Carbon Fiber Repairs

**Thewall** · Today, 09:03 AM

Has anyone successfully used carbon fiber to repair the exterior and/or used it to reinforce weak areas such as around the latch hold-downs? I'm thinking of using CF to reinforce the roof around the A/C opening, down the center seam, and to reinforce the shell where the latch hold-downs keep pulling out of the shell.

**ShrimpBurrito** · Today, 10:34 AM

The latch hold-downs on the 4 corners? Have never used carbon fiber on the TM, but the screws that screw in the hold downs go into wood, so either the wood there is rotted, in which case it needs to be replaced (time consuming but not hard), or the screw hole is stripped, in which case it can be rebuilt by epoxying in bamboo skewers.

I've done repairs in both instances. And before placing the hold-down against the shell to screw it in, I apply 3M VHB tape, so that both the tape and screws hold it in. That has been very effective -- haven't had a failure since.

Dave

**Bill** · Today, 11:20 AM

If the corner latches are pulling out, it may mean that they are simply adjusted too tight. Loosen them up a turn or two. My understanding is that they are simply intended to reduce "bounce" at the corners of the shells as you drive down the road. On my TMs, when I push the latch down, the shell sinks a bit, but the amount is barely noticeable. This amount of tension is enough to prevent the latch hook from popping off, but it isn't intended to be a structural part of the trailer.

If you are referring to the center latches, their position is adjustable with the two bolts. These are sturdier latches, and should not be too loose. But if you have to actively jump on the loops to get them to latch, you may have something blocking the shell as it comes own (usually too much on the rear bed). Or you may want to adjust the latch position a small amount - start with 1/8 inch.

Bill

**Bill** · Today, 11:26 AM

Re corner latch pull-out. A question that rarely comes up, but should, is this.

Have you had your trailer wheels/tires balanced?

I've had a couple tire shops tell me "We never balance trailer tires!" WRONG! Unlike a car, the trailer has no shocks, and the "spring suspension" is quite stiff and unforgiving. So it is extra important that the trailer runs smoothly on the road. Among other problems, if the wheels are not balanced, the bang-bang-bang as the wheel rotates will try to pull out the anti-bounce corner latches.

It also, of course, loosens a lot of screws inside.

Bill