Honest Reviews/Opinions Needed
Hello everyone. Hubby and I are new to this forum and to the RV lifestyle so you'll be seeing a lot of us ?? We are taking the plunge in October and moving into a 5th wheel permanently. We are curr...
Forum Discussion
DemiK wrote:
My next question is about fiberglass vs. plywood. We had decided on the Open Range then were told that the plywood construction was not a good choice on Vancouver Island where the rainy season is the majority of the year.
For a wet climate a plywood body is not a good idea. Yah or Nay?
I'm not sure that I understand where a manufacturer would be using fiberglass where another is using plywood. There are units with fiberglass sidewalls and those covered with aluminum. There are units with wood internal structures (joists, rafters, studs) vs aluminum, there are floors and roof substrates made out of plywood vs OSB. Just never heard of a place where fiberglass and plywood are interchangable in the structure unless this is a reference to hung sidewalls utilizing a plywood backing under a fiberglass exterior vs a composite laminated foam and fiberglass sidewall.
Anywhere plywood would be used should be sealed from weather by external coverings such that it should stay dry, and therefore be unaffected by weather.
If this is a hung vs laminated sidewalls question, both should do well if constructed with quality. An advantage of laminated is usually less weight, but they can delaminate and if damaged in an accident are more difficult and expensive to repair. Hung walls are heavier because they must be framed like a stick-built home, but are easier and lower cost to repair, if needed.
Floorplans have to match your needs, but my first consideration is solid, quality construction that will last. That means plywood over OSB, heavier duty and closer spaced floor joists and roof rafters, more insulation value in the floor, roof, and walls, dual pane windows over single pane for insulative value, enough electrical outlets in convenient places, heavy steel in the undercarriage frame, Dexter EZ Lube axles, enough BTU's in the furnace and AC to effectively and efficiently heat and cool the space, etc. These are all areas that many manufacturers skimp on to save money that end up costing the owners grief and discomfort later when things just don't last or work as they should. Doubly important for full-timers vs the casual weekend camper.
