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Does anyone here have any experience in repairing the lower body panel (aluminum) just behind the wheel well? Had a tread separation on a trailer tire and it ripped the panel. Don't know where to find a replacement. It's a Travel Supreme product, so going to the factory is out of the question (They are out of business).
My suggestion would be RV Salvage yards. There are several RV Salvage yards across the U.S. There is one in Phoenix Arizona and another good one in Carthage, MO that are popoular. Google "RV Salvage" and they will come up.
Provided the panel is simply straight down and rounded at the bottom, I simply purchase some aluminum sheet, form the roll over 4" PVC and either spray it myself or have a body shop spray it, if I need an exact match. I have done this on dozens of towables for dealers. Cost is very reasonable and it rare that anyone can tell the panel has been replaced.
RV Tech,
got a couple more questions. Where does one go to get the sheet aluminum and what type or thickness do I look for?
Simplest way to match thickness is to take a piece of the original with
you. It doesn't take much to get the old panel off. I buy mine from a local fabricator who makes junior dragster bodies. Some welding shops also carry it. If the piece you are forming is not too long, you can go a little thicker. Go too thick and it is hard to work it over the PVC. I would check body shops as I found them to be the best source of information about who has what in stock.