Frequently Asked Questions
At Perry Panel Solutions, we believe in making every step — from design to delivery — simple and transparent. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about our products, services, and processes.
1. What does Perry Panel Solutions do?
We manufacture custom fibreglass composite panels for caravans, motorhomes, trucks, trailers, modular buildings, and architectural applications. Our panels are Australian-made and built for strength, durability, and lightweight performance.
2. What are the benefits of fibreglass composite panels?
Our panels offer:
• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio — lighter than aluminium or timber, yet very strong
• Durability — will not rust, rot, or corrode
• UV and weather resistance, perfect for Australian conditions
• Low-maintenance smooth gelcoat finish
• Thermal and acoustic insulation properties
• Design flexibility for curved, shaped, or detailed applications
3. What types of panels and options are available?
We produce:
• Wall, floor, and roof panels
• Custom doors, hatches, and access panels
• Sizes up to 2.8 m wide and 14 m long
• Various skin thicknesses (1.7–2.4 mm)
• High-gloss or matte UV-resistant finishes
• Optional inserts for wiring, plumbing, or reinforcement
4. What industries use your panels?
Our panels are ideal for:
• Caravans and motorhomes
• Transport and logistics (trucks, trailers, refrigerated bodies)
• Modular buildings and mobile homes
• Food-grade enclosures, cold rooms, and insulated storage
5. Do you accept small or one-off orders?
Yes — we cater to both individual projects and commercial production.
Whether you need one panel or a complete set, we can manufacture to your exact specifications.
6. How are your panels made?
Each panel is built using a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) skin bonded to an XPS foam core with a high-performance adhesive system.
We use vacuum bagging for consistency and strength, and every panel is CNC-routed for precise cutting and clean edges.
This construction delivers excellent rigidity, insulation, and long-term durability.
Every panel is quality-checked before dispatch to ensure it meets our strict standards.
7. What are your typical lead times?
Lead times depend on order size, panel thickness, finish, and any special requirements.
Contact us with your specifications and we’ll provide an accurate timeframe.
We will always do our best to meet your time requirements and accommodate your project schedule.
8. How do I request a quote or place an order?
Simply send us your panel dimensions, drawings, and finish details through our Contact Form.
Alternatively, call Allan Knight on 0438 146 383 or email [email protected].
9. Where are you located and do you ship Australia-wide?
Our factory is based in Chinderah, NSW (near the QLD border).
We deliver panels across Australia, with freight arranged to suit your order size and location.
10. How is delivery handled?
If required, we are able to organise freight or pick-up options to suit your location and order size.
Panels are packaged carefully to prevent damage during transport.
Shipping costs depend on distance, order size, and handling needs.
11. How do I maintain or repair a panel?
• Wash periodically with mild detergent — no harsh chemicals needed.
• Small scratches or chips can be repaired using standard fibreglass methods.
• For more extensive damage, we can assist with replacement panels or professional repair advice.
12. Are your panels suitable for outdoor and coastal conditions?
Absolutely.
Our panels are designed for UV stability, moisture resistance, and salt-air durability, making them ideal for Australia’s varied climates.
13. Can I see examples of your work?
14. Do you provide technical or design support?
Yes — we work closely with clients from concept to installation.
Our team can assist with:
• Design advice
• Material selection
• Technical specifications and integration
15. What is the most commonly used panel thickness?
While we can manufacture panels in a range of thicknesses to suit different applications,
the most frequently used overall panel thickness is between 25 mm and 40 mm.
This range provides an excellent balance between strength, insulation, and weight,
making it ideal for caravan walls, truck bodies, and modular buildings.
16. Do I need framework with composite panels?
In most cases, no — additional framework isn’t required.
Our fibreglass composite panels are self-supporting thanks to their sandwich construction, which combines fibreglass skins with a structural foam core.
This gives each panel excellent rigidity and load-bearing strength on its own.
However:
• Some customers choose to add minimal framing (e.g. aluminium or steel sections) for attachment points or when integrating doors, windows, or heavy fixtures.
• For high-load or structural applications, we can build in reinforcements or pultrusions during manufacturing, eliminating the need for extra framework.
This means you can save weight, time, and cost by building directly with the panels themselves.
17. Are composite panels stronger than aluminium skin with a frame?
In most applications, yes — composite panels can be stronger and more efficient than a traditional aluminium skin with frame construction.
Here’s why:
• Integrated strength: Each composite panel acts as a single structural unit, rather than relying on separate framing members and outer skins. The fibreglass skins and foam core work together to distribute loads evenly across the entire surface.
• No weak joints: Aluminium-framed systems rely on rivets, screws, and welds that can become stress points over time. Composite panels eliminate these, resulting in fewer failure points and longer lifespan.
• Better stiffness-to-weight ratio: Composite panels achieve excellent rigidity with far less weight compared to aluminium skin and frame designs — ideal for caravans, truck bodies, and mobile structures.
• Thermal efficiency: Aluminium frames conduct heat and cold, causing condensation and thermal bridging. Composite panels are thermally insulated throughout, improving comfort and energy performance.
• Reduced maintenance: Fibreglass does not corrode or oxidise like aluminium, especially in coastal or humid environments.
That said, both systems can have advantages depending on design:
• Aluminium skin with frame may still be preferred where modularity or field repairs are important.
• Composite panels are ideal for projects focused on weight savings, insulation, and long-term durability.
Overall, Perry Panels’ structural fibreglass composites often outperform aluminium skin with frame designs in both strength and longevity for most transport and modular applications.
18. How do you include wiring in composite panels?
Wiring can be included using pultrusions inserted during the manufacturing process.
These pultrusions create dedicated internal channels within the panel, allowing cables to be run cleanly and safely without affecting the panel’s structural integrity.
This method ensures:
• No need for post-production cutting or drilling
• A neat, professional finish with concealed wiring
• Full insulation and strength are maintained
• Easy access points can be planned for electrical fittings, lights, or switches
Pultrusions are ideal for projects such as caravans, motorhomes, transport bodies, and modular buildings, where space efficiency and a clean interior finish are essential.
19. Are composite panels strong enough to attach doors and fittings?
Yes — our fibreglass composite panels are strong enough to support doors, windows, and fittings when designed correctly.
Each panel features a high-strength fibreglass skin bonded to a structural foam core, providing excellent compressive and pull-out strength. This makes them ideal for attaching:
• Doors and windows
• Cabinetry and fixtures
• Lighting, vents, and access hatches
For enhanced strength and secure mounting points, we can include PVC inserts and fibreglass pultrusions during the manufacturing process.
These reinforcements create solid anchor points within the panel, ensuring reliable fastening without compromising the panel’s integrity or insulation.
This means you can confidently build directly from the panels — no separate framing is typically required, while maintaining a clean, strong, and lightweight finish.
20. How easy is it to construct using composite panels?
Construction using fibreglass composite panels is fast, efficient, and straightforward — perfect for production builders or owner builders alike.
Because the panels are lightweight, rigid, and pre-finished, they can often be installed without the need for additional framework or internal linings.
Key advantages include:
• Simplified assembly: Panels can be joined using adhesives, sealants, or mechanical fixings — no welding or heavy lifting required.
• Reduced build time: Large, self-supporting panels cover more area with fewer joints, speeding up installation.
• Precision fit: Panels are CNC-routed to exact dimensions, ensuring seamless alignment and consistent quality.
• Clean and low-maintenance: The smooth gelcoat finish means no painting or extra finishing is needed once assembled.
• Lightweight handling: Easy to transport and position, even in confined spaces or on-site builds.
Overall, Perry Panels’ systems are designed to make construction simpler, faster, and more cost-effective — whether for high-volume manufacturing or owner-builder projects.