wood or metal trusses

Having observed, listened and considered this subject for over 10 years now, I believe the type of material is pretty meaningless. It's the quality of the material and the workmanship that goes into assembly that makes the difference. And once again, maintenance is key to ANYTHING lasting. My cheap old wood framed trailer lives in the elements 365 days a year and is leak free after 10 years.

I'm still trying to figure out how it's noisier than an aluminum framed one.

I'm kind of fond of the Evergreen Element line which are manufactured with ComposiTek. Not entirely sure what that means at this point though.

Realistically, I will probably get a Nash next time. They are renowned for durability and 4 seasons readiness. Oh, and they're made of wood.

WoodGlue wrote:
Wood Sucks - Jayco VideoLooks like 2x4's to me :)
At 1:58 in the video - the stud is clearly labeled 2 x 4
WoodGlue

=======================

Woodglue, I have no idea how old that video is but I can tell you the 2007 Jayco Eagle 322FKS we traded in on our 2014 Cougar High Country had ALUMINUM studded walls. Nothing like what that video shows.
Happy trails,

I was a big fan of aluminum construction until I bought a cap for my truck that was 100% aluminum construction. After about 5 years or so the aluminum started to fail at the weld joints. Not the welds but it would work harden around the weld and fail. The frame was pretty thick stuff 1"x1"x 0.080? There is a reason airplanes are not welded together.

After seeing that I'm no longer such a big fan of it. :(

WoodGlue wrote:
Wood Sucks - Jayco Video

Looks like 2x4's to me :)

At 1:58 in the video - the stud is clearly labeled 2 x 4

WoodGlue

No, There may be a few 2x4's for strength or something but the walls ARE NOT constructed from 2x4s

Wood Sucks - Jayco Video

Looks like 2x4's to me :)

At 1:58 in the video - the stud is clearly labeled 2 x 4

WoodGlue

quote=WoodGlue
When you combine aluminum with 2" thick extruded polystyrene and a composite material like Azdel (used in Lance Travel Trailers) you have what is basically a bullet proof RV. WoodGlue--/quote
=============================

The OP is talking about roofs not walls.
Extruded polystyrene is not a structural material it's an insulating material. Walk on a sheet of it between two saw horses and see what happens....
BTW, what material does Lance use over the roof trusses? You have to walk on something up there.

Keystone Cougar High Country trailers use 5 inch high arched STEEL trusses. The arched roof prevents water from pooling on the roof. Plus inside the arched ceiling gives you more headroom.

Cougar 321RES

Cougar Construction
Happy trails,

WoodGlue wrote:
It beats the heck out of 2x4's with house insulation as building materials, which is what Jayco uses.
WoodGlue

============================

2 x 4's ???? HARDLY.. There's no 2 x 4's in Jayco's...
BTW, it the "dead air" that produces the insulation quality. Doesn't matter if it's fiberglass or foam. Each traps the air that gives it the higher R values.
Check it out.. Lance

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Many 'aluminum' frames are built very chinsy, using too thin material, or only welded on one side, faulty welds, not enough framing members in the design. But then again, most everything in the RV industry is built chinsy....

Exactly. That's why I posted the link to the LivinLite construction video. I am really impressed by how they are built. Even the cabinets are integral to the frame of the camper, and all are built of strong framing components. I'm a mechanical engineer who's worked a lot with aluminum in the marine area, and am impressed with the materials and construction of the Camplites. That's why my wife and I purchased one. That said, I do agree with many posters here, whether aluminum, fiberglass, or wood; campers can last a long time or just a few years based on the maintenance and inspections given.

Many 'aluminum' frames are built very chinsy, using too thin material, or only welded on one side, faulty welds, not enough framing members in the design. But then again, most everything in the RV industry is built chinsy....

The Camplites are all aluminum frame, as well as floor, roof etc. No wood used in the construction. We don't have the spray on insulation for the floor, but that is the point where the cold comes through. I know of several who winter camp in their camplites up in the north, and do fine.

In any case, like them or not, you can see a good video showing their alternative construction methods by CLICKING HERE.