Motor Home, Travel Trailer, & Camper Manufacturing
In motor home manufacturing (also known as recreational vehicles, RVs, or campervans), plastics provide functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal in interior components, countertops, exterior body parts, instrument panels, control panels, plumbing systems, and ventilation/HVAC components.
Plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and thermoplastic composites are used to construct interior components such as cabinets, storage compartments, and trim pieces. HDPE provides strength and impact resistance, while thermoplastic composites contribute to lightweight construction.
HDPE is used for countertops and solid surfaces. Materials like acrylic or polyester-based options are also used for motor home countertops, offering durability, stain resistance, and customizable designs.
Exterior body parts, including panels, bumpers, and fender skirts, commonly incorporate fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) made of polyester resins and glass fibers. FRP provides strength, impact resistance, and the ability to mold complex shapes.
Instrument panels and control panels utilize plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) for their impact resistance, dimensional stability, clarity, and ability for customization.
Motor home plumbing systems often use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and fittings due to their excellent chemical resistance and durability.
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics are commonly employed for ventilation and HVAC components. These plastics offer lightweight properties, impact resistance, and ease of fabrication.
Properties
Strong and impact resistant
Stiff
Lightweight
Flexible
Dimensionally stable
Resists chemicals, UV, weather, wear
Easy to fabricate
Cost-effective
Applications
Motor home assembly
Interior furnishings and equipment
Electrical and electronic systems
Plumbing and water systems
HVAC systems
Exterior features and accessories
Industries
Recreational Vehicles (RVs) manufacturing
Campervan manufacturing
Motorhome manufacturing
Motorcoach manufacturing
Camper manufacturing
Trailer manufacturing
Conversion vans
RV trailers
Motor Home Manufacturing Materials Overview
How does HDPE replace wood in recreational vehicles?
By using HDPE (also known as plastic lumber) instead of wood, RV manufacturers benefit from a material that is lightweight, resistant to moisture and insects, and requires less maintenance. Additionally, HDPE's versatility allows for customization, ease of fabrication, and design flexibility in RV interiors and exteriors.
Cabinets and Storage: HDPE can be used to construct RVs' cabinets and storage compartments. It offers comparable strength and durability to wood while being resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. HDPE cabinets are lightweight, easy to clean, and maintain their shape and appearance over time.
Countertops: HDPE solid surface materials can be used as an alternative to wooden countertops in RV kitchens and bathrooms. HDPE countertops provide similar functionality, such as a smooth and durable surface for food preparation and resistance to stains and moisture.
Trim and Molding: HDPE can replace wood for interior and exterior trim and molding applications in RVs. It offers excellent dimensional stability, allowing for precise installation and resistance to warping or cracking due to temperature and humidity changes.
Flooring: In some cases, HDPE-based flooring options (like marine board) can replace traditional wood or composite materials in RVs. HDPE flooring is water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Motor Home Manufacturing Materials Resources & PDFs
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Acrylonitrile, CAS 107-13-1, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including 1,3-Butadiene, CAS 106-99-0, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Styrene, CAS 100-42-5, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.