Carbon Fiber Repairs

[Thewall]

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]

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]

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]

Re corner latch pull-out? One question rarely comes up, but should.

Have you had your trailer tires balanced?

I've had a couple tire shops tell me "We never balance trailer tires!" WRONG! Unlike a car, the trailer has no shock absorbers, and the "spring suspension" is rather stiff and unforgiving. So it is extra important that the trailer runs smoothly on the road. If the wheels are not balanced, the pounding of the unbalanced wheel on the pavement will try to pull out the anti-bounce corner latches.

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

Bill

[commodor47]

Here is a link to some helpful information; https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ad.php?t=20604
Dick

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by Thewall

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.

Carbon fiber is a structural medium not a good small repair medium (like what you are talking about). To properly use CF it takes some expert equipment, like vacuum bagging and exact measurements and temperature control. Not worth the time or effort. The strength of CF is in the length of the continuous fibers along an area of stress.

You would be better off using triaxial fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin. CF is very hard to work with. I used to own a yacht that was built with CF. Any hull repairs that were done, we used F/G cloth and epoxy. Long involved story but, simply, CF not recommended.

For reinforcing areas around the latches, you might want to use sheet aluminum attached with 3M 5200 and aluminum pop-rivets. Most people use Eternabond tape to seal the center seem. If you wanted to get really crazy, you might use 4" wide sheet aluminum with 3M 5200. Use mineral spirits to remove excess 5200 that squeezes out. Place concrete blocks on top for 72-hours (for the 5200 to cure to 75%). Put wax paper between the 5200 and the blocks.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Thewall

Has anyone successfully used carbon fiber to repair the exterior and/or used it to reinforce weak areas? I'm thinking of using CF to reinforce the roof around the A/C opening, down the center seam.

I know nothing about CF, and very little about fiberglass. But I'm surprised that these areas need repair or reinforcement at all. These are not usually weak areas, and unless they are actually damaged, should not need help. Can you describe the problems you are experiencing?

Bill