Composite or Aluminum ?

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Bernard
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Joined: October 30th, 2017, 11:00 pm

New member

Post: # 19789Post Bernard
October 30th, 2017, 11:11 pm

Hi newby here :) anyways
I have a 1994 Suntrekker in great condition for its age and now thinking of upgrading, I like the idea of fibreglass as its easy to repair etc, so my question is, fibreglass or aluminium?

Also any feedback re the Apollo brand much appreciated,B

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zildjian
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Joined: September 8th, 2013, 3:30 pm

Re: New member

Post: # 19792Post zildjian
October 31st, 2017, 7:22 am

Good morning Bernard and welcome, lots of information here on what to buy next, Suntrekker campers are of course still popular as good examples remain watertight years after they were made,
what would you like in terms of interior fitments on next camper?

Mike
Posts: 236
Joined: August 23rd, 2014, 8:36 pm
Location: near Yeovil

Re: New member

Post: # 19793Post Mike
October 31st, 2017, 9:13 am

Hello and welcome, ask lots of questions here as there is a wealth of knowledge.
2008 Ford Ranger 3.0 Wildtrack
Nomad ( Ranger ) Demountable

TheWalshyWay
Posts: 65
Joined: October 5th, 2017, 10:01 am

Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 19794Post TheWalshyWay
October 31st, 2017, 9:41 am

Hi nubie here , I have a Suntrekker since 1994 and am now thinking about an upgrade! I like the idea of the Suntrekker fiberglass shell as it's easy to repair and reseal . So my Question is what are people's thoughts on Aluminum outer shells v composite ? Also any feedback on the make "Apollo " would also be appreciated.

B.

TheWalshyWay
Posts: 65
Joined: October 5th, 2017, 10:01 am

Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 19823Post TheWalshyWay
November 2nd, 2017, 9:28 pm

Hi, re outfitting ! Currently on the road down Portugal way for the last 7 weeks and we have a tent type shower cubicle that stands inside the door works fine but..... So a built in shower/ toilet would be nice and then a bed that sleeps across the cab rather than a semi pull out. My pickup is a 2011 Isuzu Rodeo Single cab so that's it really. Again any feedback re the Apollo brand ?

B.

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zildjian
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Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 19826Post zildjian
November 2nd, 2017, 9:52 pm

Evening, Portugal sounds pretty good about now I must say!

Washroom with toilet on nearly all but most modest Tischer campers of Germany, if people are happy to make do without the weight saving is attractive to many, that said the amount of water needed for what most people would call a 'shower' will quickly empty an 80L onboard freshwater tank.
better where possible to use facilities on campsites & aires

all these campers feature the bed in overcab and frankly that's the selling point for many, having a bed there waiting that doesn't need space creating to make it up at all is a BIG plus for us.

Single cab campers are still available and that configuration of truck/camper offer best weight distribution and floor space.

I'm guessing you are asking about Apollo as they appear for sale more readily here in UK, and in reply I would suggest strongly buying a damp meter to take along with you on viewings as their leakiness is well documented here,


nothing that can't be fixed if caught in time and for someone handy with the tools

TheWalshyWay
Posts: 65
Joined: October 5th, 2017, 10:01 am

Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 19828Post TheWalshyWay
November 2nd, 2017, 11:50 pm

Thanks for the reply, the Tischer and Apollo are Aluminum skinned, are there any Fiberglass/ Composite brands ?

B.

FinAde
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Joined: September 16th, 2014, 8:13 am
Location: Somerset, nr Wedmore

Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 19835Post FinAde
November 3rd, 2017, 5:13 pm

Hello and welcome B.
Having had both an Apollo and currently a Tischer. They are very different.
The Apollo has a timber frame with a plywood outer layer with an outer skin (depending on its age) of aluminium or fibreglass. I believe Apollo now use a thin fibreglass skin rather than an aluminium one. The wall thickness is approx 22mm-24mm.
The Tischer has bonded layers of inner wall, insulation and outer aluminium skin . Approx 40mm. This construction is much lighter, stronger and more water resistant.

I believe SBS Adventure Campers (Gary) have a range of campers using composite materials. Website link at the top of the page.
Tischer 230
VW Amarok

Lost in the wilds
Posts: 100
Joined: February 6th, 2015, 10:57 am

Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 26090Post Lost in the wilds
June 11th, 2019, 10:10 am

Anyone know if any part of a Tischer skin is fibreglass? Or is it all aluminium?

Thanks, Chris

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saDgit
Posts: 336
Joined: August 24th, 2014, 12:17 pm
Location: Aups, France (most of the time)

Re: Composite or Aluminum ?

Post: # 26091Post saDgit
June 11th, 2019, 2:53 pm

Lost in the wilds wrote:
June 11th, 2019, 10:10 am
Anyone know if any part of a Tischer skin is fibreglass? Or is it all aluminium?

Thanks, Chris
Both Chris. The 'Box' range are all aluminium. The 'Trail' models have a composite roof and luton.
Martin

Previous demountables: Island Plastics 'Suntrekker' on P100, S.Karosser 'EC8L' on Ranger supercab, self-built pop-top on Ranger double cab
Current demountables: Rhino 'Safari' hardside on Ranger double cab

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