One response to “Wood or Aluminum Framing in an RV – Which Is Best?”

1. tirod3

   September 19, 2024

   Best is the enemy of good, and I understand how “best” is often a search term online. So it’s used a lot. In terms of RV framing tho, with economies of scale, we see all sorts of different fabrication tech used. Some build all plywood ‘drops for their off road excursions, others use metal tubing. What I have been learning is to carefully choose what construction tech works for an RV vs a home. A stick and tin stapled box can survive on pavement, I would hesitate to drag one over what MO considers a county road in the Mark Twain forest.

   I’m considering commercial metal studs, with ABS panels outside, spray closed cell foam insulation on the 2″ walls and 4″ roof, with more ABS inside, practically hose down proof. The studs might use deck flashing, the same stuff used around windows, it comes in rolls to cover the top of joists. I think it might work well as a thermal break and also help level up between the screwed joints. No one wants a pimply camper.

   It may not work “best” in every category, for a diy project with a frugal cost basis it has potential. This is where “economy of scale” comes in, a system that is considered too weak or expensive or whatever can work if the project is scaled to take advantage of it’s strengths. This is small, concrete transoceanic yachts are large. The weight and cost factors work for each.

   One thing I have noticed about tech is that when someone puts together a new combination of existing knowledge, that is when a more “synergistic” approach moves things forward. It’s not New! recently discovered stuff, its just a new assortment of what works well together.

   I may be entirely wrong about my selections but again, there is a window of opportunity for every material and where it has optimal results. A small steel stud and ABS camper may be that, plus a lot of materials are right there in lumberboxes. And it won’t rot.

   Reply