I was just told by my trailer shop that my Merhow trailer is no longer safe and is not fixable. He said I need to avoid Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood trailers in the future. I am pretty clueless when it comes to trailer materials...I always thought this was an aluminum trailer with a steel frame.
What trailers out there are made of FRP? Is there a way I can tell when shopping for a used trailer? Thanks!
Posted 2010-08-13 10:09 PM (#123492 - in reply to #123479) Subject: RE: FRP Trailers
Regular
Posts: 99
Merhow was the last manufacturer to use FRP in a horse trailer that I know of. I have seen 20-30 year old Merhow's that looked like new. FRP is either the best or worse looking trailer depending on how well it was taken care of. More often the FRP would delaminate due to improperly mounted walls. If the screw guns were set too high the screws would go to far in and crack the surface of the FRP allowing water in. Many of the high end RV's use FRP with out problems. The Merhow FRP trailers remind me of the current Benderup trailers. They tried to use the wall rather than a true frame for strength.
Posted 2010-08-14 6:24 AM (#123496 - in reply to #123479) Subject: RE: FRP Trailers
Member
Posts: 26
Thanks! The guy said that Featherlite made one too. My Merhow still LOOKS great for a 17 year old trailer. I get compliments on it all the time! Unfortunately, the plywood rotted; it became apparent when the butt bar attachments were pulled off and the plywood was exposed.
Posted 2010-08-15 6:20 PM (#123569 - in reply to #123496) Subject: RE: FRP Trailers
Regular
Posts: 99
Featherlite and Sooner were manufacturers along with Merhow. Featherlite and Sooner stopped building FRP trailers because it was'nt working for them. Merhow stopped because no one wanted to buy them anymore.
FRP Trailers
