The trailer industry is evolving rapidly as performance plastics become more widely adopted in modern manufacturing. Today’s manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver trailers that are not only durable and lightweight, but also visually consistent and built to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. Traditional materials like aluminum have long been the standard, but they often come with limitations that can impact long term performance and appearance.

As a result, many manufacturers are turning to advanced composite panels and other plastic solutions to improve both functionality and finish. Brands like PolyCor™ are helping lead this shift, offering materials designed specifically for trailer applications.

Where PolyCor Is Commonly Found

PolyCor materials are used across a growing range of trailer types and specialty vehicles as manufacturers look for lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain alternatives to traditional materials. Enclosed cargo trailers remain one of the most common applications, where consistent performance and appearance are critical. As demand continues to grow, PolyCor has expanded into a variety of other trailer types, including horse trailers, camper trailers, restroom and sink trailers, and food trucks or concession trailers.

Enclosed Cargo Trailers

PolyCor materials are widely used in enclosed cargo trailers, offering a complete solution for both interior and exterior components. PolyCor AP is the most commonly used material in these applications, serving as both an exterior panel and an interior solution for walls and ceilings. It is engineered to deliver a smooth, consistent surface while minimizing issues like oil canning that are common with aluminum, helping trailers maintain a clean, professional appearance even with temperature changes. Its waterproof construction also eliminates the need for wood in many builds, preventing problems like rot in high moisture environments.

For overhead applications, PolyCor HL is used as a headliner, providing a lightweight, finished interior look that holds up well in demanding, high use conditions. In more structural areas, PolyCor P is commonly used for flooring, ramps, dividers, and cabinetry, where strength, impact resistance, and long term durability are essential.

In addition to the PolyCor product line, Piedmont Plastics offers high performance materials like Aqua-Plas® 5 and Supersede, which are also used for flooring and ramp applications. These materials provide excellent durability, wear resistance, and anti-slip characteristics that make them well suited for enclosed trailers that see frequent use and heavy loads.

Horse Trailers

Horse trailers demand materials that can handle impact, moisture, and constant use while maintaining a safe and easy to maintain environment. PolyCor and other performance plastics are used throughout these trailers to improve durability, simplify cleaning, and replace traditional materials that break down over time.

Using PolyCor AP in horse trailers offers several key advantages for both performance and animal safety. It holds up to daily wear from constant use and vibration, while its moisture resistance helps prevent damage caused by washdowns, humidity, and exposure to waste. Unlike traditional materials, it also helps reduce road noise and vibration inside the trailer, creating a quieter, less stressful environment for horses during transport.

In addition, PolyCor AP provides improved thermal insulation, helping regulate interior temperatures and protect animals from extreme heat or cold. Its lightweight design further enhances towing efficiency and handling, which is especially important when transporting live cargo.

For high impact applications like dividers and kick walls, Aqua-Plas® 2 provides the toughness needed to absorb repeated force without cracking or degrading. Its waterproof, non porous surface makes it easy to clean, which is also essential for frequent washdowns.

In flooring and ramp applications, Aqua-Plas® 5 and Supersede provide the strength needed to support heavy loads while resisting moisture and wear. These materials offer a longer lasting alternative to wood, helping prevent issues like rot and deterioration in high use conditions. They also feature built in slip resistance, improving traction and helping create a safer surface for both animals and operators.

For windows, Piedmont Plastics also offers polycarbonate and acrylic to provide clear visibility while offering significantly greater impact resistance than glass. This added durability improves safety while still allowing natural light into the trailer.

Food Trucks and Vending Trailers

Food trucks and vending trailers require materials that can handle constant use, frequent cleaning, and exposure to heat, moisture, and food related substances. Maintaining a clean, sanitary environment is critical, which is why performance plastics and composites are being used to create surfaces that are durable, non porous, and easy to maintain.

PolyCor AP is a strong choice for interior walls and ceilings, where cleanliness and long term performance are essential. Its smooth surface resists grease buildup and stands up to repeated cleaning with harsh chemicals. In addition, its moisture resistance prevents warping or degradation over time, while its insulating properties help regulate interior temperatures in compact, heat generating environments.

Piedmont Plastics also supports the visual side of food trucks and vending trailers by supplying vinyl materials to those who specialize in installing vehicles wraps. These vinyl films and overlaminates adhere well to PolyCor AP, and help enable eye catching graphics while adding protection against weather, UV exposure, and everyday wear.

Travel Trailers, Campers, and RVs

Travel trailers, campers, and RVs require materials that can stand up to long term use while enhancing comfort, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Performance plastics and composites are increasingly used to replace traditional materials, allowing manufacturers to build units that are lighter, more durable, and better suited for life on the road.

PolyCor AP is commonly used for exterior panels, where it performs reliably in changing weather conditions. Its moisture resistance helps prevent issues like warping, rot, and delamination, while its lightweight design supports improved fuel efficiency and easier towing, which is an important benefit for recreational travelers. It also provides thermal insulation and noise reduction, helping create a quieter, more comfortable interior living space.

Because these trailers are designed for extended stays, natural light is an important feature. Polycarbonate and acrylic materials are ideal for windows, offering strong clarity while providing greater impact resistance and durability than traditional glass.

Smarter Trailer Builds Start with Better Materials

From box and and horse trailers to food trucks and travel trailers, performance plastics are reshaping how modern trailers are built and used. Materials like PolyCor AP, PolyCor HL, PolyCor P, and Aqua-Plas offer clear advantages over traditional options, delivering improved durability, lighter weight, and easier maintenance across a wide range of applications. By choosing the right materials for each component, manufacturers can build trailers that not only perform better in demanding environments but also provide long term value for end users.