Interesting conversation
I went to the place that is currently working on my rv. (replacing the A/C) and while talking to a rep there, we started to talk about the quality issues of brand new units. I said it was unfair how t...
Forum Discussion
I still say there are some basic design issues with most RVs that the industry has failed to address.
A TT is nothing more than a long box on a metal frame with NO DIAGONAL BRACING ! I don't mean just front to back but also side to side (obviously you can not put side to side cross bracing in the middle of a TT !) Houses may not have diagonal bracing (any more) because the sheathing, with appropriate nailomg, acts as the bracing. If the walls are going to flex/move in relationship to the floor and ceiling, you are going to have problems, period. This is why I believe that aluminum wall structures are superior to wood (although I think they should use 1½" or 2" square tubing).
I applaud the RV manufacturers who have gone to crowned/"barrel" roofs so at least the rain won't puddle up there. Still, joint between the roof and the side walls relies ONLY on a sealant to prevent water intrusion. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY ! Same with windows installation.
Why do enclosed cargo trailers not leak ? Because the customers would not put up with water damaged goods that were transported inside them !!
Last, everyone who has owned a TT or done any research on RVs in general knows that water intrusion that get to the sub-floor is death ! Why aren't more RV manufacturers using aluminum flooring or at least genuine marine grade plywood. Yes, it is more expensive, but they will not rot/fall apart if they get wet.
"Eggshell" TT are not perfect, but they have addressed a lot of these issues.
A TT is nothing more than a long box on a metal frame with NO DIAGONAL BRACING ! I don't mean just front to back but also side to side (obviously you can not put side to side cross bracing in the middle of a TT !) Houses may not have diagonal bracing (any more) because the sheathing, with appropriate nailomg, acts as the bracing. If the walls are going to flex/move in relationship to the floor and ceiling, you are going to have problems, period. This is why I believe that aluminum wall structures are superior to wood (although I think they should use 1½" or 2" square tubing).
I applaud the RV manufacturers who have gone to crowned/"barrel" roofs so at least the rain won't puddle up there. Still, joint between the roof and the side walls relies ONLY on a sealant to prevent water intrusion. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY ! Same with windows installation.
Why do enclosed cargo trailers not leak ? Because the customers would not put up with water damaged goods that were transported inside them !!
Last, everyone who has owned a TT or done any research on RVs in general knows that water intrusion that get to the sub-floor is death ! Why aren't more RV manufacturers using aluminum flooring or at least genuine marine grade plywood. Yes, it is more expensive, but they will not rot/fall apart if they get wet.
"Eggshell" TT are not perfect, but they have addressed a lot of these issues.
