Columbus construction details

[sidney]

I'm looking for more detailed information regarding the construction methods of the Columbus 5th wheels.

Is it similar to the Cedar Creek 16" OC aluminum stud method? Or is it a solid laminate within the aluminum frame?

Are cut away photos available detailing the construction?

The Palomino web site is rather vague:

100" Wide Body
All Welded Aluminum Frame
5-Sided Lamination plus Front Cap
6" Radius Roof w/ Laminated Block Foam
6' 6" Height (Living area slides)
(5) Heat Ducts Out of Traffic Areas
Snap-in Ceiling Molding -
No Staples or Tape
12-Volt Heat Pads on All Holding Tanks
Laminated Floor w/ Astro-Foil Insulation
R-32 Floor Insulation
R-30 Roof Insulation
R-9 Sidewall Insulation

Thanks

[Wiscampsin]

I just downloaded the Columbus brochure and there wasn't a cut away view anywhere.

[huntr70]

Originally Posted by sidney

I'm looking for more detailed information regarding the construction methods of the Columbus 5th wheels.

Is it similar to the Cedar Creek 16" OC aluminum stud method? Or is it a solid laminate within the aluminum frame?

Are cut away photos available detailing the construction?

The Palomino web site is rather vague:

100" Wide Body
All Welded Aluminum Frame
5-Sided Lamination plus Front Cap
6" Radius Roof w/ Laminated Block Foam
6' 6" Height (Living area slides)
(5) Heat Ducts Out of Traffic Areas
Snap-in Ceiling Molding -
No Staples or Tape
12-Volt Heat Pads on All Holding Tanks
Laminated Floor w/ Astro-Foil Insulation
R-32 Floor Insulation
R-30 Roof Insulation
R-9 Sidewall Insulation

Thanks

Actually, your description above, covers it....."5-Sided Lamination plus Front Cap" is exactly what it is. Roof, floor, rear wall, and both sidewalls are laminated. That means welded aluminum framing, rigid foam insulation, and interior panels are bonded as one piece.

The Cedar Creek uses 16" on center aluminum studs and hung fiberglass and interior panels. Also batted insulation, which can compact over time.

[ByronCR]

I know where Sidney is coming from in requesting some more specific information. A majority of the 5th wheels brochures I had looked at (which was over 30) had cut away diagrams showing the constructions layers of how the RV was built. It is very helpful for people that are more visual than text based. I am one of those that totally gets it on paper, but a visual eliminates any misconceptions.

A cut away view would be nice, but the brochure does give ample information on the construction of the Columbus.

[sidney]

Thanks for the replies but I still find the description very vague.

What materials are used? OSB, Plywood, Marine plywood... tongue and groove? 1/4", 3/8", 5/8" ?

The roof must have trusses... are they aluminum, wood... what are the dimensions? How are they spaced? What is the exterior roof material?

What about the floor joists? Wood, aluminum... what's the spacing? What is the floor base decking material? OSB? Plywood? T&G?

What are the laminated wall components? How is it manufactured?

There are many details missing in the description of the construction.

[MillerTime]

I don't know much about most of your questions, but I know on some if the palamino line the floor is one solid piece of plywood and I believe it is 5/8".

Ps maybe a call to the factory or the factory rep might help more.

[dan747]

I agree with you on the lack of construction cutaways. I would have liked them too. I asked the rep at the show about the details you asked about and this is what he said. Aluminum roof trusses with 6 inch thick(at the crown) solid foam insulation and plywood decking(I don't remember the thickness), plywood-foam-aluminum bonded floor(I don't remember the thickness). Christopher Columbus is associated with Columbus and posts on here and would have better details then me so hopefully he will see your post and respond.

[dezolen]

If that is true I'd beware of bonded floor. I have a section on my Cardinal in the bathroom (the only place in the whole coach) and it squeeks like crazy. It feels as if it's separated

[treaves]

I'd b interested in getting an 'official' response as well. Anyone try just e-mailing Palomino directly?

[dt82153]

My Wife and I have ordered a 295RL. I have emailed Palomino and Columbus several times and got no reply. I even called and left a message and no return call.

[SYE]

Originally Posted by dt82153

My Wife and I have ordered a 295RL. I have emailed Palomino and Columbus several times and got no reply. I even called and left a message and no return call.

Send a message to 'Christopher Columbus" on this forum, he is a factory rep of some sort. He would probably be happy to answer those questions.

[miboje]

Originally Posted by syencer

Send a message to 'Christopher Columbus" on this forum, he is a factory rep of some sort. He would probably be happy to answer those questions.

It would be nice to have those questions answered here as I'm sure others will ask the same question at another time.

Case in point: I'd like to know how much and what insulation is in the slides. I keep checking the website to see if this information has been added, but it's not. If there is a Columbus rep at our fall Hershey, PA RV show, I can ask then I suppose.

[SYE]

Originally Posted by miboje

It would be nice to have those questions answered here as I'm sure others will ask the same question at another time.

Case in point: I'd like to know how much and what insulation is in the slides. I keep checking the website to see if this information has been added, but it's not. If there is a Columbus rep at our fall Hershey, PA RV show, I can ask then I suppose.

Go there and take a factory tour. They will probably answer all your questions.

[miboje]

Originally Posted by syencer

Go there and take a factory tour. They will probably answer all your questions.

That would be nice, but Hershey will be a lot closer for us, and we wouldn't be missing work to go. This type of information is often provided on manufacturer's websites, as well.

[SYE]

Originally Posted by miboje

That would be nice, but Hershey will be a lot closer for us, and we wouldn't be missing work to go. This type of information is often provided on manufacturer's websites, as well.

Go to the thread called ideas?? Christopher Columbus started this asking for input for Columbus

[miboje]

Update: I contacted Christopher Columbus, and they are working on getting a construction cut-away completed.

[johnemt]

well if you go to the columbus web page there is a box lower right in that box there is tab you can click that says"MORE FEATURES" that will give a break down of construction

[miboje]

Originally Posted by johnemt

well if you go to the columbus web page there is a box lower right in that box there is tab you can click that says"MORE FEATURES" that will give a break down of construction

Thanks for posting that. Though I was aware of that, it will be helpful to those who didn't know. I was looking for a cut-away, which is much more detailed.

[treaves]

I'd be surprised if anyone wasn't aware of that, their marking bullet points. There are two different ways to navigate there on the web site, and, it's also in their brochure.

I believe the original post was in regards to actual construction details, not marketing bullet points labeled 'construction'.

[miboje]

I keep checking, but no construction cut-away is available yet. In the meantime, I've been PMing Christopher Columbus with questions. I haven't heard back from him the last two times. Not sure why, but it doesn't make a good impression and is not good for business, but maybe they don't need my business.

We are considering a Heartland Gateway vs. the Columbus. I've been in contact with the Heartland Gateway sales manager, both by phone and via email, and not once has he not replied to me, and he has done so in a very reasonable amount of time - as in a matter of hours. That sure does make a good impression.