For those of you who are planning on floor replacement/repair and need to purchase
fiberglass cloth, tape, or epoxy resin in larger quantities than normally found in auto supply or boat supply/repair outlets, I suggest looking into RAKA, Inc. in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Phone is (772)489-4070. Google RAKA, Inc for a complete listing of what they have to offer in sizes and weights of
fiberglass cloth, mat, resins, and accessories for completing the job.
The website offers very complete instructions for covering raw plywood from start to finish and suggestions for greenhorns such as myself. I purchased all the necessary components plus some incidentals to cover the new plywood floor, and to join and seal the inner and outer shell openings of the
Burro for under $300 including freight from Florida to West Virginia. The fellow I spoke with on the phone did all the math and offered suggestions as to what
weight cloth to use and which activator was appropriate for my temperatures. He also offered tips like heating the resin and activator in a
microwave to make it thinner for better wetting and penetration, and suggestions regarding sealing the screws that penetrate the new floor/fiberglass and how to effectively seal the edges of the plywood around the perimeter. Just thought I'd pass it on.
My
Burro is stripped of all wood. I'm waiting for some dry weather to move the frame outside to clean and scale before reinforcing. I noticed the angle of the torsion arm as it normally sits when supporting the trailer....I'd guess the arm to have had about 20 degrees of UP angle. Unless I'm interpreting wrong, UP or DOWN means relative to horizontal and is an unladen measurement on a new
axle. Reason for all this is I want to replace the
axle but don't want any great increase in height so I can keep it inside the shop.
Also am considering surge
brakes rather than electric. Pros would be the ability to tow with any vehicle. Cons would be losing the option of trailer only braking. Maintenance issues could go either way. Opinions anyone???
Thanks to all for your suggestions and comments to my previous ramblings. I appreciate your experience.
Best to all...
Mike in West Virginia
ps for those requesting pics of my folly....please be patient and bear with me. The pics are on the computer. I'll figure it out....
I hope!