Fiberglass/FRP vs Steel/Aluminum Box Van Body

[introverting]

Discovered recently that not all box van bodies are metal.  Following are two links discussing the pros and cons of fiberglass/FRP (fiberglass reinforced plywood) vs metal bodies.  Make sure you read the comments as well because possibly useful info is brought up that doesn't appear in the articles.

Pros & Cons: Aluminum vs. FRP Van Bodies

The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass vs. Steel Service Bodies  (Only the last 2 or 3 pages are probably useful to van dwellers.)

 

[highdesertranger]

FRP = Fiber Reinforced Plastic. highdesertranger

 

[Headache]

FRP = Fiber Reinforced Plastic.  highdesertranger

It depends.  In the case of my box van, the OP's links and many box manufacturers it means "fiberglass reinforced plywood".

http://www.morgancorp.com/dry-freight/frp/features.php

 

[highdesertranger]

interesting headache. I had never heard of FRP being "fiberglass reinforced plywood" but it says so right there in the literature. highdesertranger

 

[BradKW]

The front wall of my box is that laminated plywood and it's very durable stuff. I'll post 2 pics, and look at the cheap interior vent covers somebody added right above cab at some point long ago:

[img=300x300]http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr18/Brad_Bleakley/1_zpsnc9nc563.jpg[/img]

And on inside you can see they just drilled some big holes:

[img=400x400]http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/...ads/IMG_20160530_163744_zpslvko9dc8.jpg[/img]

Those vents didn't do much to keep the water out...could see the dirt evidence when I took the paneling off. But the FRP (plywood) was completely undamaged in those holes...no evidence of even the beginning of delamination.

 

[Headache]

As far as my experiences with both materials: I have no metal working skills and very few tools to do the work with however it is lighter, much lighter and doesn't rust or rot except from maybe aluminum being in contact with steel screws. It creates a lot of condensation. FRP seems more forgiving; I can use tools for wood and if I goof I can just patch it and/or slap some MarineTex on it and call it good. However, it is much heavier than aluminum boxes. I have the best or worst of both worlds, an FRP box with an aluminum roof!