Posted 2009-02-21 9:09 PM (#99851 - in reply to #99846) Subject: RE: white vs black skin
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas
Yes, a major reason down south, also, like a really dark car, it shows dust and dirt more, but my main reason, is the vast difference in the interior temps both in the LQ and the horse compartment....
Posted 2009-02-21 9:11 PM (#99852 - in reply to #99846) Subject: RE: white vs black skin
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Originally written by nd deb on 2009-02-21 8:26 PM
Is it that people select white because it is cooler then a black one?
Yes and......... most manufacturers use white products, especially fiberglass panels because of rapid UV damage to the darker colours. Black and especially red colours are quickly affected by the sun's rays. The plastic in a FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) layup is the actual resin adding stiffness to the glass. This is easily damaged by the sun's UV spectrum. A colorant is added to the resin just before the layup is started. Depending on the colour, various amounts of sunlight will reflected.
In the manufacturing of boats, you will almost universally see white hulls. The marine environment is especially tough on fiberglass, not only are the boats constantly subjected to the direct sunlight, but a great amount of reflected sunlight as well.
In time any resin will be damaged. If you rub your fingers along the surface and find a whitish chalking, that surface of resin has been damaged and is "dead". The glass it supports underneath is weakened, and what was once a rigid panel, is now flexible and weaker. All fiberglass roofs are vulnerable to this, and especially single skin layups will be most affected as a result. Fortunately any fiberglass product can be repaired and strengthened.
Many high end trailer manufacturers purchase much of their outer steel and aluminum sheeting panels, already prepainted before they are stamped. The white colour is more fade resistant than the darker ones, shows less wear and dirt, is more easily touched up if scratched, and less expensive to purchase. As you said, the lighter colours are also cooler as well.
Posted 2009-02-22 8:07 PM (#99923 - in reply to #99846) Subject: RE: white vs black skin
Expert
Posts: 1391
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Hey Gard? Are you British? I see you're using the Brit version of color ... hee hee hee ...
White, taupe, or silver trailers - but I've seen a couple of very nice looking black ones. The top edge matches the sides, but the very top of the roof will be painted white to reflect the sun.
Posted 2009-02-23 2:10 PM (#100003 - in reply to #99846) Subject: RE: white vs black skin
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714
Location: Minnesota
My previous trailer was black skin. As was already stated, black really looks great right after you wash it, but not 10 minutes later. Any dust from anywhere will show up right away. Didn't really notice any increased heat inside because insulation will block it. We also have had two black trucks and will never own another vehicle that is black or any dark color even if it was given to me. Would trade it for a loss first.