Vacuum Formed Fiberglass

This a term that we like to throw around here at Road Dog.  It’s cool and it sets us apart from other manufacturers of touring trailers.  But, what does it really mean?  There are quite a few people who know what it is but for those who don’t it is quite simple.

Let start with the basics.  Like most fiberglass products you see most touring trailers that are made out of fiberglass are made with what is called “chop”  or “chopped fiberglass”. This mixture of pieces of chopped fiberglass and resin are shot out of a gun into the fiberglass mold which in turn gives it its name.

The end product is of course very nice on the outside, like any fiberglass product you have seen.  But if you notice on the inside it can be quite rough and unappealing.   Depending on the manufacturer  and their varied processes some can be better than others and some have actual fiberglass splinters that can be quite vexing.    This rough surface inside a touring trailer can be very hard on your gear.  It can act like sandpaper on duffel bags and helmets, unless some sort of barrier like carpet is installed.

Now  “Vacuum Formed”  fiberglass is a completely different animal.   This is still fiberglass but is done in quite a different manner.  There is a master mold made like before but now a counter mold is made as well.  These two pieces fit together perfectly leaving a small space in between the two.  This space is a pre-determined dimension of your wall thickness.  Next a thin sheet of special fiber mesh is laid in the mold and then these forms are fastened together.    Two hoses are hooked at either end of the mold and as one hose injects the resin the other is “vacuuming” out the displaced air.

After a short curing process  the piece is removed from the mold and you have a piece that is not only a consistent weight and thickness, you have a piece that is as smooth on the inside as it is on the outside.  This is why we like this term “vacuum formed” so much.   The inside of your Road Dog is as smooth as glass.  It is super easy on your gear and doesn’t necessarily need a carpet barrier.  It is also super easy to clean and doesn’t hold that fiberglass smell forever.

So the next time you are looking at a touring trailer pay special attention to the inside as well as the outside, the difference will be plain to see. This is just one of the many features that sets Road Dog apart from other touring trailers.  We will talk about other features as well in the coming weeks.

See you on the Road.