RV Manufacturers Lighten Load to Improve Fuel Efficiency

In addition to light-weight composite construction, RV manufacturers are introducing more aerodynamic designs, lighter-weight exterior and interior components, feather-light foam insulation and a host of other improvements to decrease the weight of RVs. Fuel and energy efficiency certainly head the list of goals, but some RV travel trailer manufacturers also aim to create RVs light enough to be pulled by the average 4-cylinder family sedan — and they’re getting closer.

At December’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Jayco showed off a new, aerodynamic, V-n0se front profile for its 2011 Skylark travel trailer. Jayco further streamlined the RV trailer by moving the air conditioner off the roof and repositioning it at the floor line. In addition to increasing aerodynamics, this lowered the trailer’s center of gravity, allowing Jayco to use a single axle system that further lightens Skylark’s load.

New RVs feature light-weight aluminum shell and frame construction instead of heavier wood. Some manufacturers are moving to even lighter-weight composites and experimenting with a variety of recycled content for exterior and interior features. One manufacturer is constructing shells out of a new durable Fiberglas.

RV manufacturers are also working to cut construction (and sales prices) by recycling and reusing construction materials. Construction scrap is being recycled into RV components like storage unit doors and light-weight cabinet doors.

With marketable hybrid RVs still in their infancy, decreasing RV weight seems to be the most effective way to increase RV fuel efficiency.

Comments

1. Flowtech Plastics
   
   August 16th, 2011 at 12:03 am

   In addition to increasing aerodynamics, this lowered the trailer’s center of gravity, allowing Jayco to use a single axle system that further lightens Skylark’s load.
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   Kelvin
   Flowtech Plastics