Why Does Tighter Rivet Spacing Matter?
It’s so easy to get caught up in the beauty of a perfect rivet line that you forget that precise spacing also has an essential purpose. At Bowlus, we place each of the 5,000 high-quality rivets used to build our luxury RVs in exact precision.
Why do we go to such extraordinary lengths and pay so much attention to the details? Because rivet spacing matters. By using aircraft-grade structural rivets made from a strong aluminum alloy and placing them precisely apart, we add to the overall strength inherent in the Bowlus’ monocoque design.
With monocoque construction, the weight of the RV is supported by its skin, not a wood or aluminum frame. That makes the shell of the Bowlus structural, which is unique in the RV industry. We place the rivets closer together because that technique increases the already incredible tensile strength of our 2024 T3 aluminum sheets. As a result, our travel trailers have an incredibly strong body that’s built to last.
It also means the aluminum seams on a Bowlus are tight, just like you’d find on an aircraft. Why does that matter? Because it means there’s significantly less opportunity for weather-related water damage with a Bowlus.
Other aluminum RV manufacturers space their rivets further apart, which they can do because the skins of their RVs aren’t structural.
The next time you see a Bowlus, or when you’re standing on the jetway getting an up-close view of a Boeing while you’re waiting to board, take a moment to admire the rivet spacing. Now that you understand these beauties a little better, you’ll see why placing rivets exact precision is a critical component of quality – the quality you expect from Bowlus.