fiberglas cracks

Yesterday we were headed back to the barn and I had the opportunity to follow the trailer (daughter driving).

The top canopy dies a lot of wobbling side to side and I think there are two issues.   First is a bunch of cracks that started when a friends horse smacked his head up and broke a 4" piece above the left stall.

That crack weakened the integrity of the narrow vertical lip across the back.   Since then I have seen cracks developing all over, but didn't really think about it til yesterday.   It's wiggling a lot and is only going to get worse.

I am going to investigate using a fiberglas patch kit, or adding a plywood panel which matches the profile.  Will trace the design on Sunday and keep you posted.  I don't really want to add a lot of mass up that high.

The other factor is turbulence in the air flow.   This I think we can fix by installing bumps along the front top that are like spoilers.   I just did this to my motorcycle helmet and the result was obvious and instant.   I am surprised this is not being used in many more applications.

There is a product called Rumble Strips which is sold for helmets.   I just used stick-on clear pads like you would use under an appliance  or even under your laptop puter to not scratch the surface that it is on.   Was cheap for a set of 8 at Lowes.  Will post pictures of what I come up with after the weekend.

Happy Trails!

Jeff

August update:

Summer has been busy thus far.  Lots of shows and travels.   Most problem calls came in the spring when people were taking their Brenderup Trailers out of mothballs and taking to the roads.

Good lesson for all of us.   We should probably take a good look at out trailers before the season ends to fix stuff so we con't complicate next year.  I will work on a to do list for fall.

Meanwhile, I received a note overnight from a person who bought out some Brenderup equipment from a dealer.  She wrote:

"Hi Jeff,

Some time ago we emailed back and forth about your BrenderHelp web site and a window that I had broken on my Baron.

Anyway, long story short... I decided to check into what parts I might want to have available in case I would need them in the future. I had heard of people having a hard time getting parts at times. So I contacted a former BUp dealer and ended up making a deal to buy the parts I wanted along with the remaining inventory of parts that they had. These parts were not being actively marketed, I saw a lot of people in need and thought I could help. So...now I am selling parts. Read more on my web site (below).

I am new to your BrenderHelp web site and just changed my settings and updated my email so it corresponds with my parts web site. Hopefully, that will allow me to post on your site.

Here is what I was going to post:

ANNOUNCEMENT: BRENDERUP PARTS - NEW & USED. Acquired former Brenderup Dealer's inventory. Please check out my web site www.brenderupgal.weebly.com

I wanted you to know about my web site and let any followers know, too. If you would give me any tips on how to post to your site, I would appreciate it.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is any way I can help.

Best Regards,
Jane Hart
brenderupgal@comcast.net
www.brenderupgal.weebly.com