DW and I have been thinking for quite some time about upgrading to a TT. For a while we were set on a quad bunk trailer with rear queen slide. Now we're thinking about a walk around queen with either quad bunks or at least bunks...
As we look at trailers, it seems that the higher lines in general are aluminum framed with fiberglass siding. Yet as I read posts, I occasionally run across people saying they've never come across fiberglass trailers that aren't delaminating. The aluminum trailers seem to last forever if cared for. So, I thought I'd ask the experts what you all think--what's the best construction? Advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass siding vs. aluminum siding? Wood or aluminum framing?
I was told a while back that aluminum framing with fiberglass sides is ok, but wood framing with fiberglass sides is not. The reason is the wood framing can warp and twist which would be very obvious with smooth fiberglass sides. It makes sense to me. Stick with aluminum framing/fiberglass sides or wood framing/aluminum siding. I have had both and prefer the way the fiberglass looks. One does not seem to function any better that the other. Although aluminum siding dents more easily, it is far more easy to repair....simply replace the damaged piece.
I've wondered the same thing. You'll get alot of people on here who say 'wood frames are just fine' or 'wood is better than aluminum' I'm no expert, but I think aluminum frames are better. They quit making airplanes out of wood about 70 or 80 years ago. I don't think all fiberglass siding delaminates, but you always hear about it when it does. Alot of the de-lam posts I've seen on here seem to be from certain manufacturers. If you're going to go with fiberglass I'd look for a mfr who's been using it for a few years without problems. Anytime something is new to a manufacturer there can be quality issues. Probably smooth aluminum siding is the best, but very few offer it. Quality fiberglass would be second best, but as you've pointed out, even the 'rippled' aluminum siding can last forever if it's built right to begin with. Look at airstreams, they're some of the most expensive and highest quality TTs made... Aluminum frames (in the walls) and aluminum siding.
Aluminum framing does not rot. Fiberglas walls typically have more snappy graphics and, I think, are easier to clean but heavier and more expensive. It should be higher resale.
We have aluminum framing and fiberglass walls, front, and back.
BTW, there are no experts out here. By definition, an expert is someone that is more than 50 miles from the factory (or I think that's what it means).
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
I prefer fiberglass over aluminum siding and the Gel coat fiberglass is a must but its just now getting popular and not alot of manufactures are using it yet. I have had both types of fiberglass and the gel coat is far superior to the older type. JMHO
We have a aluminum frame with the rippled aluminun sides, (2005 Komfort)
I wanted the fiberglass sides but they were 2500.00 more. I do think the framing is the most important, I would go for the aluminum..
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