Choice of Vehicle / Motorhome

Bosun · Newbie

Choice of Vehicle / Motorhome

dave06 · Guru

Hey Rob welcome to the forum, as to materials used to do a fit out, well it all depends if one is to do a total ground up build, as I did a lifetime ago in which case it was a steel frame of 25 mm tubing and then 2" of sandwiched expanded polyurethane as an outside wall with yellowtongue flooring and 3 mm melamime lining

but if you are doing a simple fitout of an existing bus or van then then 10 - 15 mm mdf (medium density fibreboard) is the go, you may choose to use melamime for the finish but the mdf is usefull for cabinetry because

(1) it comes in big sheets (2400 x 600)
(2) economical to buy
(3) easily handled by one man
(4) easy to fasten
but if you have any questions then just ask, someone here will have the answer for you

Bosun · Newbie

Dave,
Thanks for the reply.
I was a furniture manufacturer for nearly 30 years so the actual construction is no problem. I was wondering if any lightweight materials are being used other than ply / timber frame or MDF. My preference is light framing and 3mm ply but have seen some aluminium / plastic sheeting around 3 or 4mm which is very light and strong. Just not sure how user friendly it is. Evidently it is a score and bend, the plastic core conforms to the shape and the aluminium is already finished in white, one side flat the other glossy??
The only killer is I don't know what it is called! Would certainly like to take a look at it for the weight factor alone.
There is little on line it seems of people doing a step by step fit out. Maybe something I'll look at when I get started.
Regards
Rob

twobob · Guru

Rob
I have some experience with plastic's. Mostly I have found that they age, that is outgas (dry out) over time, then become brittle. This is often seen where they are exposed to the sun and while that is mostly UV distruction of the outer surface, it is also outgassing at a greater rate.

Plastics have come a long way in my time using them, and I am sure they have got better since. Gee our motorcars are nearly all plastic nowdays. So I did a bit of research and think this is the product you are looking for, its called Alcotex, made by Mulfords, who have suppliers in Aussie

http://www.mulfordinternational.com//ProductIndex/Aluminium%20Composite%20Panel/Alcotex%20-%20Building%20Grade.htm

dave06 · Guru

rob seems I was preeching to the converted, I was a builder for over 20 years so I must immediately assume the person asking the question has little or no knowledge on the subject in question and give an answer accordingly, sometimes I slip on my bum!!

I did my last internal for a feller about twelve months ago in a nissan civillian, I used to do the carcase and ply consruction as well but found it was too fiddly and time consuming so I went across to mdf, it went like a dream and came up a treat, give it a coating of "two pak" and she came up like a bought one

the gear you mention sounds like the go as long as it user freindly and doesnt cut you to peices

I agree that plastics in the sun have a limited lifespan but if used internally "under bench" then that shouldnt be a cause for concern

Bosun · Newbie

Dave, Two Bob and all,
I have had no experience at all with the plastic/aluminium construction, hence the question. Maybe I'll leave it until more commonly used.
Sounds like good old ply / framing for me anyway.
Really appreciate the feedback from this group as there is precious little on line about constuction.
There is a Kiwi who has a Yahoo forum dedicated to Coasters although it will apply to just about anything else. Not much action there but it is hopefully a good link in time http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/6and7meter/?yguid=79454378
His direct link where you can see his fit out to date is
http://www.zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=bus_project
I found it very interesting.
Once again,
Thanks for the feed back
Regards
Rob