I saw an ad for an older Brenderup that has some small cracks in the exterior. How serious is this? Is it patchable? Or is it dangerous, and I should just forget that particular ad?
Any other advice regarding Brenderups would be welcome.
Posted 2011-08-22 11:55 AM (#136872 - in reply to #136823) Subject: RE: Brenderup advice
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
The roof is Fiberglass. Brenderup uses composite walls like your counter top in your kitchen which is very durable and strong. Made with Formica, Solid Phoenlic Resin (SPR) 15 mm, 5/8" thick. What exactly needs to be patched, the roof, the walls or the floor??
Unless the trailer was really cheap, then I would walk away and continue looking elsewhere.
Posted 2011-08-22 5:27 PM (#136887 - in reply to #136823) Subject: RE: Brenderup advice
Member
Posts: 6
I haven't seen it yet in person, but from the photos, there are a few cracks -- one on the outside of side near the wheelwell, down along the bottom of the wallj, maybe 6 to 8 inches long. Several very small visible cracks in the front, looks like the metal edging, just above the front hitch (looks about a foot high) may have been bumped and pushed towards the fiberglass, creating the cracks.
There's also a small crack (two inches??) along the edge of a door, which I presume won't affect structural integrity.
Should I worry? It's definitely a good price, although it may be a hassle to get it home, transportation-wise. <:{
My mistake, I *did* read the post explaining that the walls are composite (thank you!!), not fiberglass. So my comments in the post above refer to cracks in the composite, not fiberglass.
My mistake, I *did* read the post explaining that the walls are composite (thank you!!), not fiberglass. So my comments in the post above refer to cracks in the composite, not fiberglass.
Thanks for the input!!!
Repairing Cracks and Scratches
1 Purchase special laminate filler.
2 Fill in each crack or scratched area of your composite surface with a putty knive.
3 Sand down the area and smooth out any rough edges.
4 Spray on a topcoat.
Posted 2011-08-23 4:06 AM (#136898 - in reply to #136888) Subject: RE: Brenderup advice
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by Gaitedhorse on 2011-08-22 5:47 PM
I just uploaded three photos that the seller sent to me showing the cracks. It's listed under *Brenderup trailer with cracks* in the album section. http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?... My mistake, I *did* read the post explaining that the walls are composite (thank you!!), not fiberglass. So my comments in the post above refer to cracks in the composite, not fiberglass. Thanks for the input!!!
That nose area is broken around the mounting areas, front. sides, etc. Do these cracks extend all the way through? I see that there holes also. You could always get Paul C. to repair it for you!!!! The galvanize metal structural pieces appear to have some bends also.... Has it been wrecked, blown around in tornadic winds? That looks like disassembly would be necessary to make the repairs substantial and worthwhile. Alot of tortional stresses that front nose mounting area.. Put a puddy bandaid on it and it will soon crack again.
What kind of shape is the floor, ramp, axles, wheels, tire, bearings, brakes, etc. If the tires are five or six years old, they should be replaced... There's $500.00 to spent up front right there. JMHO. Good luck with your new to you Brenderup.
That nose area is broken around the mounting areas, front. sides, etc. Do these cracks extend all the way through?
**I don't know, I haven't spoken to the seller yet, just emailed.
I see that there holes also. You could always get Paul C. to repair it for you!!!!
**That would be fantastic, but Vermont is a loooong way from me! <:{
The galvanize metal structural pieces appear to have some bends also.... Has it been wrecked, blown around in tornadic winds?
**No idea. I'm waiting on bids for hauling to see if it's even feasible to buy this trailer. If so, I'll contact the seller by phone for more info.
That looks like disassembly would be necessary to make the repairs substantial and worthwhile. Alot of tortional stresses that front nose mounting area.. Put a puddy bandaid on it and it will soon crack again.
**Yikes, that sounds expensive. Sigh.
What kind of shape is the floor, ramp, axles, wheels, tire, bearings, brakes, etc. If the tires are five or six years old, they should be replaced... There's $500.00 to spent up front right there. JMHO. Good luck with your new to you Brenderup.
**The seller claims that the floor is in good shape and was replaced and reinforced in the last few years. The tires and ramp are good and about a year old, it's a Brenderup, so it doesn't have electric brakes, it has a different type of braking system. The lights all work.
At this point, based on the description and photos, I'm concerned about the cracks and hauling. If the cracks are not a serious issue and/or can be repaired reasonably inexpensively (probably not by me, my do-it-yourself skills are limited), then I want it. But the cost and difficulty of getting it home may make it unfeasible. I looked into renting a truck -- major bucks. Hiring a hauler...so far, the two bids I've gotten on the job are double major bucks. SIGH.
I reeeeally hate to pass on this trailer though!!!!!!!!
Posted 2011-08-23 11:04 AM (#136908 - in reply to #136823) Subject: RE: Brenderup advice
Veteran
Posts: 213 Location: Virginia
There is an older Brenderup about 75 miles from me. Out of curiosity I stopped to look at it. Every seam, rivet, and connection had cracks on it. There were even cracks in the center of some panels. It looked like Humpty Dumpty after the fall. The owner said that once the cracks started, they kept on coming (he does not use it anymore - 'too dangerous')
I would proceed with EXTREME caution.
Also, I believe that Brenderup is out of business in the USA and another company is attempting to revive the line. I'm sure other HTW readers will provide updated info
Brenderup advice
