Is Azdel used in construction of Rockwoods?

[Kimo7]

I was reading an article about the construction of RVs using new composite materials. I read about Azdel and had never heard of it before. Does anyone out there know with certainty if it’s being used and specifically in the Rockwood Signature brand. I pasted an article that says yes but then it contradicts itself and says maybe not, so I’m not sure. I know there are some subject matter experts on here who’ve toured the factory and asked lots of detailed questions, hopefully one of you sees this thread and can weigh in. Thanks for replying. Jim


https://gotraveltrailers.com/which-t...ers-use-azdel/

[babock]

I don't think that list is accurate. My Coachmen freedom Express uses Azdel. I know Rockwood Mini Lites don't.

[gastan]

None of the Rockwood brochures mention azdel at all and if they used it I would expect them to highlight it. In fact both the TT brochure and the 5th wheel brochure says specifically (a direct quote):
"Aluminum Frame Construction with high gloss fiberglass exterior and deluxe graphics."

You can download a current brochure for most FR brands here:

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/brochures

[rockfordroo]

A few years ago it was reported here on the forum that there was a shortage of luan and they were using adzel in place of it; but that seems to have stopped.

I've seen Adzel stickers by the door on some rigs, so I'm assuming if a rig has it, it would have a sticker by the door. Or maybe more the other way around - if it has a sticker, it has Adzel. If it doesn't have a sticker, who knows?

[babock]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

A few years ago it was reported here on the forum that there was a shortage of luan and they were using adzel in place of it; but that seems to have stopped.

Yep...I know at least for a very short time on Rockwood Mini Lites. Some Rockwood owners should be very happy!

[NJKris]

I can confirm that Rockwood GeoPros are built with Azdel.

[Kimo7]

I emailed the POC at Forest River last night and asked about the use of Azdel on my specific unit, Rockwood Signature 8329SB. First thing this morning is the reply I received below. I’m impressed with their customer service and responsiveness.

“We do use azdel in the construction of the back wall. Azdel is not the right product to use on the production of the sidewalls at that length. We have done extensive testing between azdel and luan and have found luan to perform overwhelmingly better on a wall of that size.

Azdel is a great product but it is not quite what it is made out to be. It is more important what your process is than what the substrate you use is”.

I appreciate a firm, solid answer. I’m a little more educated about the subject now.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Kimo7

I emailed the POC at Forest River last night and asked about the use of Azdel on my specific unit, Rockwood Signature 8329SB. First thing this morning is the reply I received below. I’m impressed with their customer service and responsiveness.

“We do use azdel in the construction of the back wall. Azdel is not the right product to use on the production of the sidewalls at that length. We have done extensive testing between azdel and luan and have found luan to perform overwhelmingly better on a wall of that size.

Azdel is a great product but it is not quite what it is made out to be. It is more important what your process is than what the substrate you use is”.

I appreciate a firm, solid answer. I’m a little more educated about the subject now.

LOL...he is trying to sell you a trailer with Luan...what else is he going to say!

[Kimo7]

Nope - he’s the FR factory representative for Rockwood at the corporate level, not a salesman and I already bought it. He could’ve just ignored my email but he didn’t and he gave me an answer instead of double talk. I wasn’t expecting a yes just an answer and I got it.

[72guy]

For those following this thread, here’s some more information from the Fall of 2019. We were, and still are, looking at purchasing a 2509S. As I recall from my conversation with Rockwood, there was some discussion about Azdel not being used in the sidewalls of the longer trailers for various reasons. This didn’t apply to the 2509S so my notes don’t reflect exactly what was said about the larger units.

Per Anthony ( 574-642-8920 ). The Rockwood 2509S/ Flagstaff 25BRDS have used Azdel in the back wall for 10 years. Azdel has been used in the sidewalls since October 2018. Any 2020 model will have Azdel back and side walls. The front cap is laminated fiberglass.

Of major concern to me was the floor construction. Rockwood went from plywood to laminated and back to 5/8” tongue and groove marine grade plywood. This was a good move from everything I’ve read about repairing spongy, delaminated floors.

Call Anthony or Doug Fought to confirm or get further details.

[Kimo7]

72guy - Anthony Yoder is the guy I talked to also, the POC I referred to in previous posts. He’s a super guy who is patient, super responsive and willing to give a solid answer