Recreational Vehicles
We continue to expand our range of applications and material finishes for recreational vehicles. With each one, owners gain peace of mind.
An Overview of Azdel Applications in Recreational Vehicles
Azdel Onboard® composite panels were first made part of the regular production process of sidewall construction in 2006. Since then, steadily more and more manufacturers have adopted our composite for a variety of applications, and that list of applications also continues to grow. Traditionally, our composite has been used in Class A and Class C motorhomes, 5th wheels, travel trailers, minis, teardrops and truck campers. Our newest application, however, will be more prominent in Class B Motorhomes, also known as Camper Vans. Learn more about this and other RV applications below, but first check out the informative overview video!
Azdel Onboard:
A Video Overview
This video explains why so many RV manufacturers have chosen Azdel Onboard composite material for their RV construction, and why so many RV buyers are specifically seeking out units made with it.
RV owners enjoy the peace of mind, knowing that molding and rotting walls will never be a problem. At least, it won’t come from our composite.
Other Benefits
- Consistent squareness & weight
- Easy to work with
- Custom sizes available means less wasted material
- Sustainable – no deforestation required
- Shorter lead time
- Longer RV life expectancy
- 100% Made in U.S.A.
Wondering on which brands we can be found?
Click to learn which RV manufacturers are using Azdel Onboard composite panels in their construction.
Wall Lamination with Azdel Onboard Composite
The vast majority of RV applications where our composite is found is on a Sidewall Exterior. That is, as an exterior substrate. The image below depicts typical sidewall construction and its layers. One can infer that our material is hidden behind a visible layer — usually FRP for the exterior or vinyl for the interior décor. Thus, when washing the exterior of your RV, you are not washing our material, but the fiberglass skin that lies over it.
Most laminated Front, Rear and Slide walls are constructed similarly, but some front walls, particularly those on a fifth wheel, are molded fiberglass caps that are not laminated nor require a substrate.
Crediting Coachmen here for compiling snippets of their sidewall lamination process, giving a glimpse of the various steps from the FRP glue coating to the vacuum bag curing.
The vacuum bag is one of the two main and proven methods by which RV manufacturers apply the necessary, consistent and even pressure to the wall to complete the curing process and form a structurally sound wall that lasts. Note: this video has no sound.
RV Applications
In addition to RV sidewall exteriors and interiors, Azdel Onboard composites are used in the construction of ceilings, roofs, front walls, rear walls, slide-outs, floors and more!
The segment of Sidewall Interior applications continues to grow. More than ever, RV manufacturers are using Azdel Onboard composite for both sides of their walls, much like what is shown here. Sometimes only a small portion of an interior wall is visible while the rest is hidden behind cabinets or appliances. It’s not uncommon to use accent panels in these smaller visible areas; something that offers a different pattern or color from the main interior walls, but still matches the overall theme. See our Custom Printed Panels page for more information related to this.
As more RV manufacturers continue to adopt our material, we are driven to develop solutions to meet their needs and those of the RV owner. Which brings us to our newest application that will be found mostly in Camper Vans to start … Soft-Touch panels. Continue on to learn more about this, but first we’ll cover flooring.
Floor Applications with Azdel Onboard Composite
After two years of development, trialing and testing, we offer a durable and cost-effective composite floor solution that can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing process or that of your laminator.
The Azdel Onboard composite floor offers benefits similar to those of sidewalls made with our material, and eliminating the risk of floor degradation from mold and rot is critical. The configuration depicted exceeds the benchmarks of common floor construction in terms of resistance to flex, puncture and impact.
This is just one of many possible configurations and thicknesses available. RV makers can choose the construction based on the needs of their units.
Our engineers can work with your team to help determine the optimum floor construction, taking into consideration factors such as thickness, rigidity, hardness, weight, cost, etc.
Each is designed as a subfloor, allowing a manufacturer to add their preferred finish, be it “lino”, vinyl planking, etc.
Of course, a floor solution using Azdel is not limited to RVs. Other trailers and structures could benefit from such a floor as well. Our composite can also serve as Underlayment for other flooring options.
Click here to dig deeper into the testing during and after this floor’s development.
Contact us for more information.
Soft Touch, Ceilings and Class B
Our newest application is projected to be a winner for the RV Industry. Many manufacturers continue to seek ways to get wood and wood alternatives like MDF out of their units. By doing so, they reduce the risk of damage caused by repeated and excessive exposure to heat, humidity, and water or moisture. Swelling, warping and rotting occur too often as a result of these issues. They want to turn to Azdel Onboard composite to give them and their customers more peace of mind. Reducing warranty costs and weight are added benefits as well. One application that wasn’t known to be an option for Azdel was the joining with soft touch finish films. But it is now, and it can be done for a much lower cost that you’d expect — maybe even lower than lauan!
Soft Touch
Azdel has recently partnered with a company who can offer soft touch finishes to suit your needs. Whether you simply require full sheets of Azdel with your preferred finish or you need it cut to a specific size and shape, our partner can make it happen. Would you like your finish laminated or stapled? They do both.
Pictured here are samples of various Azdel thicknesses, with and without foam padding, perforated and solid, smooth finish and faux leather.
Ceiling and Class B Units (Camper Vans)
The biggest opportunity for Soft Touch Azdel, at least in the RV market, may be in Class B units — also known as Camper Vans. Camper vans and conversion vans usually begin as an empty metal shell behind the driver’s seat, and they need to be built out to create the cozy or elegant feel you get when stepping into one. This usually involves a lot of wood, MDF or another wood alternative that is susceptible to problems identified above. We can eliminate those now.
Ceilings is a common area where soft touch finishes are found, and it’s an easy one to fit into for Azdel. Lightweight, easy to work with, and *seamless* are all great benefits. Many other build-out structures and pieces can be made with our composite, so reach out to us to learn more!
More images and application information to come…
