How are most MH basement compartments made

[luberhill]

So after trying to find how water got into my lower compartment in front of the rear tire I found the construction of these compartments to be cheesy.
basically they are thin luan or similar and covered with thin very thin aluminum, like foil...
For what these things cost cant they build them better ? I thought Winnebago was better made...if that's the case what do people like Thor build their compartments like ?
Seems like leaving the edges raw is only asking for ROT !
Im disappointed to say the least

[tatest]

There is no "most" as there are a variety of solutions. My 2004 Winnebago has compartments made as galvanized steel boxes, similar to but not as heavy as Newmar builds. I've seen many others as one-piece plastic tubs, some made of plastic panels riveted together.

Any leakage I've had with compartments on my Winnebago have been due to incomplete sealing of the doors, and that can be fixed by replacing door gaskets. The boxes themselves have been water tight.

[pnichols]

luberhill wrote:

pnichols wrote:
Our 2005 Winnebago Itasca's exterior storage cabinets have walls of galvanized steel, with the sides and bottoms of the walls lined with what appears to be glued-on indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Their construction is very strong ... and silent when loaded due to the carpet linings. For some reason, Winnie did it right.

What’s under that Carpet ??

... the same galvanized steel that the exterior storage cabinets' walls are made of.

[luberhill]

pnichols wrote:
Our 2005 Winnebago Itasca's exterior storage cabinets have walls of galvanized steel, with the sides and bottoms of the walls lined with what appears to be glued-on indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Their construction is very strong ... and silent when loaded due to the carpet linings. For some reason, Winnie did it right.

What’s under that Carpet ??

[gbopp]

wa8yxm wrote:
2005 Damon Intruder 377W.. also plastic compartments.

However when you ask how they are made I was going to reply

Cheaply.. Very very cheaply.

My exact thoughts...

[wa8yxm]

gbopp wrote:
Our 96 Southwind has basement compartments made from a plastic type material.
They hold up well.

2005 Damon Intruder 377W.. also plastic compartments.

However when you ask how they are made I was going to reply

Cheaply.. Very very cheaply.

But the fact is they have held up very well over 13 years. the seals suck though.

[luberhill]

no its not a water line, traced al and its dry, pump never kicks on except when water is turned on, also never got wet until two nights of heavy rain and driving home in it raining.
Winnebago said it HAS to be a seal issue, nothing else tied into this area would allow it
Im quickly loosing excitement over owning this or any rv
the lack of quality construction

[rockhillmanor]

So after trying to find how water got into my lower compartment in front of the rear tire

As long as I have had my MH which is a Thor water has "never" intruded into any of the bays. Taking into the fact she was also in 2 hurricanes with high wind and driving rain and no water in bays.

I'd also check for a water line leak.

When one of my water lines leaked it leaked into the bay compartment. Check the plex fittings. A very small leak over time adds up. And tighten the screws on the locks on the bays regularly.

[pnichols]

Our 2005 Winnebago Itasca's exterior storage cabinets have walls of galvanized steel, with the sides and bottoms of the walls lined with what appears to be glued-on indoor/outdoor carpeting.

Their construction is very strong ... and silent when loaded due to the carpet linings. For some reason, Winnie did it right.

[DrewE]

There are probably nearly as many variations as there are manufacturers, perhaps more.

Mine are basically built up from sheet metal with (reasonably sturdy) plywood on the floors and sides inside the plywood. I've seen where some use rotomolded plastic tubs, and some built up entirely out of metal, and I'm sure there are many more possibilities as well.

[STBRetired]

Mine are welded steel with some kind of fabric-like coating on the inside.

[gbopp]

Our 96 Southwind has basement compartments made from a plastic type material.
They hold up well.