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Rock2's avatar
Rock2
Explorer
Sep 06, 2013

any problem with 2005 Aliner Expedition before I buy?

We are planning to see a used 2005 Aliner expedition. He said The camper is very well care but did caught in hail storm -- you have to look hard to see the damage. So I thought all Aliner body is made of fiberglass? How it that possible hail damage fiberglass? I remember somewhere someone mention about bad floor that tend to absorb rain which cause the wood turns rotten? Is there any things else I need to check before I buy? Any advise would be greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

5 Replies

  • I have an 06 LXE with aluminum skin. It's about 200lbs lighter than the fiberglass model, but does indeed show dings and dents. I made the mistake to park mine under a huge hickory nut tree one day and have a few dings to show for it. In 2005 Aliner went to a composite floor material called Performax which is far superior to their old flooring which would come apart when wet.
    Here's a link to the flooring manufacturer describing their excellent product: http://www.huberwood.com/other-products/performmax

    Chip
  • Check the floor VERY carefully. Earlier Aliners had floor problems before 2007.
  • It was about 2005 when Aliner changed from an aluminum skin to fiberglass, mainly due to the fiberglass being lower cost. Some people like the fiberglass better but it does add some weight. I have a 2004 Classic with aluminum skin and have had no problems, but then again I have never been in a bad hail storm.

    My Campers
  • With used, condition is everything. It doesn't matter if it's a great deal if there are problems. As you note, the biggest concern is with water intrusion.

    Check all of the floor for soft spots. There will often be some give in the flooring but there shouldn't be much sinking. Look underneath the Aliner at the flooring for rot or soft spots. I use a key to just push lightly into the wood. If you get anything that flakes off easily, be done there unless you're into and enjoy rebuilding.

    Look at the ceiling inside for any bubbling or discoloration. Check all appliances for function, same with water system.

    On the roof, I haven't been able to find any historical information on the roof materials - just what they have out there currently, and I quote:
    The sidewalls, the hinged “A” walls, and the front and rear roof are made from a composite material
    known as foam core lamination. At our factory, we laminate 2.7 millimeter “superlite” paneling, 1”
    polystyrene foam, and 1.30 millimeter fiberglass together with a urethane adhesive. The lamination is
    then placed in a vacuum press. The resulting solid core product is lightweight, extremely strong, and
    thermally insulated. This rigid 1 1/8” material also eliminates the weight and wall thickness of the stud
    and bracing method. The exposed edges of the walls and roof are capped with anodized aluminum extrusions. Exterior flanges, covers, vents, and baggage doors are affixed to the outside walls with silicone and screws before finishing with a sealing bead of silicone around the perimeter.

    It's nice that they tell you expressly what it is made of and how it is put together.
    I'm no expert in inspecting fiberglass for damage and dents. Take a good hard look and then go with your gut, especially if others here can give some better guidelines.

    If all checks out, I think you'll be quite happy with an Aliner. I have only heard of a few who had problems. All of the Aliner owners I actually know or am acquainted with are quite enamored with theirs. I can see why.