Skip to content 
FRP panels are an excellent material choice for truck and trailer solutions, primarily valued for their role in lightweighting, which improves fuel efficiency and payload capacity, without compromising strength and durability .
Here is a summary of the key advantages and applications of FRP panels in this field:
| Feature / Application | Description / Benefit | Evidence / Example |
| Light weighting | Significantly reduces weight compared to traditional materials like steel, leading to better fuel economy and higher payload capacity. | Composite leaf springs can be 60% lighter than steel ones with higher fatigue life. |
| Durability & Strength | High strength-to-weight ratio, impact resistance, and able to absorb loads, enhancing the vehicle’s structural integrity (anti-torsion | Panels offer high tensile, flexural, and impact strength, maintaining shape under stress. |
| Corrosion & Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to corrosion from water, salt, and chemicals, as well as anti-aging properties, ensuring a long service life. | Suitable for harsh environments like logistics and chemical transport. |
| Thermal Insulation | Low thermal conductivity provides good insulation, which is crucial for temperature-controlled transport. | Thermal conductivity of about 0.23W/m².K, ideal for refrigerated trucks and insulated vans. |
| Weather & UV Resistance | Surfaces are treated with gelcoat for superior resistance to weathering and UV rays, maintaining appearance and performance. | Colors are integrated into the material, available in standard shades (RAL/NCS) |
| Aesthetic Flexibility | Surface can be made very smooth and glossy, and can be manufactured in various colors for an attractive appearance. | High-gloss panels provide an attractive finish for trailer sides. |
| Common Applications | Used for van/trailer side panels, roofs, doors, and front panels. Also for internal structures and specialized components. | Dry cargo van, refrigerated truck, container, caravan/mobile home, commercial truck bodywork. |
Common Structural Applications
FRP panels are typically used in composite structures to maximize benefits:
Sandwich Panels: FRP often serves as the outer “skin” of sandwich panels, with a lightweight core material (like foam or honeycomb) in between. This creates a structure that is both very stiff and light .
Large-Panel Structure: Modern truck bodies use a “large-panel” design where FRP sheets are bonded to a steel or aluminum frame. This simplifies construction, reduces weight, and provides a smooth, seamless exterior .
Considerations for Selection
When considering FRP panels for your truck or trailer project, keep these points in mind:
Fire Safety: Check the material’s flame retardancy rating. Standard FRP panels often comply with national B2 grade flame retardancy, but specific applications may require higher standards .
Professional Manufacturing: The performance of FRP composites depends heavily on manufacturing quality, including fiber orientation and resin system used. Sourcing from reputable manufacturers with strict quality control is crucial .
Total Life-Cycle Cost: While the initial cost may be higher than traditional materials, consider the total cost of ownership, including savings from reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance, and longer service life.
Professional Manufacturing: The performance of FRP composites depends heavily on manufacturing quality, including fiber orientation and resin system used. Sourcing from reputable manufacturers with strict quality control is crucial .
Total Life-Cycle Cost: While the initial cost may be higher than traditional materials, consider the total cost of ownership, including savings from reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance, and longer service life