RV Construction References

[mds1]

Does anyone have a good location where us new people can find a single source for RV construction methods?

I've read a few articles and watched some videos by various RV builders. I know that in the end one has to decide for themselves what is important. I was hoping to find a trusted source that compares the pros and cons of each method.

[Jim-Linda]

Gjac wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:

Joel_T wrote:
Finding out construction methods and materials is like finding wiring and plumbing diagrams for any of the trailers we look at.....virtually impossible. These manufacturer don't want to share. The bigger question is why not.

See above response

Jim

Does NuWa publish construction methods and materials used to fabricate the house portion of the MH?

NuWa did not build a MH, currently they do not build anything. Used units are frequently sought after.

Jim

[Gjac]

Jim-Linda wrote:

Joel_T wrote:
Finding out construction methods and materials is like finding wiring and plumbing diagrams for any of the trailers we look at.....virtually impossible. These manufacturer don't want to share. The bigger question is why not.

See above response

Jim

Does NuWa publish construction methods and materials used to fabricate the house portion of the MH?

[Joel_T]

Really! That's unusual to say the least. I hope we didn't bet for much 🙂

[Jim-Linda]

They were in the owners manual.

Jim

[Joel_T]

A plant tour is an interesting option but I'd bet you didn't get plumbing and electrical layouts for your NuWa Champagne unless you took pictures when it was being built.

[Jim-Linda]

Joel_T wrote:
Finding out construction methods and materials is like finding wiring and plumbing diagrams for any of the trailers we look at.....virtually impossible. These manufacturer don't want to share. The bigger question is why not.

See above response

Jim

[Joel_T]

Finding out construction methods and materials is like finding wiring and plumbing diagrams for any of the trailers we look at.....virtually impossible. These manufacturer don't want to share. The bigger question is why not.

[Jim-Linda]

Before we retired, we spent our vacations for 4 years, visiting various brands we were interested in to observe construction methods. We traveled from WY(Teton), KS(Excel,NuWa, New Horizon), MO(Spacecraft), IN(Travel Supreme, Carriage) and about 5 others.

In all of that, we considered 3-4, looking a price points, what they were willing to change, and the general feeling we had from employees, and management. We also considered the general appearance of the production line(trash picked up, etc). We ended up with a NuWa Champagne, 40' in 1991. Kept that until we retired in 1996, traded for a 38' ft in 1998 and still have it.

Bottom line, no way can someone decide for you what you should buy, too many variables.

Good Luck

Jim

[campigloo]

You ask a good question. I'm not sure I want to know, now that i have what seems to be a quality build. Bfast54, I also want the amenities of the Biltmore.

[mds1]

I sent out a few emails to people who should have the experience with different brands (a repair guy and inspector). I had also asked around for a list of methods to consider, thinking surely others had to develop something like a spreadsheet to gather the data and then make their own decision.

Hope to find a starting point to compare against. I'd thought about breaking down the construction methods of what I might consider a unit built with no concern for price, using those methods to compare against. Keeping in mind price is not always an indication of quality.

You have brought up some finer points which about require a guy to study the actual materials used, step by step, for any one method - if that makes sense.

We have not decided between a 5th wheel or class a, much less diesel vs. gas. I can see making that decision might also help reduce the need to study every method of construction. Although I suspect some methods are not unique to either class of rig.

[Gjac]

Mds1 you asked a very good question, in 10 years on this forum and other searches construction,design,and materials used on each MH is not easy to find. If you go to each MFG web site, Winnebago for example and look at the structure they say "Super Structure" and describe steel framing over Al or wood which is nice but don't tell you what the wall construction is made of. Is it woven FG or random fiber? Is it polyester or epoxy resin? What is the adhesive used to bond it together. They say the align structural parts with a "Laser" which is better than a transit or tape measure. Do they use hard tooling or assy fixtures like the automotive industry? I can't find any info that tells me that. Most construction videos say we use "superior materials" and describe the process in marketing terms rather than engineering terms, what are they? Some basic assumptions that I have come to is woven FG is stronger than random fibers that I have seen in the Filon side walls. Epoxy is stronger that polyester. Thermoplastic adhesives are better in peel and shear which is how most adhesives fail. Side wall panels bonded in an autoclave produce a better bond than an vacuum or roller bond process that most mfg's use. I am sure someone that has worked in the RV industry for 20-30 years may know some of these processes and may have some incite into the construction methods. I think the only way to find out is to talk to the engineering or Mfg people at these companies once you have narrowed down the floor plan and basic drive train that would fit your needs. If you find any web sites let us know.

[rbtglove]

I have only looked at one RV manufaturer years ago when I was in the QA business. But also looked at many auto manufactures. RV they do, or did have a standard for the industry but it was pretty generic and losely followed. It was kind a like the ISO standards used in autos but they are not as detailed. Problem with these operations is they cannot be as automated like a high volume auto assembly line, and the workers try to do to many different tasks and even then they try to inspect it in at the end, just can't be done and it shows.

[FrankShore]

Start at YouTube and start scouring all the RV Plant Tour videos. This will give you a rough idea what is being used most, the names of the method of construction, etc.

One Of The Best I Saw On YouTube


One Of The Worst

Fair

and so on

[beemerphile1]

mds1 wrote:
I appreciate the comments. Added a link to this topic in by blog site so others can learn from it as well. Although there is a lot of information out there about RV construction, I'm having trouble finding any one really good source. Maybe I'll have to buy a book!

More likely you will have to write the book.

Even when using the same construction materials and technique, various manufacturer marketing departments will make up different names for theirs.