Livin' Lite Forum

QuickSilver => General Q & A => Topic started by: N.AL.TC2013 on March 02, 2017, 02:52:59 PM

Title: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: N.AL.TC2013 on March 02, 2017, 02:52:59 PM
Hello,

Our TC was built in the good old days when LL placed aluminum roofs on them.  I have been wondering if the Toy Haulers also used to have aluminum roofs.  I know they do not have them now.  If they did, anyone know what year models had the aluminum roofs?  We are looking to have a toy hauler after we retire and sell the TC (not for several years yet), and we would only want something with an aluminum roof (like ATC still makes them).

Thanks,
Del
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: tbrady on March 02, 2017, 03:53:35 PM
Just curious, what's the downside of the current model's roof?
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: djmiller on March 02, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Quote from: N.AL.TC2013 on March 02, 2017, 02:52:59 PM
Hello,

Our TC was built in the good old days when LL placed aluminum roofs on them.  I have been wondering if the Toy Haulers also used to have aluminum roofs.  I know they do not have them now.  If they did, anyone know what year models had the aluminum roofs?  We are looking to have a toy hauler after we retire and sell the TC (not for several years yet), and we would only want something with an aluminum roof (like ATC still makes them).

Thanks,
Del

Yes the did but they also had a flat roof.  We then went to a bowed roof to prevent water pooling and it also allowed us to add more insulation, (more open space in the rafters). When we added a round front end along with the bowed roof things got a bit messier as aluminum does not like to bend in more than one direction.  It was the same progression with the travel trailers. In looking for a solution the Superflex roof solved not only the wrinkling aluminum but we added an additional layer of Azdel under the Superflex that added even more Rvalue.

It was a win/win.  One of the biggest differences in the current LivinLite and ATC is our have vacuum bonded 1-1/2" sidewalls with only one horizontal seam.  Our older Toyhaulers were built the same way ATC does now utilizing vertical aluminum sheets and 3M HighBond tape on the sidewalls to give it a smooth screw-less laminated look. 

Our sidewalls are also 1-1/2" thick vs their 1".... offering not only a higher r value but the fact that they are vacuum bonded offers a more structurally sound unit.  I work for LivinLite and you expect the sales pitch I know...... LOL.  Check their specs.
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: N.AL.TC2013 on March 03, 2017, 08:36:11 AM
Thanks for the replies.  Why not the newer style roof?  Well all types of rubber roofs do not last as long as aluminum roofs do.  Leave a rubber roofed RV out in the elements and the roof will suffer.  Leave an aluminum roofed RV out in the elements and the roof will only get dirty.  There are many other examples of this line of thinking: fiberglass, plastic, kevlar ... canoes will suffer a lot from UV light exposure, but aluminum canoes can stay outside with no ill effect.  Tape the seams on an aluminum roof with Eternabond tape and you will have even less to worry about.  If you want to lessen the heating of the aluminum roof, it can be painted white to reflect the heat.  Repairing small holes in an aluminum roof is quick and easy, no so with a rubber style roof.  Heck, just look at home roofing, what is the longest lasting?  The metal roofs that are so popular right now.

We have been RVing since 1989 (Palomino Pony pop-up), and I have been driving down the highway and have seen, on a few occasions, rubber roofed RVs with large bubbles (2-3 feet long and 6-12 inches tall) in the roof as they drive down the road.  I doubt the owners even know what is going on up there.  Some people will talk about aluminum roofs being too loud during rain ....  We have only had aluminum roofed RVs (that 1987 pop-up, 1996 HR Aluma Lite TT, 1987 Avion, 1988 Avion, 2006 Pace converted cargo trailer, an now our 2013 Livin Lite TC), and we have never had any issues with roof noise (camped in 41 states so far).  So in OUR OPINION, we will only own aluminum roofed RVs (and all higher end RVs use either metal or fiberglass roofs).

Now on to the other construction points... I did not know about that wall thickness difference, so thanks for that info.  I had heard why the change was made as it was mentioned in another forum awhile ago, or I read it somewhere online.  I am assuming the flat roof in the older LLs must have been water traps and that was the issue?  I will have no problem with that once I tape all seams and keep the front of the RV slightly higher than the rear.  So for us, we will be looking for an older unit once we are ready for the change... not soon enough :(

So again, thanks for the replies.  The opinions expressed above are my own and simply me explaining our preferred choice of aluminum roofs over other types.

Take care,
Del
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: davidb on March 04, 2017, 08:30:19 PM
We have a 2013 Livin Lite Quicksilver toyhauler with the aluminum roof, I washed the roof a couple of days ago and it looks new again. It's easy to spot the rafters and I walk on them when I'm working up there.

The drawback to the flat roof is the air conditioner (and rain) will pool water and you need to set the trailer up with the tongue higher.

I pulled the air conditioner (3 times the first year)) and built up the square opening with shims between the roof and rafters to eliminate water pooling in that particular area.

I agree that the roof structure is thinner than the rubber roof models which causes the air conditioner to be extremely loud, fortunately we try to camp in cooler climates in the summer months and rarely have to run the AC.

I also have the screwless exterior sidewalls but carry plenty of original type self tapping screws just in case.

(http://i.imgur.com/IYF89yJl.jpg)                           (http://i.imgur.com/WAk6cMIl.jpg)


(http://i.imgur.com/fgfPyNZl.jpg)

Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: dannyk58 on September 07, 2017, 12:50:55 PM
Quote from: Dan Miller on March 02, 2017, 04:07:29 PM
Quote from: N.AL.TC2013 on March 02, 2017, 02:52:59 PM
Hello,

Our TC was built in the good old days when LL placed aluminum roofs on them.  I have been wondering if the Toy Haulers also used to have aluminum roofs.  I know they do not have them now.  If they did, anyone know what year models had the aluminum roofs?  We are looking to have a toy hauler after we retire and sell the TC (not for several years yet), and we would only want something with an aluminum roof (like ATC still makes them).

Thanks,
Del

Yes the did but they also had a flat roof.  We then went to a bowed roof to prevent water pooling and it also allowed us to add more insulation, (more open space in the rafters). When we added a round front end along with the bowed roof things got a bit messier as aluminum does not like to bend in more than one direction.  It was the same progression with the travel trailers. In looking for a solution the Superflex roof solved not only the wrinkling aluminum but we added an additional layer of Azdel under the Superflex that added even more Rvalue.

It was a win/win.  One of the biggest differences in the current LivinLite and ATC is our have vacuum bonded 1-1/2" sidewalls with only one horizontal seam.  Our older Toyhaulers were built the same way ATC does now utilizing vertical aluminum sheets and 3M HighBond tape on the sidewalls to give it a smooth screw-less laminated look. 

Our sidewalls are also 1-1/2" thick vs their 1".... offering not only a higher r value but the fact that they are vacuum bonded offers a more structurally sound unit.  I work for LivinLite and you expect the sales pitch I know...... LOL.  Check their specs.

I am about to order an ATC, but still looking at the Ford Livin Lite Toy Hauler, but have heard rumors of Livin Lite not being all aluminum and using composites in the floors and such, so you tell me why is your better than ATC as it seems like they are tops, but yes they cost more and another reason I am still in the market for a Living Lite Ford TH. Thanks.
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: djmiller on September 07, 2017, 02:42:36 PM
Yes at one time the Toy Haulers had an aluminum roof.  The roof was flat.  As soon as we went to a bowed roof and bowed front end we went to a superflex roof.
Aluminum does not like to bend in two directions. LOL. ATC makes a good unit.  After all their original design was ours. They do some cool stuff.
Geeze thanks Danny I didn't see your post below.... saves me typing.

One additional point.  I am betting ATC would laminate or vacuum bond their sidewall if they had the capability in house.  The reason I say that is for many years we utilized the same 3M UHB tape and procedure to offer a screwless exterior but it does not adhere well in certain areas of the county because of thermal expansion. They know that also and is apparent if you examine their warranty.  It states the repair is limited to screws or rivets.   Also nice to have 1 seam rather than every 48" or less.

You may see a few of our new toyhaulers in a one piece super gloss fiberglass which really looks nice.  But that is an option.  The floors are the same Aluminum extrusion we have used for years. I personally would order mine without the lino but standard it comes covered in lino.

-Dan
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: dannyk58 on September 26, 2017, 10:24:27 AM
why would you skip the linoleum?

So the Ford model is a fiberglass wall?

What's the pro and con on the Ford vs Quicksilver?  (I like the aluminum cabinets better on QS, but I like the frameless windows and the bedroom window better on the Ford) Not a fan of the beige though.
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: djmiller on September 27, 2017, 06:58:44 AM
Personally I think if you're buying a Toy hauler it is to haul toys.  My Harley,  and D-rings through a vinyl covered aluminum floor just don't go together.
If your really hauling toys and care what the floor looks like you're going to be replacing the linoleum often.

Yes the Ford is a fiberglass exterior.  However we are changing most of the product lines to fiberglass soon as the Aluminum is difficult to repair and dents easily.
You can at this point still get the aluminum exterior if you like however.

Regards,
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: Paul on September 27, 2017, 07:37:16 AM
Quote from: Dan Miller on September 27, 2017, 06:58:44 AM
Personally I think if you're buying a Toy hauler it is to haul toys.  My Harley,  and D-rings through a vinyl covered aluminum floor just don't go together.
If your really hauling toys and care what the floor looks like you're going to be replacing the linoleum often.

Yes the Ford is a fiberglass exterior.  However we are changing most of the product lines to fiberglass soon as the Aluminum is difficult to repair and dents easily.
You can at this point still get the aluminum exterior if you like however.

Regards,

Hi Dan, is 2018 model the last one you can order with aluminum side? It will all be Fiberglass in the future?
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: djmiller on September 27, 2017, 08:13:57 AM
Not officially yet Paul but I believe that is the plan.  Depends on feedback they got from the show.
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: DocktorJJ on September 29, 2017, 12:13:54 AM
Oh great I guess Air Stream another Thor product will soon be Fiberglass also?
Title: Re: Did the Toy Haulers ever have an aluminum roof
Post by: angelajonesepdm on April 09, 2020, 06:19:10 AM
Perhaps the rarest material used for RV roofs is aluminum. It's fairly unlikely that you will find an RV aluminum roof — with some notable exception (like the iconic Airstream trailers). Like fiberglass, aluminum adds weight to the RV. However, an aluminum RV roof has fairly low maintenance. It's important to understand the type of material your RV roof is made of, because each different type has various care and maintenance needs. Liquid RV Roof can be applied to various metal roofing systems including weathered Aluminum and weathered copper.