RV manufacturers continuously look for opportunities to optimize vehicle weight.
Hardware is only one part of the total vehicle, but many small components are used throughout an RV.
These include: Locks, Handles, Hinges, Brackets, Drawer slides, Connectors, Rails
Reducing weight at the component level can contribute to the overall design objective.
A lightweight component should not simply be made thinner.
Engineering must consider:
· Material
· Geometry
· Wall thickness
· Load paths
· Reinforcement
· Manufacturing process
Aluminum alloy provides a useful combination of:
Low density + strength + die-casting capability + surface finishing
This makes it attractive for selected caravan hardware applications.
Lightweight hardware should still be evaluated for the intended application.
Testing may include:
· Cycle testing
· Load testing
· Salt spray testing
· UV testing
· Water resistance
· Dimensional inspection
Eastwu's website currently lists a dedicated Test Laboratory and dimensional/precision inspection capabilities. (worldwidervparts.com)
