API Structural Solutions

API’s Proactive Engineering and the Call for Value-Forward Marketing

The Industry’s Silence on Wood Truss Limitations

For more than seventy-five years, the RV industry has relied on wood trusses for a roof construction method that dates back to the earliest travel trailers of the mid-20th century. In those days, simple wood framing supported walls and roofs that were then covered with metal skin. What began as a practical choice in the 1940s has remained the default approach, favored not because of its superior performance but because it is inexpensive and the “ease of production.”

Yet many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to market these wood trusses as “residential style construction,” implying a level of strength comparable to a well-built home. The comparison is misleading. A stationary house may be designed to withstand high winds, but it does not endure the constant vibration, twisting, and stress of highway travel or the uneven surfaces of campgrounds. In truth, wood trusses are appropriate for entry-level RVs, but they fall short of the durability demands and long-term value expectations of high-end recreational vehicles.

Misunderstanding the Strength of Aluminum

Compounding the issue is an industry-wide reluctance to educate consumers about the advantages of aluminum construction. In some cases, misinformation actively undermines the facts. A popular RV YouTube channel, for example, once compared aluminum trusses to an “aluminum pop can”—implying they are flimsy and easily crushed. If that were true, no one would ever trust the airplanes we board every day.

Aluminum comes in a wide range of alloys and tempers, many of which were pioneered by the aero-space industry, specifically developed to handle the extreme stresses of high-speed air travel. The aluminum industry uses temper designations to indicate strength levels, and when properly specified, these alloys combine light weight with remarkable resilience. Anyone who has worked with pre-bent tubing knows that high-strength, tempered aluminum exhibits elasticity and shape memory—it resists permanent deformation even when formed into a radius. By contrast, soft, low-temper aluminum bends easily but lacks structural strength.

API’s Engineered Solution

Recognizing these realities, over 20 years ago, Automated Products International (API) engineered its aluminum roof trusses to meet the RV market’s most demanding requirements. The roof system is the most load-sensitive structural component of any RV, and API quickly discovered that the standard temper tolerances used in the aluminum industry were not tight enough to guarantee the necessary performance.

To address this, API specifies a much tighter temper range from its extrusion mill suppliers—ensuring every truss delivers consistent strength and durability. While some customers have requested a softer, low-temper aluminum for “ease of production”, we have resisted lowering our standards. We believe that only a strong, precisely tempered aluminum truss can provide the longevity and long-term value that today’s high-end RV buyers expect.

Moving Toward Value-Forward Marketing

The time has come for the industry to break its “sacred oath of silence.” Wood trusses remain the low-cost option, but they are an outdated technology for premium recreational vehicles. Aluminum, when properly engineered and specified as API has done, offers a proven aerospace-grade solution. By educating consumers and boldly marketing the real benefits of aluminum roof trusses, manufacturers can set a new standard—protecting the value of their products and earning the trust of discerning RV owners.

API’s Vision

The same vision that inspired us in 2002 to begin creating a shapeable aluminum I-beam roof truss—patented and successfully introduced in 2004—continues to drive us today. It reflects the courage to go against industry norms and to push forward even when the “sacred oath of silence” insisted, “You’re trying to solve a non-existent problem.” That same innovative spirit now guides us to deliver structural solutions that set new standards for durability, ensure long-term performance, provide stronger structural warranties, and enhance the resale value that the consumer market so greatly deserves.

Introducing, the API Aluminum “Shapeable I-Beam” RV Roof Truss

Our shapeable I-beam truss is a patented product that was developed several years ago and was initially used by only a select group of RV manufacturers. Our very first customer still relies on our truss for every unit they build. With our current production capacity, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the benefits our truss offers.

Our truss boasts an engineered all-aluminum construction that is assembled using an automotive-style patented clinching system, which eliminates the need for welding or additional fasteners. This system ensures dimensional accuracy for a precise fit and easy installation. While slightly more expensive than wood trusses, our aluminum truss offers the advantages of being warp- and rot-resistant, providing superior durability and longevity.

Our 94" truss is impressively lightweight, weighing only 45 ounces. Despite this, it has a load rating of 350 lbs and can flex and return to its original shape while bearing loads over 400 lbs. It can withstand loads of up to 800 lbs before reaching its point of failure. It is the perfect combination of weight and strength, providing unparalleled performance while reducing unit weight. Its lightweight design helps to reduce fuel consumption and improve overall vehicle efficiency.

Customization is a key feature of our patented shapeable I-beam truss. We understand that each RV design has unique requirements, which is why we offer customization options to fit your specific needs. Our engineering department can work with you to create a truss that meets your exact specifications, whether you require a different shape, size, or load rating.

While we recognize that other supply options exist in the market, our aluminum truss is a real game-changer in the RV industry. Its lightweight construction, strength, durability, and customization options make it the ideal choice for those building and promoting a lightweight aluminum-framed travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome. Don't compromise on quality, upgrade to API's aluminum truss, today, and enjoy the benefits of the best in the market!

We’re located conveniently in LaGrange, Indiana. Contact us at 260-463-2515
Or contact Dennis Tucker, of Dart Sales, at 574-596-4013

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