it is held in place at the top and bottom.

 

In lieu of replacing the panel, any suggestions for just covering the hole?  (about the size of a quarter in diameter)

 

 

[Duncan]

I'm buying an enclosed trailer with an exterior panel that needs to be replaced due to a relatively small hole.  Is it hard to do?  Looks like a series of screws from the outside that hold it to the frame, but not sure how it is held in place at the top and bottom.
 
In lieu of replacing the panel, any suggestions for just covering the hole?  (about the size of a quarter in diameter)

How nice looking a repair are you looking for? A piece of Eternabond over the hole would seal it and is probably the easiest way to ensure a water tight seal, but it's not going to win any beauty contests.

[davew]

Replacing a single panel is not difficult. The difficult part is that the panels are 50" wide. Standard aluminum is only 48" wide. thus you do not get the overlap to be water tight.

 

Contact the local distributer of the brand of trailer you are buying, and order a piece of 50 inch aluminum. Or you can source the aluminum from a local supplier and double layer the section. Over the years I have fixed lots of trailers this way

 

Dave

[Sphinx]

Replacing a single panel is not difficult. The difficult part is that the panels are 50" wide. Standard aluminum is only 48" wide. thus you do not get the overlap to be water tight.

 

Contact the local distributer of the brand of trailer you are buying, and order a piece of 50 inch aluminum. Or you can source the aluminum from a local supplier and double layer the section. Over the years I have fixed lots of trailers this way

 

Dave

 

Well that's good news.  I had read things on the web that said that the trailer would need to be significantly disassembled.   The trailer manufacturer sells 49" sheets in various lengths on its website.  So, is it in fact unscrewing the old one and popping in the new one?

 

I do like Duncan's Eternabond idea though....   Appeals to the lazy man in me.

[Bench Racer]

Ducan's patch with small smile decal. That's how my mom when she was 97 covered a self made hole in her 2005 Dodge front bumper.

[RussMcB]

Something to consider - The new panel may not match the older panels.

 

My 2000 black trailer has a few scrapes and a small hole.  I've been considering patching the hole then wrapping the rest with vinyl (likely gloss black).  I have not yet looked into the cost of wrapping a 24' trailer.

[Sphinx]

Something to consider - The new panel may not match the older panels.

 

My 2000 black trailer has a few scrapes and a small hole.  I've been considering patching the hole then wrapping the rest with vinyl (likely gloss black).  I have not yet looked into the cost of wrapping a 24' trailer.

 

Russ!

    Long time no see, my friend.  Hope you are well.

 

    I had the same idea.  I need to replace the sheet first because of the holes/uneven surface.  But once I do that, the wrap would have a good surface to adhere to.  The good news about a trailer is that there are few/no compound curves.  So, it should be pretty easy.  It may be even easy to DIY it.  From the looks of it on ebay, looks like there are lots of grades of the stuff.  So, you'd want something that will withstand the weather and the sun.  Let me know if you figure out something durable.  The 3M stuff looks promising but $pendy.