Egg Construction

[kpinvt]

Does anyone know if any of the egg manufacturers vacuum-bag their fiberglass layups to save weight?

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by kpinvt

Does anyone know if any of the egg manufacturers vacuum-bag their fiberglass layups to save weight?

Hi: kpinvt... Not sure about that system but I do know that Escape Trailer Ind. puts theirs on a rotisserie.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[floyd]

LiL Snoozy uses that method, it is not just conventional molded fiberglass bagged, but a different process all together using different material between layers. not necessarily lighter though.

[David B.]

[QUOTE=floyd;620702]LiL Snoozy uses that method, it is not just conventional molded fiberglass bagged, but a different process all together using different material between layers. not necessarily lighter. You're right Floyd. Our 2014 Lil Snoozy weighs 2500 lbs., but it is much more ridged than a comparable in weight Casita, as the Lil Snoozy does not require any internal structures to support the roof and walls (perhaps that is why the isle is wider and interior feels more open). It is a lot like a fiberglass speedboat in strength. I climb onto the roof all the time to clean & wax without any perceivable flexing, and I weigh 215 lbs.
Dave & Paula

[floyd]

Originally Posted by David B.

You're right Floyd. Our 2014 Lil Snoozy weighs 2500 lbs., but it is much more ridged than a comparable in weight Casita, as the Lil Snoozy does not require any internal structures to support the roof and walls (perhaps that is why the isle is wider and interior feels more open). It is a lot like a fiberglass speedboat in strength. I climb onto the roof all the time to clean & wax without any perceivable flexing, and I weigh 215 lbs.
Dave & Paula

You seem to think that it is a superior material/method and you have cited justification for that position.
I personally don't see it as such, and much prefer the conventional method used by virtually everyone else.
The Lil' Snoozy is, however, a fine trailer... far superior to a stickbuilt. (even those which can take standing on the roof.)
I suggest not standing on your roof though, micro cracks in the outer layer can result in spalling, especially when over a void.

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by kpinvt

Does anyone know if any of the egg manufacturers vacuum-bag their fiberglass layups to save weight?

I don't believe it is a layup method at all. You're thinking of layers upon layers of resin-impregnated fiberglass cloth, correct? But most of the egg trailers' bodies come out of a mold; I could be wrong, but I don't think it is a layering process.

[Ian G.]

Also check out the Nest Caravan, which was recently bought by Airstream. They probably use the most advanced composite construction. The floor is structural with the axle just being bolted to the floor pan. There is a very good thread on this forum which documents their construction.

[Sid]

Are we talking about vacuume bagging or vacuume infusing?
This web page contains a nice video explaining vacuume bagging...
Vacuum Bagging Equip and Supplies for Composites | Fibre Glast
And this is a link to one that covers vacuume infusion...
https://youtu.be/vXRfVJ_F9UQ

[Raz]

Space bags?.

[Raz]

Some pictures courtesy of Scamp

[Casita Greg]

Like most trailers, RV's, and boats, made from fiberglass, welcome to the world of the "chopper gun," as shown in the post above. Only the highest end production companies use vacuum bagging and composites (like the airplane manufacturers) or even use hand laid woven fiberglass matting and hand applied resins, due to the increased expenses and time involved during production. If they do some hand laid applications, they generally are only used in high stress areas that need to be reinforced for added strength.

[David B.]

Sid, the Lil Snoozy is sandwich core vacuum infusion.
Dave & Paula

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Casita Greg

Like most trailers, RV's, and boats, made from fiberglass, welcome to the world of the "chopper gun," as shown in the post above. Only the highest end production companies use vacuum bagging and composites (like the airplane manufacturers) or even use hand laid woven fiberglass matting and hand applied resins, due to the increased expenses and time involved during production. If they do some hand laid applications, they generally are only used in high stress areas that need to be reinforced for added strength.

Hi: Casita Greg... Escape's are hand laid woven fiberglass matt. Reace told me that to use a chopper gun he would need to install air handling systems for employee protection. He's not that into speeding up production.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Mike Magee]

In other words, Escapes are "high end" trailers at a mid range price!

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

In other words, Escapes are "high end" trailers at a mid range price!

Hi: Mike Magee... I couldn't have said it better myself!!! Here's a pic of our 5.0TA just out of the mold, in the all together, before the windows, etc, went in.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie
(Photo courtesy of Escape Trailer Ind.)

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Mike Magee... I couldn't have said it better myself!!! Here's a pic of our 5.0TA just out of the mold, in the all together, before the windows, etc, went in.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie
(Photo courtesy of Escape Trailer Ind.)

Great picture. Is it just the lighting, or can I see the vertical areas for the windows?

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Raz

Great picture. Is it just the lighting, or can I see the vertical areas for the windows?

Hi: Raz... Reace flattened out the area where the windows are installed rather than try to put them in a curved wall. Now the walls have been straightened to accommodate a flat RV style door/screen and also a power awning. Therefore doing away with awning support legs.
Escapes just keep on getting better!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Casita Greg]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Casita Greg... Escape's are hand laid woven fiberglass matt. Reace told me that to use a chopper gun he would need to install air handling systems for employee protection. He's not that into speeding up production.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Hi Alf,
It seems that Escapes are constructed to a higher standard than most of these little trailers are. I too appreciate hand laid woven fiberglass mat and resin construction. I used to have a Tolleycraft flybridge cabin cruiser, and it was also constructed that way. Again, more expensive to produce than chopper gun stuff, but the difference in strength and quality is, well let's just say there's no comparison in my book.

BTW, that's a nice looking rig, Alf. I also like the dual axles. Hope you have a lot of fun with her.
Greg

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Casita Greg

Hi Alf,
It seems that Escapes are constructed to a higher standard than most of these little trailers are. I too appreciate hand laid woven fiberglass mat and resin construction. I used to have a Tolleycraft flybridge cabin cruiser, and it was also constructed that way. Again, more expensive to produce than chopper gun stuff, but the difference in strength and quality is, well let's just say there's no comparison in my book.

BTW, that's a nice looking rig, Alf. I also like the dual axles. Hope you have a lot of fun with her.
Greg

Hi: Casita Greg... Thanks!!! We do have a lot of fun with "Escape Hatch II." Here's a pic of it ready to tow!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Casita Greg]

Nice looking rig my friend. Enjoy it!