Posted 2015-12-25 11:26 PM (#165668) Subject: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Regular
Posts: 94 Location: Minnesota
I'm very excited to be upgrading soon to a GN with a 6ft LQ after camping in my BP dressing room for too many years. I learned so much from this site when I bought my first trailer, when I first joined. I've searched the archives, but couldn't find this topic addressed.I'd love to get your advice and input regarding the color of this Sundowner. It has black panels and a black awning. Will this be hot in the summer? I camp mostly here in Minnesota, in the summer it can be in the 90's and I can't always count on a shady site. And I care about my horse's comfort while being trailered for long trips.Will the black panels on the sides absorb heat, or is that what insulation prevents? Will the black awning radiate heat? (I guess I need to find out from the dealer if there is any kind of special reflective coating on the top to prevent that.) I never consider a completely black trailer, but this one's pretty sharp, Here's one like it:http://www.ehorsehotline.com/ClassifiedDetail.aspx?AdID=23531&user=arenanlqThanks for any tips you may be able to contribute.
Posted 2015-12-27 6:52 PM (#165682 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Regular
Posts: 94 Location: Minnesota
No wisdom for me?Here's another consideration. I suppose a black finish will "show the dirt" more than white, but at least there won't be black streaks that will show , like they do on a white trailer???
Posted 2015-12-27 8:02 PM (#165683 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
Own a 2008 Elite 3H LQ with black aluminum panels. Maybe half or a little more of the trailer's sides are black (stainless nose with some extruded aluminum on the sides where the horses get tied). Here in WI it has not posed a problem for us or our two horses. Since the top of the trailer is NOT black, there is little reason for it to absorb significantly more heat than a similar trailer in white. Since the horses are always unloaded once we reach our destination they spend limited time inside while the trailer is not moving. We seldom, if ever, use the air conditioner depending instead on opening the windows and running a fantastic fan to keep the inside cool while camping in hot weather. You are correct that you do not see the black streaks often seen on white trailers (they exist you just don't see them as much). Our awning is white with black trim along the front edge. I do feel an all black awning would be warm to sit beneath especially during times of full sunshine in the hot summer months. If you really like the trailer and the features it offers I would not let the color dissuade you.
Posted 2015-12-27 10:38 PM (#165686 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Regular
Posts: 94 Location: Minnesota
Thanks for the replies. And thanks for the archives. I appreciate the tips about the scratches showing up. A competitor has the same trailer in white, so I will see which one offers me the best deal.
Posted 2015-12-28 8:13 AM (#165687 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Had one like described (black top, extruded lower). I do know if you touched the skin on a hot day, it would burn your finger. And it later turned to gray.....
Posted 2015-12-28 6:16 PM (#165690 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Black will fade and grey streaks will show up. Down in the south you take a significant hit on the resale value when the trailer is black. Up North your mileage may vary. You might ask the friend why they chose white and not black...I do know that the white skin hides the haze that seems to become problematic in painted panel trailers.
Posted 2015-12-31 12:02 PM (#165708 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
New User
Posts: 2
Location: silt co
Our Sundowner LQ is black on the lower half and stainless on the entire upper half. The black portion will become slightly warmer in direct sun, but the stainless will be untouchable. I had no idea this was a characteristic of stainless. But it is very sexy looking! The ac does work a lot if it is in direct sunlight.
Posted 2016-01-04 8:36 AM (#165726 - in reply to #165668) Subject: RE: Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
Veteran
Posts: 133 Location: NC
we have a black trailer and in my opinion it is not warmer inside than any other trailer i've been in in the summer. being well insulated is the key. we also have fans at each horses head drop downs on both head and rump side and air vents that suck hot air out as you drive.
Black Aluminum skin: will this trailer be hot?
