Club 80-90 Forums

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.

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

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.

Vhoringer board although not cheap is probably the best board to use.

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