Wall construction question

[moshe1436]

I want to mount a ladder on the rear cap of my 2014 Salem Cruise-Lite 241QBXL. But I don't know how to find the studs (hopefully they're there!) to attach the screws for the ladder. Can anyone tell me how to find the studs? Thanks!

[SeaDog]

go to home depot or harbor freight and pick up a stud finder that has the deep scan feature you should be able to find the studs that way

[moshe1436]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

go to home depot or harbor freight and pick up a stud finder that has the deep scan feature you should be able to find the studs that way

I have a magnetic stud finder but I don’t think it’s a deep scan type. I will try mine first and if necessary pick up the deep scan type. Just wasn’t sure if any stud finder would work through the aluminum skin.
Thanks for your suggestion.

[SeaDog]

Have you bought about the option of a collapsable ladder? If my rig didn't have a ladder I would go that route. Also if your stud finder doesn't work with the aluminum skin move inside and check for the studs and transfer you measurements outside just a thought.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by moshe1436

I have a magnetic stud finder but I don’t think it’s a deep scan type. I will try mine first and if necessary pick up the deep scan type. Just wasn’t sure if any stud finder would work through the aluminum skin.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Most rigs have an alm frame these days. Mag finder won't work.

[moshe1436]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Have you bought about the option of a collapsable ladder? If my rig didn't have a ladder I would go that route. Also if your stud finder doesn't work with the aluminum skin move inside and check for the studs and transfer you measurements outside just a thought.

Thanks for a couple of good ideas. Checking inside should detect the studs. I'll give that a try.

[onetonford]

I think that most RV's with aluminum framed sides but the end walls are wood studded I know my 2011 Wildcat has wood studs on the back wall When I redid the Tail lights I found it had a wood frame in the back wall.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by cavie

Most rigs have an alm frame these days. Mag finder won't work.

The OP has a stick and tin trailer, so it has wood frame construction.

[moshe1436]

Originally Posted by bikendan

The OP has a stick and tin trailer, so it has wood frame construction.

I like that reference "stick and tin" -- sometimes I think it's exactly that! Several years ago there were only a few companies that used aluminum sidewall construction but I guess that has expanded to many more. I had always said if I ever wanted an RV I would buy one with lightweight aluminum construction. Well, here it is many years later and that idea went right out the window! It is what it is, and I am living with my decision, which I don't think is really that bad - I like the unit so far. So knowing it has wood studs the stud finder might work inside the unit or maybe even on the outside if I'm lucky.

[moshe1436]

Originally Posted by bikendan

The OP has a stick and tin trailer, so it has wood frame construction.

According to a Forest River Specs Sheet my 241QBXL has aluminum body construction and sheet metal sidewall construction. See copy of specs sheet under "construction".

"Bikendan" where are you getting your info on wall construction from?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by moshe1436

According to a Forest River Specs Sheet my 241QBXL has aluminum body construction and sheet metal sidewall construction. See copy of specs sheet under "construction".

"Bikendan" where are you getting your info on wall construction from?

https://www.roamingtimes.com/rvrepor...struction.html