Fiberglass repair - tent trailer

[Sam]

I bought a 1987 Coleman tent trailer from a friend of mine today. My daughter has a deer hunt next weekend and my younger daughter has been complaining about tent camping again. Even though I have hunted out of a wall tent for 25 plus years, I figured my wife and daughters may stay with me if I made it more comfortable for them.

 

Anyway, I paid $500 for it and the canvas is perfect. It has hardly been used at all. Actually, the original tags are still on the zippers. He just put new tires, regulator, water pump and propane line.

 

Here's the problem.......he had a blow out last time he used it and damaged the fiberglass in the front of the trailer. There is a hole roughly 9 inches at it's widest spot by about 7 inches. It is a jagged hole that is right on the outer edge of the front panel.

 

I thought of placing a piece of aluminum or sheet metal across the entire front and rivet it to the sides.

 

Any ideas how to repair it? Is their a fiberglass repair kit for a hole this big? Where would I buy it?

 

Thanks for your advice........I would hate to use duct tape, but may have to, we leave Thursday for her hunt.........

[EBB]

Fiberglass repair isn't really all that hard. Years ago I made livewells for my boat with fiberglass. You can buy either mesh or chopped cloth. Get the resin and catalyst, a cheap paint brush, and acetone for cleanup. with something like you describe you'll probably want to back up the hole with cardboard first and then do the fiberglass work otherwise slumping will be a major issue.

It's not that difficult but it sure do stink!

EBB

[Str8Shot]

+ 1

 

go to Checkers or Autozone ... get your supplies and then check out videos like this on youtube...

[COUESAZ]

For a fast fix I would just get some kind of plastic and caulk it under it and hold it in place with duct tape until it drys. Then just pull off the tape and caulk around the edges. Then when you get home call the company Jsixco. He does great fiberglass work. I think you can buy cheap fiberglass sheeting at home depot. Ask them were you can find something like FRPor the sheets that you can liquids nail to the Sheetrock for shower walls. It should work fine for your hunt or longer even.

[Sam]

Thanks for the advice. It does not seem too difficult. I think I will start Monday afternoon.....I think eventually, I may replace the whole front panel. I can rocks getting kicked up and more cracks and holes occurring.