Irregularities in fiberglass Trailer shell

[frankcfx]

I am in the process of buffing out the upper half of my slightly oxidized 1996 16' side dinette Scamp. I see what looks to me to be unevenness in the fiberglass it self. Some appear to be patches in the material in areas that are not exposed to possible damage and in other ares unevenness like an inverted seam.

I am wondering if this is typical?
Frank

[stevebaz]

On my 1986 13 foot Scamp the glass lay-up was really nice no irregularities more than some slight waviness better than can be expected for such a light weight lay-up.

[Donna D.]

It's chopped and sprayed. Not really layed up, like strips of glass fiber used in building expensive boats. You're liable to find the gelcoat is thick in one area and thin in another. But figure you've got an 18 year old all molded towable and compare that to an 18 year old stick built [anything] and you're STILL ahead.

It's kinda like your sticks 'n bricks home that you're prepping for paint. It only needs to be "clean," not down to the studs!

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

It's chopped and sprayed. Not really layed up, like strips of glass fiber used in building expensive boats. You're liable to find the gelcoat is thick in one area and thin in another. But figure you've got an 18 year old all molded towable and compare that to an 18 year old stick built [anything] and you're STILL ahead

It's kinda like your sticks 'n bricks home that you're prepping for paint. It only needs to be "clean," not down to the studs!

Donna ;I was under the impression that the Escape was layed up fiberglass where as Casita and Scamp were chopped and sprayed like a shower stall

[Donna D.]

ummmm, but the OP was asking about a Scamp...

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

But figure you've got an 18 year old all molded towable and compare that to an 18 year old stick built [anything] and you're STILL ahead.

Check your math there, that is a 28 year old rig!

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Timber Wolf

Check your math there, that is a 28 year old rig!

2000 - 1996 = 4
2014 - 2000 = 14

4 + 14, I still come up with 18. What base are you adding in?

Now my 1988 is 26 years old...

[Jack L]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Donna ;I was under the impression that the Escape was layed up fiberglass where as Casita and Scamp were chopped and sprayed like a shower stall

WOW, I did not know Escape was layed up fiberglass. That is a huge plus.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Jack L

WOW, I did not know Escape was layed up fiberglass. That is a huge plus.

I DID NOT say that!

[CampyTime]

I see that in my trailer, too. But mine was in an accident and repaired at factory. Inverted seams, yup. Waves in FG and from what I've learned, blistering(in my case, probably not yours). My best guess from what I've learned about gelcoat has something to do with the way it sits, improper mix or curing/hardening. I can't explain it right, but my repair ain't perfect for sure. Read tons about this and if I'm not looking at it, hard to explain. But the "inverted seams" I have, and gelcoat doesn't shine there. Sound at all familiar or something completely different?


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[frankcfx]

Sounds familiar Campytime
Frank

[Jack L]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I DID NOT say that!

No you didn't say that! Steve Dunham said that.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by Jack L

WOW, I did not know Escape was layed up fiberglass. That is a huge plus.

Can't say why layed up vs. choppered fg construction would make much of a difference in an FGRV. It's not like the shell takes a lot of stress like a boat hull.

With so many Scamps, Bolers, Hunters and others now approaching 40+ years of use I just don't recall hearing any complaints about structural integrity based on shell construction methods

If others have, let us know...