Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

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mariner
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Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

Post by mariner »

Hi all. Choosing between lightweight ply and birch ply for my new units and wondering how significant the difference regards fuel economy is.

One of the retailers selling the lightweight ply claims it is 50% lighter than birch ply - how does this translate to savings in fuel? Prefer the birch finish but 50% sounds like it would make quite a difference considering the units are a permanent fixture.

Currently get around 250 miles from a full tank and have had the original units in (and they're not light!). How do the other materials stack up in comparison?

Thanks for any experiences/knowledge you can share.
1985 Super Viking with Subaru EJ22 (formerly 1.9 petrol DG)
1981 air-cooled 2.0 high top

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bat
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Re: Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

Post by bat »

I think the lightweight ply is also available with different facings, for a slight weight gain.
Personally, I would worry more about the overall legal weight of the van, than the fuel economy.

Regards Gary
Sheila's & Gary’s long-term project. A 1988 RHD diesel Syncro camper van.
1900 tdi ahu, on 235-79-R16 wheels & tires.
https://www.thebeast.blog 

mariner
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Re: Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

Post by mariner »

bat wrote: 14 Jun 2021, 13:47 I think the lightweight ply is also available with different facings, for a slight weight gain.
Personally, I would worry more about the overall legal weight of the van, than the fuel economy.

Regards Gary

The legal weight of the van? Why would that be a problem? It’s a standard T25 van conversion.
1985 Super Viking with Subaru EJ22 (formerly 1.9 petrol DG)
1981 air-cooled 2.0 high top

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R0B
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Re: Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

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Vhoringer board although not cheap is probably the best board to use.
2.1 LPG/Petrol Auto Caravelle

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bat
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Re: Lightweight ply v birch ply and fuel economy

Post by bat »

mariner wrote: 14 Jun 2021, 14:55
bat wrote: 14 Jun 2021, 13:47 I think the lightweight ply is also available with different facings, for a slight weight gain.
Personally, I would worry more about the overall legal weight of the van, than the fuel economy.

Regards Gary

The legal weight of the van? Why would that be a problem? It’s a standard T25 van conversion.
Probably just me worrying, but by the time I’ve loaded the van with the camping kit, of road recovery kit, extra fuel, tools, and a few other bits & pieces, I think I may be quite close to the limit, so anything fitted or available that has a lightweight option I’m all for.
 
Regards Gary
Sheila's & Gary’s long-term project. A 1988 RHD diesel Syncro camper van.
1900 tdi ahu, on 235-79-R16 wheels & tires.
https://www.thebeast.blog 

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