Sandwich composites were chosen by Jiajia
RV for its LY-S3 model in order to reduce
weight, improve strength and stiffness and
increase the caravan’s insulation values. The
reduction in weight contributes directly to
reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle
used for towing the caravan and, at the same
time, braking efficiency is improved.
By improving the insulation values Jiajia
RV has reduced the energy consumption of
the air conditioning system.
The increased strength and stiffness properties of sandwich composites has allowed Jiajia RV to increase the usable interior space by eliminating completely the framework and bulkheads that are necessary in more traditional caravan construction.
Diab Technical Services has been
working very closely with the Jiajia team to
develop the vacuum infusion molding process
that is used to manufacture all the sandwich
panels. The combination of sandwich
cores and the vacuum infusion process has
enabled Jiajia RV to achieve very high fiber
fractions and to optimize laminate quality
and surface finish.
The body of new LY-S3 model is 4.32
meters long, 2.34 meters wide and 2.2 meters
high (14 ft. x 7.7 ft. x 7.2 ft.) and weighs
only 1,000 kg. (2,204 lb). It is designed to
accommodate three people and is capable
of being towed at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
(56 m.p.h.). The LY-S3 is fitted with a super-
silent 3600W Cummins Onan power
generator, a 5 kW air conditioning unit
and features AL-KO elastomeric torsion
suspension and an AL-KO braking system.
Its ‘full specification’ interior includes as
standard a sofa bed, gas powered hob unit,
water sterilizer, refrigerator, wall cupboard
and toilet room. Optional extras include
roof mounted 135 Watt solar panels that are
fully adjustable for maximum efficiency.
Since the launch of LY-S3, Jiajia RV is
now developing a 6.6 meter (21.7 ft.) long
model. Both models will be presented
to domestic and international customers
at the forthcoming Auto Shanghai
Exhibition (21 - 28 April, 2011).
www.jiajiarv.com