Repairing a trailer shell sidewall branch puncture hole

[dkrohse]

Hello. We had a 100+ mph Derecho/land hurricane wind blow through Cedar Rapids 3 weeks ago today. The top of one of our tall trees blew off and brushed the side of our 2015 Rockwood mini-lite. A branch punched a modest hole in the sidewall exterior. See the photo attached.
I would like to deal with the damage without giving our trailer to the local RV shop for the rest of the season. Lots and lots of units were damaged in our local area from the sound of it.
Does anyone know of an exterior repair kit? I'm thinking something along the line of the interior drywall patches where you cut out a circle a little larger than then wound and then you insert a repair piece. Then cover it over for weather proofing. eTrailer.com didn't have anything or know of anything.
The second picture shows the construction: about 3/16" hardboard over a styrofoam core.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Dale

[Bama Rambler]

Look for a Filon Repair. It's basically fiberglas cloth and you apply it with resin. Sand it smooth and paint it to match.

[upflying]

You Tube has how to videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJHvWdONkVw

[uhduh camping]

If you thinking of filing an insurance claim, many will allow you to file claim now and postpone repairs for a length of time. My buddy is doing just that they gave him 6 months to make repairs.

[royg6677]

Check your area yellow pages and get it repaired at a truck/auto body shop. Will be alot faster. Get some Gorilla tape until done camping to seal the weather out.

[D W]

I'll just say this, if you're not versed (experienced), in working with fiberglass you'd be better off leaving it to a professional. Boat shops are the best for these type of repairs. As far as letting it go for a period of time without repair? Not a good idea. You want to repair it and seal it as soon as possible to prevent delamination.

Just my 2¢.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by royg6677

Check your area yellow pages and get it repaired at a truck/auto body shop. Will be alot faster. Get some Gorilla tape until done camping to seal the weather out.

Or Eternabond tape.

[caper]

I punched a hole in our trailer 11 years ago. I used auto body filler to patch hole. Ford white was a match for the paint after using a clear coat. You still can not tell where I patched the hole. I also had to match the decal and used a spray paint. Good luck and just take your time. When you have it patched you can take your time to get it painted. The most important thing is keeping the weather out.