Can Anyone Tell Me What Year....
What year wood frames in RV construction were replaced with steel/aluminum framing? I'm sure different companies might still use wood framing or a combination of various materials, but I am wondering ...
Forum Discussion
IMO, there's nothing wrong with wood as construction material for RV's. It is more about the techniques used to implement the frame construction than the material used. IMO, there's nothing inherently wrong with aluminum frame, either.
If there is any controlling factor to either manner of construction, it's that the consumer desires a lighter RV and, consequently the Mfg.'s use any means to meet that requirement. Sometimes, the result is a structure that is less durable than could be had if the mantra wasn't "build light and sell product". The advent of the slide and it's desirability among purchasers has thrown a wrench into the "lighter build" realm and the added weight has to be compensated for somehow. Panelized construction is one of the ways that are used to keep weights down.
If there is any controlling factor to either manner of construction, it's that the consumer desires a lighter RV and, consequently the Mfg.'s use any means to meet that requirement. Sometimes, the result is a structure that is less durable than could be had if the mantra wasn't "build light and sell product". The advent of the slide and it's desirability among purchasers has thrown a wrench into the "lighter build" realm and the added weight has to be compensated for somehow. Panelized construction is one of the ways that are used to keep weights down.
