Travel Trailer Metal Siding Vs Fiberglass

We ve been looking for a new trailer and have a question regarding the relative merits of aluminum siding versus fiberglass.

Travel trailer metal siding vs fiberglass.

Replacing a fiberglass panel is either quite difficult or near impossible. This smooth quality will slip through the air much more easily than the bumpy metal making fiberglass trailers more aerodynamic than most of their aluminum counterparts. The latter will also be a little heavier trailer due to the extra weight of the luan plywood that backs the thin fiberglass siding. Another benefit of aluminum is its malleability.

Wavy fiberglass panels look worse than dented metal in my opinion. Aluminum siding is generally less costly than fiberglass and has better breathability which reduces condensation and the chance of mildew and mold growth on the trailer s interior. The main benefit of aluminum over fiberglass siding is its price. Dents in fiberglass look bad are difficult to repair and often leak.

It appears from the salesmen we ve talked to that aluminum has the advantages of overall trailer weight the ability to repair easily and cost. Metal panels are replaceable. That said usually a metal sided trailer uses wood framing and fiberglass insultation while the fiberglass sided trailer will use an aluminum frame and foam insulation. Fiberglass construction allows for a smooth sided rv whereas most aluminum trailers use a bumpy corrugated construction.

So if you re a first time buyer and want to make sure that the rv lifestyle is right for you aluminum siding is an economical choice. In general fiberglass siding is a better choice for long term convenience and practicality. Again were generally talking about travel trailers being lighter because when a camper is made with fiberglass siding most of the time the framing is aluminum tubing vs. The winner if cost isn t a huge factor in choosing your rv fiberglass is the hands down winner.

Aluminum is easier to repair but harder to maintain. Fiberglass sides are smoothe whereas aluminum will have ridges for each piece of siding. Vehicles with rv aluminum siding are typically much cheaper than their fiberglass counterparts.