Since purchasing a Evergreen Everlite trailer new in 2010, I have wondered why all builders of rv's do not use composite materials rather than wood in their construction. I have had no worries or issues with leaks with this trailer, however, all four of my previous trailers developed leaks. Most of the time damage was done before leak became apparent. I maintain my rigs by the book,so lack of maintenance is not the issue. We have reached the point where we would like a different floor plan with certain length and weight specs other than the ones available at Evergreen. We will not consider any brand that uses wood, so we will wait and see what develops.There are many posts on this site concerning wood rot and repairs due to water damage. It may cost a little more to build with composite, but I think customer satisfaction would be greatly improved. Just my thoughts.Apparently I need to clarify the word composite as it relates to rv construction. A composite panel is usually an aluminum frame with block insulation sandwiched with two sheets of a plastic like material that is not subject to degradation due to water or mold. Azdel is commonly used in this process. These components are bonded together ideally with vacuum. A roof or floor panel is about 4" ,wall panels 1/1/2 to 2". NO WOOD.

What do you mean by composite? In my definition, composite means something comprised of two or more materials. For instance, a wood floor with a bonded epoxy overlay is a composite. A plywood countertop with bonded formica top is a composite. Fiberglass is a composite (glass fiber reinforced plastic).

Azdel is a composite, and we're glad we have it in our Aliner. Our camper developed a leak in a driving rain storm because the running lights on the front had not been caulked properly at the factory, and we incurred no structural damage because the camper has composite sides/floors/roof. The only damage was to the wood frame of one dinette side where it touched the floor, which was easily replaced. We shudder to think how much damage there would have been on a stick built camper.I believe that the Coachmen Apex uses a composite, at least on the roof, but I'm not sure about the walls/floor.

Many brands use the same construction techniques as the Evergreen's. It's basically fiberglass like exterior glued to aluminum frame and foam core. I'm sure Evergreen (like everybody else) has some fancy term to describe it but a lot of manufacturers use it.For instance, Evergreen calls it a "vacuum laminated TPO roof membrane". Most folks call it a rubber roof. Not uncommon at all.There are many construction techniques used in the RV industry. The manufacturer takes into consideration the weight, strength and price point of the particular model they are trying to produce. Not everybody wants an entry level RV and not everybody can afford a high end RV. Manufacturers try to appeal to a broad spectrum of purchasers.

The manufacturers who use AZDEL or Compositek are far and few between. They're worth seeking out. Lance uses 2 layers of Azdel in their walls instead of Wood (luan) and Coachmen uses Azdel. Evergreen uses "Compositek" in their campers. Todays RV manufactures are usually trying to keep the prices down so they go to the cheapest material available, luan (wood)If you want something to last, look for the RV mfg using the most cutting edge mfg techniques!

Why all manufacturers do not use composite? | Good Sam Community

wing_zealot
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
What do you mean by composite? In my definition, composite means something comprised of two or more materials. For instance, a wood floor with a bonded epoxy overlay is a composite. A plywood countertop with bonded formica top is a composite. Fiberglass is a composite (glass fiber reinforced plastic).
wing_zealot
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
oops
xteacher
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Azdel is a composite, and we're glad we have it in our Aliner. Our camper developed a leak in a driving rain storm because the running lights on the front had not been caulked properly at the factory, and we incurred no structural damage because the camper has composite sides/floors/roof. The only damage was to the wood frame of one dinette side where it touched the floor, which was easily replaced. We shudder to think how much damage there would have been on a stick built camper.

I believe that the Coachmen Apex uses a composite, at least on the roof, but I'm not sure about the walls/floor.
hohenwald48
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Many brands use the same construction techniques as the Evergreen's. It's basically fiberglass like exterior glued to aluminum frame and foam core. I'm sure Evergreen (like everybody else) has some fancy term to describe it but a lot of manufacturers use it.

For instance, Evergreen calls it a "vacuum laminated TPO roof membrane". Most folks call it a rubber roof. Not uncommon at all.

There are many construction techniques used in the RV industry. The manufacturer takes into consideration the weight, strength and price point of the particular model they are trying to produce. Not everybody wants an entry level RV and not everybody can afford a high end RV. Manufacturers try to appeal to a broad spectrum of purchasers.
FrankShore
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
The manufacturers who use AZDEL or Compositek are far and few between. They're worth seeking out. Lance uses 2 layers of Azdel in their walls instead of Wood (luan) and Coachmen uses Azdel. Evergreen uses "Compositek" in their campers. Todays RV manufactures are usually trying to keep the prices down so they go to the cheapest material available, luan (wood)

If you want something to last, look for the RV mfg using the most cutting edge mfg techniques!
Dick_B
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
The basic reason for any manufacturer to do anything is $$$. The price has got to be low enough to sell product to RVers who are looking for `deal' ie. low price.
hohenwald48
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
FrankShore wrote:
The manufacturers who use AZDEL or Compositek are far and few between. They're worth seeking out. Lance uses 2 layers of Azdel in their walls instead of Wood (luan) and Coachmen uses Azdel. Evergreen uses "Compositek" in their campers. Todays RV manufactures are usually trying to keep the prices down so they go to the cheapest material available, luan (wood)

If you want something to last, look for the RV mfg using the most cutting edge mfg techniques!

Those on the cutting edge usually bleed the most.

I remember when asbestos was cutting edge technology.
FrankShore
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
Well, Azdel isn't asbestos! Nor is Compositek! Have you read about the two? It would be easier to read up and educate yourself before making asbestos comparisons between Azdel & Compositek! Just saying!
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2015
Yes APEX does in fact use AZDEL. And it is great. FYI. It is 50% lighter, 50% stronger, and has 50% more insulation value than the Luan fiberglass TTs. AND the AZDEL will not rot.

As an example of the lightness. My 30 foot bunk house has a yellow sticker weight of 4811 pounds. The ducted 13,500 BTU AC keeps it cool even on a Myrtle Beach summer day. I have friends with Luan that are adding ACs to keep theirs cool. Mine is just fine.

From what I was told. AZDEL was used on high end RVs, until it became cost efficient enough to use on regular RVs.
rbpru
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2015
I heard that the average TT owner trades for another after six years. It is cost and features that influence buying.

If the buyer likes the floor plan and features the rest of the sales pitch is just hype to them. I doubt the potential for roof leaks is given much thought.

The stick and tin boy will tell you the dreadful tales of composite delamination. So too the tales of rust and corrosion of metal beams among wood users.

The fact that after all these years there are still several TT manufacturing processes, tells you that none of them are vastly superior in cost or performance.