Hatch question

[len19070]

For the few dollars you save and I spend I have a stronger insurance policy that all that hard work will last. Old growth pine is one thing but the stuff available today doesn't have the strength properties. The only time I ever use pine is when a customer specifies it for decorative purposes. Danny

I don't really think this is about cost. I think its more about what is enough to do the Job adequately and not have any problems.

i.e. over engineering

Certainly using an Oak Spar will work, and work well. As will Stainless Steel, Aluminum some of the composite materials used by Boeing. I choose not to use any of them either. Because in my opinion..it isn't necessary.

I've been using a laminated beam system, with 5/4 pine in it for over 12 years. On several trailers With no problems. This is what I use. Prior to 1993 I used Aluminum.



If you've had a bad experience with Pine, or any other wood..then don't use it. If you feel more comfortable using something else, use it.

Using something other than what I use doesn't make anybody wrong. Any more than if I, or anybody else use something other than you do makes us wrong (or cheap).

Its a opinion.


Happy Trails

Len

[dwgriff1]

The whole RV industry, icluding the home builds, walk a line between costs, weight and time.

Over engineering is fine to a point, but we are really over the top more times than not, and our trailers are costy and heavy, often.

There is a geographical difference in the way we build and design. AC, Microwaves, rain, snow etc. are all factors.

I don't mind year to year maintenance. If I had a wood boat I sure would do plenty

dave

[halfdome, Danny]

For the few dollars you save and I spend I have a stronger insurance policy that all that hard work will last. Old growth pine is one thing but the stuff available today doesn't have the strength properties. The only time I ever use pine is when a customer specifies it for decorative purposes. Danny

I don't really think this is about cost. I think its more about what is enough to do the Job adequately and not have any problems.

i.e. over engineering

Certainly using an Oak Spar will work, and work well. As will Stainless Steel, Aluminum some of the composite materials used by Boeing. I choose not to use any of them either. Because in my opinion..it isn't necessary.

I've been using a laminated beam system, with 5/4 pine in it for over 12 years. On several trailers With no problems. This is what I use. Prior to 1993 I used Aluminum.



If you've had a bad experience with Pine, or any other wood..then don't use it. If you feel more comfortable using something else, use it.

Using something other than what I use doesn't make anybody wrong. Any more than if I, or anybody else use something other than you do makes us wrong (or cheap).

Its a opinion.


Happy Trails

Len

It's apparent we share two different opinions. If you like pine so be it, but it's not for me and never will be from my experiences. This is all I have to say on the subject. Danny

[seahorse]

If your going to use gas struts , make SURE you use hard wood at hinge location..... just my thoughts, Rob

[dewayne]

Well gentlemen, I didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest, but I do appreciate the information. I do belive I will use oak for my 2 hinge spars and 1x2 pine for the rest of my hatch.

thanks again and Happy New Year

dewayne

[asianflava]

If your going to use gas struts , make SURE you use hard wood at hinge location..... just my thoughts, Rob

That's what epoxy and fiberglass cloth is for.

[doug hodder]

I don't mind year to year maintenance. If I had a wood boat I sure would do plenty

dave

Not if you did it in epoxy and auto clear...but that's just my experience...got 2 mohogany boats....Doug