Hi Everyone,
Wondering if there are any other makers of all aluminum framed motorhomes? Plus I think I may have
a new job starting east of downtown Denver. Anyone
have ideas where to live?
Any input appreciated.
Stillkickin

Older Airstreams (pre-Land Yacht) and older Safaris come to mind.

All motorhomes have a steel frame. The FMC has an aluminum structure for the body and interior.
Lou FMC #120

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your input.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Older Airstreams (pre-Land Yacht) and older Safaris come to mind.

hemi 354 what is fmc?

quote:

Originally posted by hemi354az (FMC #120):
All motorhomes have a steel frame. The FMC has an aluminum structure for the body and interior.
Lou FMC #120

Stillkickin - Google: FMC Motorhome

Hawkins Motor Coach (HMC) :http://hmcmotorhomes.homestead.com/HMC_Features.html

I'm thinking we have to clarify the term frame here. The underside drive train can be refered to as a frame but perhaps should be called the chassis. This is the part that comes from GM, Gillig, etc, and they are made of steel. The skeleton of the coach itself is also known as the frame, and most Barths are aluminum rectangular framing, as are a few other coaches. Barth takes it one step further and skins the outside with aircraft quality aluminum,[mostly]. Hope this makes sense and answers your question.

quote:

Originally posted by hemi354az (FMC #120):
All motorhomes have a steel frame. The FMC has an aluminum structure for the body and interior.
Lou FMC #120

No, not all motorhomes are on a steel chassis. Some, like FORETRAVEL Grand Villa and Unihome, were monoCoque.

Monocouqe has the skin carry the load between members. Many Motorhomes, then and now, were "semi-monoque" that had a big steel box for the rear end and rear suspension, and similar box or beam for the front suspension, with a lot of welded smaller box pieces in between. Latest Foretravels have two big beams that run full length. Interesting hair splitting about what really is monocoque construction. Aluminum airplanes are monocoque. Fiberglass and cloth covered airplanes are "semi monocoque". Steel boats since the Titanic are monocoque as the skin (riveted or welded) carries the load between stringers,spars,ribs,etc. My antique FMC has a steel two channel and perimeter "chassis" with ribs (16' centers ? never measured), and an aluminum box channel welded "upper frame" (one big piece after welding) that is rivited to the steel chassis, and has a top (one BIG piece) and bottom fiberglass exterior joined together and held to the aluminum frame by rivets at the overlap beltline, and at the bottom by rivets to the steel perimeter. It is NOT monocoque construction. Semi-monocoque ? Maybe so, even though it mixes steel and aluminum. Since the beginning of "slide-outs", construction of MH chassis/frame has become real complicated blurring the type of construction between, body on frame, semi-monocoque, and monocoque. In any case chassis/frame STIFFNESS is what is required, with the least weight, and sometimes cost. Lou, FMC #120.

Is there a problem with galvanic corrosion? Does anyone ever check? I would assume the only way is
to take them to the studs.

Hemi what do you do? You seem to know alot about the construction of the coaches/airplanes.

Stillkickin - I'm a RETIRED (2002) AeroSpace Engineer and and old Hot Rodder.
If you really interested please see:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/...rCoach/message/10142
which is my "technical history" posted as another fellow (School Bus Mechanic) and I were having a "difference of experience" (Note: NOT a difference of opinion) about fuel mileage on Propane (C3H8). He accused me of "cooking the books" although I had referenced only Published Government Data.

I only monitor this excellant Barth Website as the MCC Barth has a stretched FMC frame and suspension and some stretched/raised fiberglass exterior. This is the first I have commented as I really am only an "interested bystander". I happen to be a FMC owner, and have had fun "fixin' it up".

While Barth Owners are "blessed" with their Turd Fairy (noted many places thruout out this website), some of us FMC Owners refer to ourselves as Turd Polishers - from an old AeroSpace/HotRod saying - Some things are like polishing a turd . . . the harder you rub, the duller it gets.
Some of what I tell you is true ! Lou, FMC #120.

quote:

Originally posted by hemi354az (FMC #120):
Stillkickin - I'm a RETIRED (2002) AeroSpace Engineer and and old Hot Rodder.
If you really interested please see:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/...rCoach/message/10142
which is my "technical history" posted as another fellow (School Bus Mechanic) and I were having a "difference of experience" (Note: NOT a difference of opinion) about fuel mileage on Propane (C3H8). He accused me of "cooking the books" although I had referenced only Published Government Data.

I only monitor this excellant Barth Website as the MCC Barth has a stretched FMC frame and suspension and some stretched/raised fiberglass exterior. This is the first I have commented as I really am only an "interested bystander". I happen to be a FMC owner, and have had fun "fixin' it up".

While Barth Owners are "blessed" with their Turd Fairy (noted many places thruout out this website), some of us FMC Owners refer to ourselves as Turd Polishers - from an old AeroSpace/HotRod saying - Some things are like polishing a turd . . . the harder you rub, the duller it gets.
Some of what I tell you is true ! Lou, FMC #120.

Lou what are your thoughts on liquefied natural gas.Wally34ftmonarch-8.3 cummings6speed Alison-Sparton chassis.vancouver island b.c.

One topic at a time - AL framed MHs.
Has that CNG question already been discussed in this Forum ?
(Not suitable for a Motorhome, now or in the next 10 years)
Lou, FMC #120