07-21-2014, 07:35 PM
Typically, only the top end coaches are metal. Safari used to make coaches with aluminum sidewalls but after they got gobbled up by Monaco, they switched to fiberglass. You can make a good product or a lousy product from either aluminum or fiberglass but it takes more craftsmanship and expense to work with aluminum.
Besides the delamination issues, fiberglass can become brittle. It gives but when stressed it breaks. Aircraft and boats that see severe use are made of aluminum rather than fiberglass. The older Newells used rivets, the newer ones use a 3M adhesive to bond the panels to the superstructure. My coach is 23 years old and I have replaced a total of two body rivets.
As far as paint is concerned, if you know what you are doing, and Newell certainly has a superb paint shop, paint will stay on aluminum as well or better than on fiberglass. If you don't prepare the surface properly, you are going to be in trouble.
About 10 years ago we toured numerous factories and it is an eye-opener. Some of the materials, construction techniques and lack of quality control will really scare you. It will also make you appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into every Newell. Add to that the support and customer service provided by Newell that more price point sensitive companies can't afford to offer.
Besides the delamination issues, fiberglass can become brittle. It gives but when stressed it breaks. Aircraft and boats that see severe use are made of aluminum rather than fiberglass. The older Newells used rivets, the newer ones use a 3M adhesive to bond the panels to the superstructure. My coach is 23 years old and I have replaced a total of two body rivets.
As far as paint is concerned, if you know what you are doing, and Newell certainly has a superb paint shop, paint will stay on aluminum as well or better than on fiberglass. If you don't prepare the surface properly, you are going to be in trouble.
About 10 years ago we toured numerous factories and it is an eye-opener. Some of the materials, construction techniques and lack of quality control will really scare you. It will also make you appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into every Newell. Add to that the support and customer service provided by Newell that more price point sensitive companies can't afford to offer.