roof rafters

The thing that is important about aluminum is its thickness and grade. For some reason RV mfg's do not mention that aspect in their literature. They relay on buzz words hopping no one will notice. In many situation wood will be stronger, but more vulnerable to water and insects.

My 15 Heartland Gateway has galvanized Metal roof trusses and aluminum floor joists.

I'm pretty sure my Big Country has aluminum trusses. Also, the roof is insulated with block Styrofoam and the AC ducting is carved out of the Styrofoam. Best insulation I've had in any rig. I walk on the roof all the time with no problem. Think about holding a boiling cup of coffee with a 1/16th inch insulation between you and hot. That Styrofoam is amazing.

neal10a wrote:

The only thing I could think of is termites and water damage. Wood either rots or gets eaten. I don't know if termites is a real problem but a water leak from poor caulking could be.

"Water seeks the lowest level".

This means that any leaks inside a roof is like to travel down the walls to the floor. Rot will start at the floor and then work it way up.


Which of course makes you wonder why all most all TT and 5er are made with wood floors.

downtheroad wrote:

Cedar Creek and Northwood use all aluminum.

Are you sure? I think Northwood (Arctic Fox) uses wood trusses.
Not sure about Cedar Creek

My new Silver Fox has wood rafters as does Grand Design.

The OP also asked "is there anything wrong with wood"

The only thing I could think of is termites and water damage. Wood either rots or gets eaten. I don't know if termites is a real problem but a water leak from poor caulking could be. In either event I think aluminum of would be better if distance between rafters and thickness was appropriat.

john&bet wrote:
My '05 Montana had Aluminum roof trusses. I think our 2018 GD has them too, but not sure.

Grand Design roof structures are wood - we've visited the factory and have seen them under construction.

Rob

Our Arctic Fox...wood trusses with lots of slope for run off.

ducksquasher wrote:
Hi All- spent a long day at the RV show looking at all kinds of units. One thing I was trying to get a straight answer on...are there any units out there with aluminum or metal roof rafters?

Is there anything wrong with wood rafters?

IMHO, the most important thing about a RV roof rafters is that they have some pitch to assist in shedding rain water. It kind of amazes me how many RVs still have flat roofs which inevitably will have low spots, encouraging puddles.

The second most important thing about rafters is how they are attached to the side walls. You never see this step in any videos. This is important because the rafters are what keeps the walls from flexing in and out. Excessive flex in this area could lead to a rubber roof membrane failure.

Rafter spacing, roof decking and finish covering are probably the next most important roof related issues.

Cedar Creek and Northwood use all aluminum.

Are you sure? I think Northwood (Arctic Fox) uses wood trusses.
Not sure about Cedar Creek