Aluminum vs Wood Construction?
What are the benefits and downsides to aluminum construction vs wood construction in a travel trailer?
Forum Discussion
I thought about aluminum framing, but then I thought a little harder... The wall studs may not rot if (when) there is a leak, but that water has to go somewhere. Its going to go to the floor and rot. When the floor rots, you have substantial costs to repair.
I had a small leak in my back corner this past winter. I pulled out the tub wall and replaced the rotted 2x2's myself. Glue and wood staples, no welding needed. The 2x2's appear to have absorbed all the water, as the rot was mostly in the upper 2/3's of the wall. With aluminum, that water would have gone all the way to the wood floor and rotted out the floor. It would have taken a long time to figure out the floor was rotted, at which time it would have been a HUGE undertaking to rip up the bathtub, sink, wall, flooring to expose the damage.
Until the frame and structure is built from materials that are 100% impervious to water, you will have to contend with damage from leaks. My personal experience is that wood is easier and cheaper for a DIY guy to fix himself.
I had a small leak in my back corner this past winter. I pulled out the tub wall and replaced the rotted 2x2's myself. Glue and wood staples, no welding needed. The 2x2's appear to have absorbed all the water, as the rot was mostly in the upper 2/3's of the wall. With aluminum, that water would have gone all the way to the wood floor and rotted out the floor. It would have taken a long time to figure out the floor was rotted, at which time it would have been a HUGE undertaking to rip up the bathtub, sink, wall, flooring to expose the damage.
Until the frame and structure is built from materials that are 100% impervious to water, you will have to contend with damage from leaks. My personal experience is that wood is easier and cheaper for a DIY guy to fix himself.
