What do you know about the "Azdel Composet Sidewalls"?

[Mondooker]

I've seen some Class A Gas and Diesel motorhomes with what they call "Azdel Composet Sidewalls". They tout it as a big deal and it seems in writing like it is! But how is it in the "real life" of a motorhome that sways, bounces and is involved in all kinds of weather?

It doesn't have wood which seems good and it says its stronger than other sidewalls which also seems good. How is it in the real world?

[theoldwizard1]

wildmanbaker wrote:
Luan plywood is at least 3 cross plies thick and glued. This is why plywood is strong for its thickness, but it will degrade when exposed to water.

Worse, luan, like almost any wood, will swell with long term exposure to water. If the outer/inner skin is glued to luan, that bond will fail with swelling.

[Terryallan]

Bruce Brown wrote:

wildmanbaker wrote:
Well, only time will tell. The thermoplastic is being used for fencing, hand rails, decking and other construction/structural purposes. It does not age well, but it is exposed to weather 24/7, so its not a fair comparison. Luan plywood is at least 3 cross plies thick and glued. This is why plywood is strong for its thickness, but it will degrade when exposed to water. Gluing the Azdel into the sidewalls, or roof does add a large amount of strength. Lake everything new, it will take time to really tell the tail.

It's the UV rays that kill the outside plastic. Keep that under cover and it should last forever.

Well, it is covered with Fiberglass, and Gelcoat. so the actual AZDEL will not be in the sun. The gelcoat will last as long as any Gelcoat will, ant that is a long time if you keep it clean and waxed.

[Bruce_Brown]

wildmanbaker wrote:
Well, only time will tell. The thermoplastic is being used for fencing, hand rails, decking and other construction/structural purposes. It does not age well, but it is exposed to weather 24/7, so its not a fair comparison. Luan plywood is at least 3 cross plies thick and glued. This is why plywood is strong for its thickness, but it will degrade when exposed to water. Gluing the Azdel into the sidewalls, or roof does add a large amount of strength. Lake everything new, it will take time to really tell the tail.

It's the UV rays that kill the outside plastic. Keep that under cover and it should last forever.

[Gjac]

Mondooker wrote:
Does that mean it's good?

I think it is better than luan but for the added money I would rather have the hung wall construction because it can't delaminate like the bonded side walls either the luan or Azdel.

[wildmanbaker]

Well, only time will tell. The thermoplastic is being used for fencing, hand rails, decking and other construction/structural purposes. It does not age well, but it is exposed to weather 24/7, so its not a fair comparison. Luan plywood is at least 3 cross plies thick and glued. This is why plywood is strong for its thickness, but it will degrade when exposed to water. Gluing the Azdel into the sidewalls, or roof does add a large amount of strength. Lake everything new, it will take time to really tell the tail.

[Mondooker]

Does that mean it's good?

[Gjac]

It is a thermoplastic material that replaces the luan as wildman said. It won't absorb water like wood products and swell so that is an advantage. The strength of the sidewalls is more a function of the wall thickness rather than the core material.

[Mondooker]

Thanks for the posts, Everything I've read had nothing but good things to say about it! It's also a much more expensive product than the typicle sidewall for a motorhome! That says something in itself, what coach builder would put more money into something that wasn't better?

I also found this product has been around for a long time, so it isn't like it's new and untested! I first wanted to know If I should stay away from coaches that have it? I have found it's good to persue coaches that have it!

[JumboJet]

Have it on my 2011 Lance Truck camper and so far very good.

[wolfe10]

Clicky: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdNLX98IzQ/UMJbaaxvq8I/AAAAAAAAAEM/BbXS-ok-opM/s1600/azdel.jpg

[Terryallan]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdNLX98IzQ/UMJbaaxvq8I/AAAAAAAAAEM/BbXS-ok-opM/s1600/azdel.jpg

[wildmanbaker]

Its only a substrate that replaces plywood or particle board. I'm not real sure it has any structural strength.

[Terryallan]

I have it on my TT. It so far is great 1/2 the weight and double the insulation value. Won't rot. I see no down side. Has been used on higher end RVs for years

[2oldman]

Azdel composite...