Storage/sleeping platform: sourcing FRP honeycomb panels?

[djm68]

I am building a storage platform for my '12 Tacoma, similar to what is shown in the two attached pics (not my truck). I used a similar setup for a 2+ week trip to Baja in 2018, though mine was made with 2" x 6" cross supports and 1/2" plywood. Super simple solution, works well, but is quite heavy. I want to build basically the same thing but use FRP honeycomb panel to replace the heavy plywood sheet. I am able to find FRP panel, but nothing larger than 24" x 48".

Can anyone suggest a source for FRP panels in larger dimensions? Other ideas?

Thanks,
DJM

 

[WVI]

Maybe a sign shop could help you out?

 

[Choff]

Also try a local glass shop, some will do composite panels and may be able to order a sheet of frp panel for you.
Or, local sheet metal shops that make composite wall panels, they may have some drops for cheap

 

[fritz]

Fiberglass Composite Panels | Total Composites

totalcomposites.com

 

[rruff]

Can anyone suggest a source for FRP panels in larger dimensions? Other ideas?

Carbon Core sells Nidacore clone panels. The price is fine but you'd get hit on shipping.

If you can get at least 15psi 3/4 foam from a local building store, that will work for a core. 1/8" luan or similar for skins. Make a simple frame with 1x2s for the edge and where the sheets join. Texture the foam and slather on PLPremium. Works great, I've done it.

 

[djm68]

Carbon Core sells Nidacore clone panels. The price is fine but you'd get raped on shipping.

If you can get at least 15psi 3/4 foam from a local building store, that will work for a core. 1/8" luan or similar for skins. Make a simple frame with 1x2s for the edge and where the sheets join. Texture the foam and slather on PLPremium. Works great, I've done it.

Talked to carbon core, panel was roughly $200 shipping was totally insane...something like $300-400. Ultimately, I've decided to use 1/2" maple plywood which is fairly light (32lbs for a 4'x8' sheet), and some light weight aluminum profile for supports I will have a strong platform that comes in around 30 lbs, and it's cheap...maybe $150 all told.

Cheers,
DJM

 

[john61ct]

Closer spacing of your support grid would allow a foam sheet, I bet much lighter.

Skin PMF like a foamie.

 

[rruff]

I will have a strong platform that comes in around 30 lbs, and it's cheap

Simple and cheap are good!

Skin PMF like a foamie.

I built samples and tested them and was not impressed. It's light years from fiberglass, even at the same weight. Poor penetration resistance and stiffness, and with a constant load it creeps badly and keeps on creeping.

 

[john61ct]

Good points.

Somewhere I'd laid out an idea based on those poly greenhouse grid bench panels, can't find it now. . .

 

[overl4nder]

I see FRP wall panels at Lowe's for about 50$. Are they strong enough as a bed base?

 

[rruff]

I see FRP wall panels at Lowe's for about 50$. Are they strong enough as a bed base?

Link?

 

[overl4nder]

Link?

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Fiberglass-reinforced-plastic-frp--Wall-panels-Wall-panels-planks-Moulding-millwork/4294518226?refinement=1971214752

 

[Dave in AZ]

Those 5 panels at lowes are only 0.09" thick... they are just a skin, not a structural sandwich, from what I'm seeing?

 

[simple]

Those are FRP skins and don't have any strength on their own.
Check out Carbon Core for structural panels.

 

[rruff]

You'd need to glue them to a foam core... and they probably aren't very stiff. The CarbonCore PP hex core panels are pretty nice, but shipping in small quantities is prohibitive. What are the details of your design?