Aluminum Frame Construction

[Ron E Z-Man]

Hello Members,

While I managed to locate several informative posts regarding the issue of 'all steel versus aluminum frames" dating back to 2009, I was hoping to get additional answers to my specific interests.

1996 - 2000 Fleetwood; 2000 - 2005 Tiffin; 2000 - 2005 Damon potential field of pre-owned MHs.

Do the above manufacturers use steel or aluminum construction? Please elaborate with respect to these older models.

Would anyone with owner experience - of similar models - including average maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and whjat you feel comfortable with offering up to a newbee.


Thanks for your time. Be well,
Ron, Eagle Pass, TX

[ahicks]

I can tell you that the Fleetwoods (Pace Arrow, Southwind) were steel in that time frame. Can also tell you Holiday Ramblers were alum. Beyond that, I'd just be guessing regarding the ones you're interested in.

The biggest thing I can think of to pass on would be regarding rot and delamination. If you see it, unless you are handy to an extreme, I would walk away from it. Even if you're looking for a project. There are too many available without that kind of trouble.

[Tha_Rooster]

Fuel consumption (bad),maintance (bad) deisel (worse),but what fun you have ruffing it.

[AFChap]

How well the rig has been maintained will be by far the most important factor to be concerned about, with quality of original construction next. Whether it has steel or aluminum structure would not concern me in the least.