Stick-and-Tin vs AZDEL

With a name like “traditional,” it’s difficult to think poorly of one common method of constructing RV sidewalls. Its other moniker, “stick-and-tin,” doesn’t sound as glamorous, but for something that dates back to at least the 1940s, it’s still holding its own.

The other method – best-known as “laminate” – is a better-living-through-science approach, taking a resin plastic, reinforcing it (often with fiberglass) and then treating it with a gel-coat. The end result is then laminated onto a backer board and ultimately onto a superstructure of the RV-manufacturer’s choice.

Still, those in the industry who work with both – and even those who don’t – believe both have their place, especially when it comes to trailers and fifth wheels. For all laminate’s technology, stick-and-tin does offer something many buyers want: a lower price tag, and it’s likely that manufacturers will make – and customers will buy – both technologies on into the future.

There isn’t a shopper alive who doesn’t like to see a lower number when the bottom line is added up, and at least on the surface that’s where the old traditional stick-and-tin, otherwise known as wood-frame construction with aluminum siding, has the most pull.

Although motorhomes have generally abandoned traditional construction methods for the lighter laminates, it’s still popular with fifth wheels and especially travel trailers.

AZDEL is the new composite in the RV industry that replaces wood. The RV Industry’s leading composite panel producer for wood replacement has increased its annual production capacity by 20 million pounds, or a projected 100 million square feet.

After completing a year‐long installation project, AZDEL’s newest production line started supplying RV manufacturers last June 2011, according to a news release. The growing demand for AZDEL’s unique family of lightweight composite products for transportation markets around the globe has driven the need for its fourth and most advanced manufacturing line.

AZDEL credits expansion to the RV Industry’s increased interest in Lightweight Composite Materials for Wood Replacement. AZDEL has served the RV Industry since 2006 and today has over 20 million square feet of their groundbreaking AZDEL SuperLite Panels in service. Expansion will enable future supply of AZDEL products to meet growing demand and demonstrates AZDEL’s ongoing commitment to the RV Industry and transportation markets worldwide.

RV manufacturers continue to specify AZDEL’s composite panels for their superior light weight and high quality performance over wood‐based materials. AZDEL believes its material has not only advanced the RV Industry, but also is enhancing the RVing experience for this and future generations of RVers. Barbara Andrews, stop by and see me for more information on this product, 1577 Wells Rd Orange Park, Fl 32073  904 458-3000.