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Old 03-01-2021, 02:39 PM   #1
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RVs with waterproof OSB/marine plywood construction

I'm looking to buy a 1st RV, a Class A. Unfortunately where I live is a rather humid and wet environment (cool but lots and lots of rain). For that reason, I've been warned moisture damage is a big issue here. I thought the use of marine plywood and water-proof OSB would mitigate that issue.


It is my understanding that some RV mfgs use or used waterproof OSB and/or marine plywood to construct their rigs (walls, floors and roof). Travel Supreme was said to be one but they went out of business.


Can anyone point me to a list of RV mfgs who use such materials and what year they started?


Note: Went to have a look at a Forest River '03 Windsong but that thing had at least 5 water damage spots (hence why it is at a dealer). Floor is OSB while I note that a Triple E Commander of the same era has plywood (not sure what grade).

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Old 03-01-2021, 02:58 PM   #2
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I know some RV makers will use Azdel (same concept as you're describing above) as the substrate onto which they bond the outer and inner walls instead of luan (thin plywood). As far as a list, I've never seen one, but I know these brands use it:
  • Lance
  • Nexus
  • Renegade
Edit: found this list on Google. https://campertrailerreport.com/whic...ers-use-azdel/


No idea about what year they started using it. I'd say the three I listed above started no later than 2018 as that's when I started researching this stuff.
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Old 03-01-2021, 05:03 PM   #3
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This video on wall construction may help. It’s Newmar-centric, but good information.
https://youtu.be/NpxOdMmuerg
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Old 03-01-2021, 07:21 PM   #4
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Thanks re: the video. I hear good things about Newmar and see that there is no wood except for the inside layer even on '04 units. That said, the roof still is wood and another member or iRV2 went to have a look at an '05 for me. Still used wood back then, unfortunately, and the roof is rotten.
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Old 03-01-2021, 08:16 PM   #5
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As far as I know most all quality manufacturers use plywood in the roof and floors. I think every single coach will have a leak or moisture intrusion of some kind at some point, its just the nature of RV's. Its very common to see wrinkles on the luan walls especially around large windows. I would be more concerned with looking for signs of exterior delamination on a coach showing a major long term problem, than a small stain or wrinkle on an interior ceiling or wall. Provided the leak has been addressed and sealed up and the coach is well maintained the plywood substrate of a quality motor home will last for decades.
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Old 03-02-2021, 10:45 AM   #6
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Coachmen started using Azdel on motorhomes in about 2006. Our 2011 Mirada has it. Not sure what is used in all of the consrtuction, but there have been zero leaks and nothing is coming apart.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumline View Post
I know some RV makers will use Azdel (same concept as you're describing above) as the substrate onto which they bond the outer and inner walls instead of luan (thin plywood). As far as a list, I've never seen one, but I know these brands use it:
  • Lance
  • Nexus
  • Renegade
Edit: found this list on Google. https://campertrailerreport.com/whic...ers-use-azdel/


No idea about what year they started using it. I'd say the three I listed above started no later than 2018 as that's when I started researching this stuff.
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:05 PM   #7
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marine plywood

marine plywood is not waterproof, the manufacturers use waterproof glue and the layers will not have voids , BUT , its not any type of water proofing roof or floor , osb scares me for any structural use , im not a carpenter but i used to sell osb/ply for 37 years , i know firemen dont care for osb in any fire situation
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:09 PM   #8
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You won't find it in RVs but they do make treated plywood, the green stuff.
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:24 PM   #9
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Use of Azdel instead of luan material is getting to be more common. Some 5th wheel manufacturers are going to this material. Such manufacturers are Heartland, Keystone, Forest River and the new company, Alliance, are those I know off hand.
Even Challenger Doors are using Azdel for the ramp/patio doors for toy haulers.
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