RV & Trailer Sidewall Exterior
In RV’s, Azdel Onboard® composite first appeared in Sidewall Exteriors, which arguably remains the most important application today
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 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 neither 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 liquid gluing process 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.
Azdel’s Bond is Best
The most critical adhesive bond in laminated walls is the outermost glue line between the exterior fiberglass and its substrate. Also known as the “Gold Bond”, the strength and longevity of this all-important bond is largely what will determine whether or not you experience delamination — the separating of your exterior layers. Click to learn more about Delamination. Because of the direct and prolonged exposure to the elements, the sidewall exterior is where the benefits of Azdel really shine compared to other materials. Learn more on our Features & Benefits page, as well as our testing pages mentioned below.
The image here is highly magnified to reveal the proper glue penetration that is achieved with Azdel composite. Because it is porous, our composite allows a portion of the glue to become interwoven among the fibers, creating a mechanical bond that helps to reinforce the surface bond with the FRP.
Separating Azdel from the FRP would then require the ripping apart of the sturdy composite core. Other substrates rely on the surface bond only, which can become compromised in adverse conditions, leading to delamination.
Multiple tests have been conducted to compare the ability of various substrates to withstand extreme temperatures and weather cycles. In our Tech & Testing section you can find the results of the Sun Load test, the Environmental/Aging test, the Water Soak test, and the Flatwise Tensile test. All prove that Azdel’s composite will outperform wood and competing composites when exposed to harsh conditions.
RV owners want to ensure that their family’s recreational investment is durable and protected. They also want peace of mind that their unit will be available for use when they want it. Azdel Onboard composite provides that assurance, at least in the areas where it is used. Don’t settle for anything less!
Sidewall Configurations
While our Composite Variations page reviews the different grades of our material, we’ll touch on thickness here. The thickness of layers used in sidewall construction can vary from one brand to another and sometimes from one model to another. The most common thickness for an exterior substrate in the RV industry is 2.7mm. This applies to most travel trailers, including minis and teardrops, though some do use our RVZ 3.6mm composite. Fifth wheels and motorhomes are more likely to use a higher quality fiberglass and thicker substrate, like our RVZ 4.7mm.
Azdel Composite Thicknesses Compared
The number to the left of each layer indicates its thickness in millimeters