Different TT construction
It seems that the industry is slowly moving away from wood stud, fiberglass insulation and aluminum siding to the fiberglass skin, aluminum tubing, solid foam for wall construction. Both have their p...
Forum Discussion
I've had 3 types:
1) Regular corrugated aluminum over stick frame (Jayco)
2) Gelgoat fiberglass (Luan I think) over stick frame (Weekend Warrior)
3) Adzel over Aluminum framing (Northwoods)
1)The metal siding was very susceptible to damage when driving off-road. It dented and scratched easy ,and I had one branch punch a hole through. Also, with my driving, I could see where the trailer was flexing and leaving telltale signs of worn aluminum at every joint. No good for me, but acceptable for lighter use, especially if it stays on pavement.
2) This construction turned out great. A little on the heavy side, but the overall trailer weight was reasonable. Unfortunately the weight savings was in the frame. Which broke. Big benefit was no condensation at the framing like my current trailer.
3) This is my current trailer. The body is incredibly durable. I've drug this one though the msot adverse conditions so far, and even after leaning it over against a tree due to some loose soil, you can't tell. Yeah, lots of forest pin-striping but it buffs out very easy. Compared to the weekend warrior, the body is lighter, but the frame is twice as strong, at least. Only downside I've run into the condensation at the framing.
Overall, I'm happy with option 3. That said, the quality of the construction matters more. Many of the mass produced RV have questionable welding skills and processes, and I'm not sure I'd trust their aluminum framing. Also, ORV/Northwoods uses wood backing inside the aluminum framing for secure attachments. I'm not aware of the mass produced companies doing this, and eventually screws and what not will work loose.
1) Regular corrugated aluminum over stick frame (Jayco)
2) Gelgoat fiberglass (Luan I think) over stick frame (Weekend Warrior)
3) Adzel over Aluminum framing (Northwoods)
1)The metal siding was very susceptible to damage when driving off-road. It dented and scratched easy ,and I had one branch punch a hole through. Also, with my driving, I could see where the trailer was flexing and leaving telltale signs of worn aluminum at every joint. No good for me, but acceptable for lighter use, especially if it stays on pavement.
2) This construction turned out great. A little on the heavy side, but the overall trailer weight was reasonable. Unfortunately the weight savings was in the frame. Which broke. Big benefit was no condensation at the framing like my current trailer.
3) This is my current trailer. The body is incredibly durable. I've drug this one though the msot adverse conditions so far, and even after leaning it over against a tree due to some loose soil, you can't tell. Yeah, lots of forest pin-striping but it buffs out very easy. Compared to the weekend warrior, the body is lighter, but the frame is twice as strong, at least. Only downside I've run into the condensation at the framing.
Overall, I'm happy with option 3. That said, the quality of the construction matters more. Many of the mass produced RV have questionable welding skills and processes, and I'm not sure I'd trust their aluminum framing. Also, ORV/Northwoods uses wood backing inside the aluminum framing for secure attachments. I'm not aware of the mass produced companies doing this, and eventually screws and what not will work loose.
