Fiberglass Woes

[SaskCamper]

Not surprisingly, the Fiberglass down under by the frame is cracked on my Triple E SurfSide. Likely because at some point in it’s nearly 50 year lifespan, someone overloaded this little camper, or hit a pothole, or both.

Based on the photo I’ll add, can anyone with experience with this weigh in? I’ve never done Fiberglass before, let alone reinforced it. I feel like this type of damage, in addition to what looks like a major roof repair might be better left for professionals. Open to suggestions.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by SaskCamper

Not surprisingly, the Fiberglass down under by the frame is cracked on my Triple E SurfSide. Likely because at some point in it’s nearly 50 year lifespan, someone overloaded this little camper, or hit a pothole, or both.

Based on the photo I’ll add, can anyone with experience with this weigh in? I’ve never done Fiberglass before, let alone reinforced it. I feel like this type of damage, in addition to what looks like a major roof repair might be better left for professionals. Open to suggestions.

If you need to have somebody else do the repair, I suggest a boat repair place.

[Steve Hammel]

Show the photo. Fiberglass isn't that hard to work with. It only requires expertise over common sense where the fix is visible. If the required fix is out of view read up on it and give it a shot.

[SaskCamper]

Sorry, I thought I had included pictures.

Here they are:

[SaskCamper]

Sorry they are sideways. How do I fix that?

I definitely don't have expertise, but my common sense tells me the problem underneath needs fixed and should be reinforced properly.

[FRED SMAILES]

I don't really see much in the wheelwell 'cept a small crack. Would need better images to comment, but the roof is actually quite a simple fix, it will take work,, but is simple.
You haven't stated what the ceiling is covered in but that would have to be
Removed back 5ish inches from the repair. Take the repair that is on the roof wrap it tightly with 6mil poly and place it under the hole supporting it so the panel takes on the shape of the roof grind back the edges of the fglass so all the gelcoat is off and the glass is tapered down to the backer panel.
Install several layers of glass to replicate original thickness. Allow to set and grind off the high points and bondo to shape.
Remove the support rough up the ceiling and another coat or two of glass
Gring smooth and replace ceiling finish.
Lots a YouTube to learn fglassing out there.
Spend a little time leaning to work with glass before climbing a ladder to learn on your little trailer!
Fred