FRP Honeycomb vs FRP Plywood vs XPS Insulated Panels for Truck Bodies
Updated 2026-10-28 · Aurex trade counter, Campbellfield VIC
Short answer: all three are sandwich panels with fibreglass (FRP) skins. Choose FRP honeycomb for light, stiff walls on dry freight bodies, FRP plywood for doors that carry heavy hinges and latches, and XPS insulated panels for refrigerated and temperature-controlled bodies.
How the three panels compare
| Panel | Core | Best suited to | Sizes in our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRP honeycomb | Polypropylene honeycomb | Side and front walls of dry freight bodies, where weight matters | 20mm thick: 4300 × 2300 side, 2400 × 2300 front, 1200mm doors in 2400/2800/3200mm |
| FRP plywood | Structural plywood | Heavy-duty doors needing strong screw and bolt holding | 20mm thick: 1200mm doors in 2400/2800/3200mm |
| XPS insulated | Extruded polystyrene (closed-cell foam) | Refrigerated vans, chiller boxes, temperature-controlled bodies | 30mm thick: 2800 × 1200 and 3200 × 1200mm |
FRP honeycomb panels
A polypropylene honeycomb core between gelcoat FRP skins gives a stiff panel that is much lighter than solid plywood or steel. That suits the large wall areas of pantechs and dry freight vans, where every kilogram saved is payload.
FRP plywood panels
A solid plywood core gives fasteners something substantial to bite into, so hinges, latches and keepers hold firmly. That suits doors that open many times a day, carry heavy hardware or take knocks at the dock. The trade-off is weight compared with honeycomb.
XPS insulated panels
Extruded polystyrene is a closed-cell foam that insulates and resists moisture. Laminated between smooth FRP skins, it is the core for refrigerated van bodies, chiller boxes and other temperature-controlled bodies. Our XPS panels are 30mm thick.
Ordering panels
Panels are quoted to order. Send the body type, dimensions and quantities, plus anything unusual such as cut-outs or a raw edge, and the counter will quote the panels and matching profiles.