How RVs Are Made - Conventional vs Laminated. What's The Best Choice?

[@outbackwack368]

We had a Grand Design Imagine for 4 years (12,000 miles) and only had 1 major issue: the axles were not aligned. Fortunately, my extended warranty covered full replacement. Other than that, we loved that rig. Now we're moving to a Class C for our specific needs. Thanks!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Grand Design with us. I only chose GD because they use both construction methods that I covered in this video and they had pretty good illustrations about how it's done. But I am glad that you were pleased overall with your Imagine RV. It's good to hear from actual owners of RV brands.

[@eskieguy9355]

I have to admit, I always thought that stick built trailers were inferior, but having watched many of the videos on YT, a number of them featuring wood frame trailers, and seeing how long they've lasted, and conversely, seeing the results of accidents on both types, it's become apparent that they are both good methods, maintenance being the key.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I couldn't have said it better. Constant and regular maintenance is the thing that many RVers don't tend to do. And it is the one thing that can guarantee a long life for your RV without water damage regardless of whether it's a conventional or laminated construction. Thanks for sharing such a helpful comment!

[@daviscrt]

hit the nail on the head. Thanks Don

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it Don. Thanks for leaving a nice comment!

[@Zach_CB]

Great video!!! I actually went from an azdel fiberglass rv to a stick & tin conventional Jayco ❤. Honestly, there are more positives on conventional over fiberglass. I love my Jayco.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad that you left this comment Zach. Some of the RV construction snobs that think that wood in an RV's walls equals an inferior RV need to hear this!

[@123JumpingJacks]

Helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it helped ... Thanks for watching!

[@RankinImagery]

Excellent video...thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you liked it Bill. Thanks for watching and leaving some positive feedback too!

[@robertmarking817]

It’s amazing Duane, how you touched on so many great points in only 18 minutes. I learned a ton. Thanks! So when it comes to water intrusion, both conventional and laminate are equally susceptible? And, of course, because both conventional and laminate use wood to some degree, then you have a potential for mold growth in both.. One of my biggest concerns when purchasing a used RV, is water intrusion, and hidden mold somewhere in the RV. It’s a pretty well-known fact that Mold will negatively impact almost everyone to some degree or another. Is the majority of water intrusion problems and mold growth some thing that a NRVIA RV inspector can catch the majority of the time? Thanks again!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Water intrusion is one of the major things that certified RV inspectors look for. Simply because it can do so much damage that is very costly. We also look for mold too, but even though we do our best to find these issues, sometimes mold can be difficult to find if it is behind the wall surface. But if there is clear evidence of water damage or obvious mold that is observable, it is something that RV inspectors call out all the time. Thanks for asking about this Robert!

[@scottmain3173]

Great video. I'd love to see a comparison plywood vs laminated floors. Is it true that aminated floors made with foam tend to get soft spots?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion Scott. I'll see what I can do to add that in on future videos. And here is an article that discusses RV flooring and may help answer your question - thecampingadvisor.com/rv-floor-construction/

[@GiantsNinerFan56]

I went to a major RV show here in the Bay Area. There was a great number of Grand Design trailers on display. Very impressive. Looks like they are starting to mass produce their products. We are considering selling our Lance and getting a Grand Design. That being said, although we were extremely impressed with their models, some of them showed signs of being assembled without attention to detail. A lot of crooked and loose doors. Shower doors falling off track etc. Visual cosmetic details are not that alarming, but on further inspection, what else would I find? The manufacturing process seems rushed. We are still contemplating the switch.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, the past couple of years has been a poor showing for many RV manufacturers. Even some who have been known for quality construction in the past. I discussed what has caused this situation and how to deal with it successfully in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/poexe4ClpcRomac I hope it helps.

[@daviscrt]

One thing about RV shows, is a lot of adults and kids are going in and out of theses Rvs all day long. Theses RVs are taking quite a bit of abuse. Thanks Don

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@daviscrt That’s a great point Don. Thanks for mentioning that!

[@GiantsNinerFan56]

@@RVInspectionAndCare We were there on the 2nd day, during the week. I noticed a lot of hardware and accessories in boxes. Looks like they hadn’t done the PDI yet.

[@GiantsNinerFan56]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks Dewayne. I saw this one. I’ve watched most of your videos. They are excellent. Thank you

[@Brigand231]

We jokingly call stick and tin units "cardboard boxes" because of the corrugation. :D

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL ... yep, I can see that! :-)

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Duane I'm sorry but I want to ask a question off the topic today. What is the best way to schedule an inspection on a new class A coach 2000 away from home?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The best way is to visit nrvia.org and click on "Find An Inspector". Then zoom in on the US map to the area where the RV is located. All of the certified RV inspectors in that area will be listed along with their contact information. So just contact them and find out if they have room in their schedule for an inspection when you need it. I hope that helps Ron.

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

THANKS Duane! Getting Closer!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@ronmcdaniel1583 Sounds great Ron. I know that you have been preparing for a long time. I hoping for the best for you!

[@123JumpingJacks]

How does one do joist and seal maintenance?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I need to make a video about that myself, but here is a nice article that provides some guidance on how it's done - rvlife.com/seal-rv-seams/ I hope that helps.

[@rosemarieang4369]

Where do we have our rV inspected?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

To find a certified inspector near the location where your RV is, just visit nrvia.org and click on the "Find An RV Inspector" button. Then search the map on the next page to find the certified RV inspectors in your area and contact them about your needs. I hope that helps.