Winnebago's Thermo-Panel Construction "Panel Replacement" ?

[Erik Anderson]

Has Anyone ever done their own Duplication of the Thermo-Panels used by Winnebago in their first RV'S?. Other than the heat, pressing. It would seem possible to fabricate close to the original.

And as I have a Roof that has structural sagging. I Chose not to just brace up the panels and just add

an additional layer of thin, structural plywood. Or 3/4 inch T&G.  I have found a company that make newer stuff for trailers. But I would like to save the cost (if feasible) by fabricating then myself.

[Rich Thomas]

My sons wood shop in high school made some structures that needed vacuum bagged. they made them out of heavy plastic sheet and duct tape. then used the vacuum from a shop vac. it worked for them but, the panels weren't  very large.     

[david craft]

the industry is all about vacuum bonding now. vacuum bonding does seem feasible with a vacuum pump and a way to secure some tarp appliance over a slab floor with a roof panel inside. but a crown would be much more difficult. i thought about a 1x3 chunk of oak like a exposed beam but laid flat. construction adhesive then jack into place so that you get a crown. let it set and voila....or maybe no voila...lol. if you did several...you could run a 4x6 lengthwise to support all till set. just set them to clear the AC. thats my brainstorm...hehe

[Lakota Wolf]

Sorry about the typo grammer. typing on a tablet.

[Lakota Wolf]

On my old 72 chiefton I used 2x2 and tpaered the ends to resemble a truss. I made to roof supports and installed then at 16" centers to adjoing 16" on center wall studs. It put a 1/4 in rise in the center and snow and rain rain off the sides with no *lakes on the roof. As far as thermo bonding. I've always podered the same thing as if was doable and cost worthy to do as a D.I.Y. guy.