Yuliy Gerchikov wrote:
What is the conventional wisdom on fiberglass top trailers? I've never had
any experience with one. Should I keep it this way and stay away from it by
all means? Or is it OK, really, and not much worse than Al top? How long do
they last and how much maintenance require? What are the pros and cons of
each? I'd think that metal is more durable and virtually maintenance free,
while glass may be a bit lighter. Anything else? Thanks! -- Y


My trailer is a 1971 Manufacture glass fibre top, steel tube chassis with a ply
floor. It as thus far endured 35 years of the South African sun without
significant deterioration of the (phenolic resin) glass.

The steel tubes had some surface rust, which I treated two years ago, and at the
same time repainted the glass with 2K. The paint job was largely for cosmetic
reasons as a previous owner had ripped a hole in the side and repaired it with
duct tape and textured wall paint...

The part of the trailer that is disintegrating is the plywood floor.

I seriously doubt there is any meaningful penetration of UV - the gel goat and /
or paint will stop this. I for some obscure reason you have a transparent glass
top, then it would be advisable to paint or gel coat it.

For what it is worth the glider stays dry and cool in the glass trailer, and it
tows pretty well. I can't vouch for an aluminium trailer, but my trailer grosses
out at 650Kg (weighed on a bridge) with a standard cirrus, and nothing else in
it. Said Cirrus is 212Kg so the trailer is 438Kg.

Tows easily behind a 1600cc (77Kw) hatchback, as the glass is streamlined.
(Hint - trailers with sharp corners are much more affected by crosswinds)

One disadvantage of the older glider trailers is the partial hinged top. This is
clumsy to open and the supports get in the way. The newer designs with their
full pop tops are far superior.

--
Bruce Greeff
Std Cirrus #57
I'm no-T at the address above.