They make UV resistant clearcoats to protect CF and still allow it to be visible, they are used in automotive applications, etc.

Well, that would certainly help with the cool factor.

those applications are usually non load bearing structural parts, such as hoods, fenders and deck lids. I dont know how those coatings would effect a trailer frame under such weight left in the sun light for extended periods of time.

I agree w/ Odunes, 4bus & Interceptor for all the reasons they have mentioned & then some. My guess is that if it was a feasible material we'd already see over the road trailers (18 wheelers) etc or portions there of constructed out of CF. We struggle to get everything we want to the race track week in & week out w/o being overweight (80,000lbs).

While a trailer is certainly no airplane I'm sure meeting DOT's requirements & possibly the liability involved w/ venturing out into this uncharted territory might be enough of a deterent in itself.

I really have no experience w/ the concept but know we spend a lot of time looking at ways to improve the current product (Featherlite Race Car Hauler).

So the same guy who can afford a CF trailer can't afford a building to keep it out of the sun...

Carbon fiber fenders might be neat but practically anondized alumunum is much better.

Wannabe

The stiffness/rigidity of carbon fiber in that kind of load-bearing application, as others have mentioned, would concern me.

Many of you have ridden in carbon fiber boats. The ride is, generally speaking, firm.

I ride a carbon fiber mountain bike, It's awesome in terms of its light weight and responsiveness to handlebar and pedal input. But even with full suspension, it is a stiff ride and it will flat out beat you up—far more than the aluminum and steel bikes I've owned—if you're not ready for it.

I think we should try to convince peter to build one for under his new Ilmore 29 Outerlimits!

Composite structures can be engineered to allow a certain amount of flex into them, take the wings on the 787 dreamliner, for instance. Most CF/ composite applications (monocoque chassis, etc.) are designed to be as stiff as possible, but that does not mean that some flex could not be engineered into the design.

I agree, from most perspectives, a CF/ composite trailer makes absolutely NO sense, and would be extremely cost prohibitive.

That being said, a tilt trailer with the bottom half being show polished aluminum, and the top half or cradle made of CF/ composite with exposed weave, would be the ultimate in bling for the guy who has already spent 1.5M+ on a monster show quality Cat. The trailer might end up costing as much as the boat, but nobody else would have one...

With his own crane....that travels everywhere the boat goes.