Build-Up Construction

[Live 2 Camp]

We are considering the purchase of a Monaco Monarch SE. We are former TT and 5er owners and while inspecting the Monaco we received an education in "Build-Up" construction. After having a TT that delaminated I am all about this type of construction, especially with the aluminum roof.

Is there somewhere we can access a list of MH manufactureres that use this type of construction before we continue shopping?

Thanks.

[Live 2 Camp]

I should add that the rivited aluminum side wall skin appeals to us rather than fiberglass. It's the bonded sidewalks we'd like to avoid, if possible.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Live 2 Camp

We are considering the purchase of a Monaco Monarch SE. We are former TT and 5er owners and while inspecting the Monaco we received an education in "Build-Up" construction. After having a TT that delaminated I am all about this type of construction, especially with the aluminum roof.
Is there somewhere we can access a list of MH manufactureres that use this type of construction before we continue shopping?
Thanks.

Live 2 Camp
What is "Build-Up construction"??
Wondering
Mel
'96 Safari

[Gary RVRoamer]

Never heard of that term before. Nearly all RVs have laminated sidewalls, though Newmar claims their "hung wall" construction is superior to that.

I think you are unnecessarily worried. Any wall can come apart if water intrudes and left unrepaired. Maybe a laminated wall is a bit more susceptible to that sort of thing than this "Build-Up" method. Or maybe not.

[Sweetbriar]

There are aluminum sidewall Class A rigs out there but you're either looking at something a bit dated (as in built last century) or bus conversion such as a Marathon, Featherlite, Liberty Coach or other such custom builder. Bonded fiberglass sidewalls are pretty much coach du jour for 99% of a primary market. There are a few with aluminum roofs but you'll find fiberglass or a soft synthetic rubber based roof on most.

Nothing wrong with bonded fiberglass but as an owner you have to stay on top of preventative maintenance regarding seam seals and renewal. No different than the homestead. Let a roof, window or plumbing leak go unfixed for any length of time and the damage will escalate.

[Live 2 Camp]

It is a 2003 Monaco Monarch SE. The side walls are painted aluminum skin rivited to aluminum framework. The roof is also an aluminum skin, no rubber.

I remember the horrors of the delaminated TT we had and was really liking the build of the Monaco. However, I'd prefer a diesel which is why I asked the question in hopes that this construction process was still utilized. If not, I'll press on.

[mojoracing]

While it still happens, delam is much less prevalent then it once was. Look for a manufacturer that does not use wood in the outer portion of their wall. It is the wood getting wet and swelling that is the primary cause. Fleetwood went to such a wall and I havnt seen much delam on them in a long time. While any wall or material can delaminate, getting the wood out and good maintainence will stop most of it.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

The 2007 Monaco Monarch SVE (and its twin Holiday Rambler Admiral SVE) may have been the last gas models that Monaco made with aluminum sides. That might apply to the Safari model as well. I'm not sure Monaco sold a lot of SVEs, as they seem somewhat rare in the used market.

The brochures for the 2007 SVEs say their roofs are fiberglass.

[Live 2 Camp]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

...The brochures for the 2007 SVEs say their roofs are fiberglass.

The 2003 Monarch SE advertises aluminum roof. That, combined with the aluminum, non-bonded skin is what I like.

Per the brochure:
"Peaked Aluminum Roof with Fiberglass Insulation"
"Smooth Aluminum Exterior Walls"
Brochure

I have been friends with the owner for 20 years and I know he's a meticulous maintainer. That, and the coach construction is what has me interested. The bath and a half is unique, also.

We haven't committed just yet because I'm trying to justify a DP - which is why I asked if other manufactures used this construction. We will be doing mostly mountain driving and I'm somewhat concerned about the power of the 8.1 with a toad, which is probably a searchable topic.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Kyle-

Although you mentioned a specific year Monarch I wasn't sure how much you were/are looking around. I just wanted to let you know that (as far as I know) 2007 was the last year Monaco used aluminum walls on their gas coaches. Could be incorrect about that, though.

Can't speak to the mountain driving issue- haven't done it with the coach and toad, and ours is a Ford chassis, not the Workhorse you're considering.

Best wishes on finding a coach that suits you. I bet that if you're willing to join the "Slow RV" movement (doesn't really exist, but I could start one) that a well-cared-for, constructed-the-way-you-like 2003 Monarch might be just your cup of tea.

[deandec]

Just curious. I used Google to search for "Build-Up Construction".

I did not find any reference to a construction technique that used the above term.

I did find the term used in Return on Capital calculations but I doubt that is the intended application here.

I have been reading Class A forums since 2001 but this is the first time I have read the terminology applied to construction of a Motorhome.

What is the build-up construction method?

[Live 2 Camp]

Originally Posted by deandec

Just curious. I used Google to search for "Build-Up Construction".

I did not find any reference to a construction technique that used the above term.

I did find the term used in Return on Capital calculations but I doubt that is the intended application here.

I have been reading Class A forums since 2001 but this is the first time I have read the terminology applied to construction of a Motorhome.

What is the build-up construction method?

I was not familiar with this term, either, but when I googled aluminum skin RV it appeared in the results. I assumed it was a common term.

Link

"RV construction falls into two general categories: built-up or laminated. Built-up construction refers to the process of assembling the walls, floor or roof structure a step at a time during the construction process. For example, the wall framing and interior skin are assembled and installed on the floor, then the insulation and wiring are added, followed by the outer skin as the last step. This process is still in common use for mainly lower-end RVs, although it can be found across the spectrum of RV prices and quality levels. Sometimes a “built-up” rig can be easier to repair because the components aren’t fused together, which means they’re easier to separate for repair and replacement."

[t55watson]

Originally Posted by Live 2 Camp

I was not familiar with this term, either, but when I googled aluminum skin RV it appeared in the results. I assumed it was a common term.

Link

"RV construction falls into two general categories: built-up or laminated. Built-up construction refers to the process of assembling the walls, floor or roof structure a step at a time during the construction process. For example, the wall framing and interior skin are assembled and installed on the floor, then the insulation and wiring are added, followed by the outer skin as the last step. This process is still in common use for mainly lower-end RVs, although it can be found across the spectrum of RV prices and quality levels. Sometimes a “built-up” rig can be easier to repair because the components aren’t fused together, which means they’re easier to separate for repair and replacement."

That refers to outer skin. It does not say aluminum. Can this system still be in use using fiberglass sheets? Think Formica sheeting.

[KI6TAM]

I'm thinking you need a Prevost if you want aluminum and a diesel. Awe they are so pretty.