Reflection Construction Questions

[gsitexas]

We are currently in the market for a new 5th wheel and at this time the 303RLS is leading choice. For those RVers with years of experience I would really appreciate you input to a couple of questions to help us with our purchasing decision:

1. I notice in the Reflection literature the walls and floor are aluminum framed but the roof is wood framed. Why not also frame the roof of aluminum, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using wood trusses to frame the roof as compared to a competitive unit such as the FR Wildcat that uses 100% aluminum framing?

I know some will say the wood trusses help to avoid potential condensation issues, however, my prior TT (Sunnybrook Mobile Scout) was 100% aluminum framed and in 15 years of use we never had any condensation or structural issues with that camper.

2. Does anyone have literature that shows how the roof and floor are constructed in the Reflection series? I'm trying to understand what it is about the construction method or materials used by GD that provide the high R values (R-30 floor/R-34 roof).

Thanks in advance for helping me to better understand what sets GD apart from others in the indutry as it pertains to the construction process and/or materials used in the Reflection line.

Best regards,

Keith

 

[Paul & Deb]

I don't know the answer Keith but I'd bet an email directly to Grand Design would result in an answer.

 

[TucsonJim]

The production manager for the Reflection line is Micah Staley. His email is [email protected]

Jim

Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk

 

[gsitexas]

Thanks Jim, e-mail sent to Micah.

 

[Paul & Deb]

Thanks Jim, e-mail sent to Micah.

Excellent. Report back on what you learn for the benefit of all!

 

[Scott and Jan]

Yes, please report back with your answers. I too wonder why wood roof trusses vs aluminum.

 

[Bamaman]

I can see two reasons for the "conventional" wooden roof trusses.
1. It's easy to make'em rounded--for water runoff. Rounding aluminum roofs is just more difficult.
2. Price. Nuff said.

I've been walking up on the roof of My Reflection, and it feels very stable. As long as the wooden trusses stay dry, I see no problem with them. While I was up on the roof, the rubber EDM and all the patches were very well installed--nicely covering all the vents, etc.