Proteus wrote:
Would be nice to see some of the mainstream brands build something decent. I can't believe in 2013, we're still seeing wood frames, corrugated aluminum, with leaf spring suspensions, OSB and bulky face frame cabinets as the norm! Airstream makes some nice stuff, but their prices are insane (and their smallest bunkhouse is a 30ft).
Those won't be popular because you are in the minority. Most people don't like the tiny European ranges and sinks, and their rounded cabinets, YUK.
Leaf springs work so much better and last better than the lightweight rubber independent springs. I'll agree on OSB but better brands use plywood. Not many like Airstreams because of their closed in interiors brought on by the rounded corners. There are the minority that ilke that European style but not many. I like some of Air Streams trailers bu the smaller rounded interiors do take some getting use to.
Stick and tin are easy to work on, inexpensive to work on, don't chaulk, delaminate, or crack like fiberglass gel coating. Stick and tin also doesn't have the problem of condensation forming in the laminated wall from cold conducting into the metal aluminum framing and being trapped in the laminate, which leads to glue failure and delamination, and possibly mold.
You'll see on the market what's proven to work and what the majority wants. Fly by night company's marketing new unproven build techniques that aren't time tested, will be niche at best. Company's are there to make money and not to be gambling their company on techniques that are questionable at best.
You'll have a few gamblers out there, but bigger company's usually have stock holders to answer to, and most stock holders don't like their money gambled away.
Besides, I've looked at a lot of the European designed caravans and personally do not like them. Their floorplans are small and inefficient, have little seating, most have no bathrooms, and many don't even have a dinette and a sofa. They like to use those L shaped couches as a combo sofa and dinette. These can't be used for additional sleeping unless you're a 4 year old. Some floorplans have bunks but usually at the expensive of a bathroom.
While I love Europes Folding campers, I can't stand their hard side caravans/travel trailers.
