Tandem Axle Trailer - Fender Back Plate

Gents:

I've got a tandem axle trailer for my 1994 S.N. I'm refurbishing the trailer -- including a new paint job. While prepping the trailer to take to the paint shop, I see that both fender "back plates" need to be replaced.

Don't know if this is the proper term, but the thing I call the "back plate" is mounted to the top part of the dual-axle fender and is a barrier between the fender and the boat. The back plate appears to be plywood and is covered in marine carpet. Approximately 64" long and 12" high. Looks like 1/4" plywood. The shape is not rectangular as the top corners are rounded to match the shape of the fenders. The plywood is disintegrating and the carpet needs to be replaced also.

OK, questions:

- Do I need to use marine grade plywood for the backing plate? If so, I don't think that my local H.D. carries that.

- What about using "diamond" aluminum plate? Yes, I realize that it would not be padded like the plywood / carpet, but any ideas that could make this work?

- HDPE marine board/sheet?

Thanks for your help.

JQ

I honestly have no idea Rob,and I'm in no position to check . If I had to guess it would be 3/8,the carpet being wrapped over between it and the fender also.

Rob,
Marine ply isn't needed. You can use an exterior rated ply or take a look at this recent post regarding the base material used for seats.

8122pbrainard wrote: Andrew, It's expanded PVC. Check your local HD to see if they stock it. We carry it at the Rhinelander Wi. HD but all stores don't have the same inventory. We have it in 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" in 2'x4' sizes. Get one thickness heavier. It would be easier than trying to repair your old one plus, I would question the bond of the fiberglass resin to the PVC. If you local HD doesn't stock it, it's available on HD's website. This is the 3/4" Shipping to your store would be free.

Marine rated ply and exterior are the same with the exception that the center ply veneers in marine have no ply voids.

I've replaced mine twice in 18 years. First time I used some scrap ply. Second time I had to buy a sheet. Second time I slapped some CPES on it, only because I had it sitting around. I wouldn't buy CPES just for the project. Ply is cheap and the project is easy.

I just used the old ones for a template. Helped a friend cut some for a trailer where we we did not have the old pieces. Made a quick cardboard template.

BKH

$100 in HDPE for both tandem fenders is a deal.

Knowing what brand of trailer this is would be helpful. As would pictures. So many variables.

Riley wrote: Does the tire side of this board usually have carpet on it?

No. On the three Tandems I have owned, the carpet is wrapped around the edge and stapled, but doe not cover the entire backside. Of the three, only one was painted black.
I just shoot little spray paint on the back when replacing or re-carpeting.

BKH

TRBenj wrote: Knowing what brand of trailer this is would be helpful. As would pictures. So many variables.

Tim:

Manufacturer: DHL Enterprises (aslo known as DHM Enterprises)

Picture is the twin sister of my trailer. Note black fender back plate on far side of trailer.

Thanks, Pete for the tip. I'll give it a try.

I'll smooth out the radius cut with a belt sander.

JQ

8122pbrainard wrote: The HDPE doesn't like to be sanded ether!! Don't worry about it too much since the cut will be covered by the carpet. Report back on how it turns out.

Temperamental stuff, this HDPE...doesn't cut well, doesn't sand well, doesn't play well with others...

Try heating a metal tool with handle (trowel or putty knife) to the point where it will melt the plastic. Then you can deburr the rough spots cause by the sawing issues.

Hollywood wrote: Anything you experiment with do it on the cut off pieces first! I wouldn't bother with the carpet unless you crash into them A LOT.

Roger that. I will make some practice cuts on the HDPE to be cut off. Agreed with the "no carpet" plan. My on/off trailering skills are not so poor as that!

JQ