All Rivets are Not the Same

Not all rivets are created equal, so knowing how to tell the difference is important. Do you know how to spot a high-quality rivet versus a cheaper one that won’t stand the test of time? It’s simple – look for the dimple.

High-quality rivets, like those used in the construction of every hand-crafted Bowlus RV, have a small dimple in the center of the head. At Bowlus, we only use authentic structural aircraft rivets made of a special 2117 aluminum alloy. We use these special rivets because, in the action of riveting, the temper of the rivet actually changes to match the incredible strength of the 2024 aluminum copper alloy we use for the skin of our travel trailers.

In fact, everything about the superior fit and finish of Bowlus’ aluminum work mirrors the exacting standards required of aircraft manufacturers. Just like those in the aerospace and aviation industry, we use monocoque construction when building our luxury RVs. What that means is that the weight of the RV is supported by its skin, which is unique in the RV industry.

That’s right, the shell of a Bowlus is structural, just like an eggshell. For that reason, the rivets we use must also be structural. The result is a travel trailer with an incredibly strong body that’s built to last for generations to come.

Now, compare that to the softer, cheaper, dimple-free rivets used by others in the RV industry. Designed for only low-stress applications, their rivets are non-structural, and that means they’re simply not as strong as what you’ll find on a Bowlus.

There’s one other major consideration when it comes to rivets that we should talk about, and that’s the exceptional skill set needed to deliver the high-performance vehicle you’ve come to expect from the Bowlus brand. As you can imagine, meeting the exacting standards we require calls for technicians with years of experience. You can rest assured that the men and women hand-crafting your Bowlus have that experience, and they take pride in their work – right down to each and every rivet.