What is a molded fiberglass RV or camper trailer?
A molded fiberglass RV, or camper trailer, when completed, is a unit that has two molded halves that are joined together into an almost seamless egg shaped assembly. Openings are cut into this shell for the door and windows. The interior cabinetry can be either fiberglass or wood, sometimes a combination. Systems are installed, like plumbing, electrical and propane. These systems will vary from model to model. The resulting assembly is attached to a frame with an axle, suspension and wheels/tires.
What is a molded fiberglass RV shell?
The walls of a fiberglass RV are formed in a mold…think of a hollow chocolate bunny candy mold. A gel coat is sprayed into the mold, then strands of fiberglass are chopped, mixed with resin, and sprayed onto this gel coat. A roller then presses the fiberglass strands into the gel coat. After curing, the shell is popped out and one half of the molded camper shell is complete and ready to be attached to the other half of the shell (think of an egg shell perfectly split into two pieces and then joined back together with glue.
How does the construction process for a molded fiberglass RV differ from other RV types?
This construction process differs from traditional “sticks and staples” construction methods due to how the shell is molded using a mold, gel coat, resin and fiberglass. In most RV’s the wall framing is built out of wood, or aluminum studs, with an inner and outer skin with insulation sandwiched between. This construction method is similar to how house walls are constructed.
