ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] FRP vs Aluminun + Costs

[endurance] FRP vs Aluminun + Costs

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Thu, 1 Feb 1996 09:22:08 -0500 (EST)

FRP tends to be less likely to suffer adverse effects from urine or other
acidic (i.e. acid rain) environments. Now this of course depends on the
quality of the fiberglass layup, how well holes drilled through the FRP
has been protected with silicon, etc. We had our FRP for 4 yrs, out in
the weather all the time, with no delamination. We lived on a fiberglass
sailboat for a year, sailed for many on the Chesapeake Bay, so I'm tuned
into the care and maintenance of fiberglass. A good coat of marine wax
twice a year will keep the FRP looking and acting showroom clean.

A note of caution on aluminum trailers. You will see a lot of
manufacturers going to an all-aluminum floor. You don't have to be a
rocket scientist to realize that the quality of bracing is going to make
a BIG difference in how well that trailer will hold up. Hart makes an
excellent flooring with cross beams very close together (Sundowner
also). However, you want to make sure that there are drains in the floor
for urine, water, etc. Urine/water pooled on the aluminum floor will
cause rapid corrosion. And even tho' we all have the best of intentions,
we don't always clean up after a trip the way we should. For this reason
we opted to go with pressure-treated lumber--it makes our new FRP GN
heavier than comparable models, but I can visually evaluate the condition
of the lumber and replace boards on an as-needed basis.

Someone inquired about price differences: Collin-Arndt has one price for
either; Hart tends to be more expensive for FRP. Collin-Arndt threw in a
ton of goodies that Hart was nickle-and-diming us to death over. We
saved big bucks for a customized trailer by dealing direct with the
manufacturer. Shipping charges range from $1.00-1.50/mile for most
manufacturer's--but this can be a "bargaining chip". If you don't need a
custom trailer, "best buys" can be found on end-of-year models or demos
with a few hundred miles and some hay on them. We spent a full 8 months
researching and looking at trailers--I bought my house faster than that.
Collin-Arndt can be reached at 717-432-5476. They make horse, stock,
cargo & flatbed trailers in FRP & Aluminum. Talk to Linda--tell her
Diane sent you.

Ice storm coming--cheers.

Diane @ Safe Haven
Eastern PA