Vacu-Bond Laminated, Sidewalls and Roof

Hi: Just trying to learn all I can before I buy a PC, likely this spring.
Reading the website, I see the walls are aluminum cage with Styrofoam block insulation.
Wondering if they use a layer of luan or azdel under the fiberglass.
Or do they use a thicker fiberglass so nothing is needed to smooth irregularities in the surface.

Also would love feedback from anyone who owns or has test drove a PC with Liquid Springs.
Likely we will be going for a 2552 and trying to figure out if LS would be overkill for such a relatively small rig.

Thanks,  Jim Godfrey

Hi Jim,

I believe they use luan only on the interior side of the wall.  The exterior is a thick sheet of fiberglass right up against the aluminum studs with block foam insulation filling the gap between studs.  But please confirm this with the factory.  If you talk with them, please post your findings here for the rest of us.

One other thing Phoenix does with their wall and roof panels is aluminum-frame every window, roof vent, and a/c unit opening for a more solid structure.  Doing so also avoids distortion around them.

We have owned our full-body-paint PC-2350 for over 11 years, still with a very nice shine and reflection today.  Our exterior walls show minimal wave, the same amount it had when brand new.  All motor homes are not 100% perfect and ours is no exception.  But it's dang close to perfect.

Thanks Ron, that is the answer I was hoping for!
I have owned a filon sided camper with luan and even the smallest of leaks caused much damage as the luan just turns to mush and the filon bubbles.
Everything I have found on the net tells me that PC is is the right RV for us.
Really enjoyed reading your comparison "Ron's Tips For Class C /B+ Shoppers" it really helped me narrow the field and solidify my opinion about PC.
NOW if we could just see one in person!
We currently own a very roomy 5th wheel with lots of storage but feel downsizing will make it easier to do short trips and maybe my wife would feel more comfortable driving. Hoping the 2552 will be the sweet spot compromise between space and flexibility.
Plan to attend the Tampa Supershow in Jan with a long list of questions for PC and hopefully to rule out all other contenders.
If that goes as planned will make a trip to the PC factory before placing an order.

I rode in the PC with liquid springs at the Hershey RV show.  Hopefully they will be at the Tampa show in the PC booth for you to test.  I am also thinking about ordering in a few months and I don't think I will go with that option.  They definitely made a difference.  The Liquid Springs salesman  drove and took corners extremely fast (scary fast).  The PC handled the quick turns amazingly well but I've lived without them for 10 years in my Lazy Daze and don't feel like the cost justifies the need for them.  I may change my mind, but for now that is at bottom of my wish list.

Pam

Thanks for the reply Pam.
I will certainly be looking for the Liquid Springs guys in Tampa.
It is a very expensive option to say the least but I am wondering if there might be some truth to the claims of helping the coach to last longer and be less likely to develop creaks and rattles over time.
Also thinking the improved handling might be a safety enhancement in an accident avoidance situation.
Did they give you any info on warranty and service?

Regards, Jim  G.

We didn't discuss warranty, but I did ask about maintenance.   I was told that no maintenance  was needed unless it broke. 

Pam

About six months ago, Motorhome Magazine did a review of Liquid Springs.  They used a Class A and installed them on it and then compared the handling of it.  It might be something you would want to read.
Gary

Has anyone looked into Sulastic Shackles specifically designed for an E450 motor home?  I like their ultra-simplistic "common sense" approach to soften the ride.  Scroll down the web page to watch the video on how they work.  What prevents me from buying them is the stiff $400 for seemingly two simple pieces of hardware.  Maybe one day I will get brave enough to give them a try.  The company offers a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee.  I would want to install them a day prior to a 3 week trip to evaluate them to determine if I want to keep them.

I think I could install Sulastic Shackles myself.

Ron: Had never seen those before. Looks interesting.
Seems like it might help a lot for vibrations small irregularities in the road but probably not so much for actual bumps?
Did notice that though they offer a 10 year warranty on the metal, rubber is only guaranteed for 3 years. 



Gary: Thanks for the reference.