New Finding!!!!

[whoofit]

Using a magnet with 2lb lift rating I found steel plates extending for 2-3 inches from each lighting fixture. Some only at the short sides and some around the full perimeter. When I think about it there needs to be something to screw into up there. Was hoping for Al but alas it is not so.

Also found one run of ceiling steel that cuts across the trailer perpendicular to it's length. It is directly in the center of the trailer.

Makes me wonder how all that steel is joined but I fear I know the answer already. They are thin steel plates that are glued there or "biscuited" into the foam using a hammer. Warms my heat really.

I demand Adamantium.


Science experiment over.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]So with all this interest I went to my 2013 pre-Thor 21RBS, magnets in hand, to check. Using a strong magnet I did find places around dual ceiling light fixtures and in the shower wall. The light fixtures probably have backing plates; the shower is an assembly from a third party vendor. I also detected weak attraction along ceiling joints and some places around windows. Again I think these are fastening and backing hardware. The areas I did find would not support a weak fridge magnet. This is like when we discovered some wood in the entry door construction. It's almost impossible, and certainly cost prohibitive, to insist all suppliers adhere to an all aluminum requirement. As long as the structure remains aluminum and the floor/walls/ceiling remain non-wood I think we're OK. What does concern me is Wcuhoppytoad's finding in the curved front wall. That needs explanation. Per Whoofit I'm not burning my trailer yet, though I hope it wouldn't (woodn't?) burn, but I'm keeping my old CL for now.
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[thedusty]

My 2016 21BHS is similar to what  CharlieM just described. I don't have anything like the pics by the original poster.

[djmiller]

I am sorry I must have missed these posts.  All of these instances are because of the metal backers used in the lamination process. These backers have been used in the construction of all of our products from day 1.
There are also stainless steel fasteners, but what I have seen here is all from backers.  Around all windows or anyplace where there may be a cabinet installed you will find them.  Even the round front wall in the travel trailers because there is an option for a front overhead bunk and when it is used there are also backers for the front overhead cabinets. Basically anything that fastens to the wall, unless it is on an existing aluminum tube will utilize a backer.  Screws just don't hold into lamination grade foam to well and the .030 steel backer sheet holds screws much better than the same in aluminum sheet.