Forum Discussion

babock's avatar
babock
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017

Wood vs Aluminum framed roofs.

Looking at a couple models of Coachmen and Rockwood. The Rockwood has an aluminum framed roof vs a wood framed roof on the Coachmen. Other than going up on the roof to install solar panels, I don't plan on spending any other time up there. Is there a huge difference in that we should pick one over the other because of this type of roof?

Thanks in advance.
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  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Jul 21, 2017
    There's not a huge difference between to two. Both hold up well over time and both make for good walkable roofs. Aluminum is mostly used for weight savings. Rot resistance isn't much of an advantage considering that the aluminum frame is still sandwiched between a wood deck and a wood ceiling. The roof system of either one wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2017
    Aluminum will conduct heat outside and possibly cause condensation inside.
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2017
    I wouldn't sweat it. They both have advantages and disadvantages. An un-addressed water leak is going to cause serious damage to either one. A little preventive maintenance, and they will both perform well. How many millions of homes in the US have wood framed roofs?
  • RandomAbstract's avatar
    RandomAbstract
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2017
    DinTulsa wrote:
    But it could crank with the flexing that occurs while traveling down the road.


    Last year I visited the Outdoors RV factory in Oregon (sister company to Arctic Fox.) They said they use a wood roof for exactly this reason. It will flex without cracking, especially important on rougher back woods roads.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 21, 2017
    Much easier for the wood underlayment of the roof to be secured to wood.
    I would not let it effect my choices either way.
    We just bought a new Arctic Fox and were looking at Grand design as well. Both have wood rafters and I don't think anyone considers them poorly built.
  • DinTulsa's avatar
    DinTulsa
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2017
    But it could crank with the flexing that occurs while traveling down the road.

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