The Best Plastics for Caravan Parts

Australia is a nation of caravanners, with the latest statistics from Tourism Research Australia suggesting overnight trips are on the rise. While sleeping under the stars is always a novelty, not all caravans are created equal. The best caravans feature premium plastic parts and exceptional attention to detail.

Read on for an overview of some of the best plastics for manufacturing caravan parts in Australia.

Want to know more about what makes a great caravan in Australia? Or do you require standard, custom or aftermarket plastic fittings for your caravan? Get a quote online or call us on (08) 9353 3477.

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate offers superior weather resistance, making it perfect for external caravan applications. The amorphous thermoplastic performs well under both hot and cold temperatures, which is ideal for Australian caravans that are exposed to different climates.

ASA is easy to vacuum form, trim and fabricate, which keeps costs down and maximises versatility. Great abrasion and chemical resistance also give ASA the edge over other materials. ASA also boasts high impact resistance and can easily withstand dents, scratches and other imperfections that come with regular caravanning.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Offering excellent impact resistance and exceptional toughness and rigidity, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is ideal for manufacturing caravan parts. The highly versatile plastic stands up well against dents, scuffs and scratches and bonds well either using adhesive or solvent cement. It can also be painted, chrome plated and screen printed for aesthetic appeal.

From trim panels and gas bottle covers to caravan bathroom casing, ABS is used across the board. ABS can also be manufactured with a glossy finish that brings a stylish touch to caravan bathrooms and other interior areas. Technophiles will also recognise ABS as a popular material used in 3D printing.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)

Thermoplastic olephin is tough as nails, durable and resistant to UV. It offers low thermal expansion rates compared to other materials, which makes TPO ideal for manufacturing caravan parts. The weather-resistant credentials of TPO mean you’ll see it used to manufacture spare wheel covers, taillight panels and other exterior parts.

It endures the wind, rain and UV rays well, which means caravans manufactured with TPO parts stay looking newer for longer. While TPO is popular with outdoor caravan parts, it’s also used to manufacture interiors.

 

Ensure Your Caravan Has the Right Materials

At the end of the day, manufacturing caravan parts with premium plastics is a guaranteed way to increase performance and longevity. Rather than replace parts after a matter of years, BCJ Plastic Products is committed to getting it right the first time. From standard replacements to custom designs and aftermarket fittings, BCJ sets the benchmark for plastic caravan fittings in Australia.

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