“Thermostat-Foil Arctic Insulation” - Gimmick or an actual difference maker?

[WolfPup14]

I’m looking at the WolfPup 14cc and noticed they also have a 14ccBL (BlackLabel Edition) available as well. The price difference is about $1,700.

Details here: https://www.forestriverinc.com/broch...upbrochure.pdf

The pros:
- Mirrored windows (so people can’t see in)
- Nicer countertops
- Nicer wood cabinets
- Frameless windows
- Softer mattress (although I’ve read it’s still terrible)
- Electronic Tongue Jack
- Fiberglass w/ extra insulation

The fiberglass upgrade from aluminum is the big one here obviously. Although a big consideration of mine is the extra insulation, given that it can get damn cold up in the mountains. The black label is a few hundred pounds heavier (due to the fiberglass).

I know the fiberglass “looks” nicer but that’s not a big deal to me. I’m mainly concerned about delamination, leaks, and cost of repair. From what I’ve read, aluminum is much easier to maintain. And less costly to repair. Curious if anyone has any experience with these two options. Thanks for your time.

[WolfPup14]

Considering getting a WolfPup 14CC and the Black Label edition has “ Thermo-Foil Arctic Insulation” as an added feature (on top of the fiberglass instead of aluminum siding). I go camping up in the mountains a lot so good insulation is a must. Considering whether or not it’s worth the upgrade.

Does this insulation really make any noticeable difference? Is fiberglass an upgrade over aluminum? I have significant maintenance concerns over fiberglass. Thanks.

[PDuB-IA2MI]

I bought a Black Label 16BHS.

Hard to say if the foil insulation makes a difference. I'd almost need to park next to a 16BHS that doesn't have it and do an overnight side-by-side comparison, I guess?!?

Here are my thoughts though: with fiberglass AND the foil insulation, I imagine the R-value is much higher than an aluminum sided rig without any of the foil. Aluminum will let the heat/cold right through, and the foil insulation works to reflect temperatures back/away (think of those silver mylar blankets they give people in emergencies).

Now, does that make the Black Label worth the $1500+ increase in cost? Maybe not.

When you're going Black Label, you're paying for the "sexy". [emoji1787]

[PDuB-IA2MI]

Originally Posted by WolfPup14

I go camping up in the mountains a lot so good insulation is a must. Considering whether or not it’s worth the upgrade.

What I do recommend is you looking into the Adventure Package upgrade. If you are looking to take your TT into the mountains, the axle, tire, and diamond plate upgrade is very much worth it. I was surprised how well Forest River did with that package, and only for around $500 add on.

Look at the lift difference between my trailer on the right, and a standard 16BHS on the left:

[WolfPup14]

Thanks! Yeah the fiberglass does look much much better IMO. But I keep reading that the fiberglass is prone to delaminiation and bubbling. And that repair is quite expensive in comparison to the aluminum. The weight difference is something we’re also considering.

[WolfPup14]

Ooh that is nice. I’ll look into that!

[NXR]

Essentially all motorhome are fiberglass so there must be a reason.

Ray

[Bob2019]

Had an aluminum sided rig one time. You will regret aluminum if you ever get hail. My neighbor had one that had the whole side was almost pounded flat. Go with fiberglass.

[Virginian]

Originally Posted by Bob2019

Had an aluminum sided rig one time. You will regret aluminum if you ever get hail. My neighbor had one that had the whole side was almost pounded flat. Go with fiberglass.

We had a severe hail storm right after we brought our aluminum sided Wolf Pup home. If you look along the side, you can see hundreds of little dents in it, on one side, but if you're facing the side from the street you don't see them. Luckily I had just installed the Maxxair cover over the bathroom vent, so that didn't get broken.
I would hate to drive through a hail storm with it though. Always a possibility.

[Bob2019]

Attached are some pictures of RV damaged at a campground that received hail. I didn't have any expensive to fix, but here are other campers that had it much worst. Every tow vehicle had lots of hail damage - nobody escaped having $3,000+ damage

1. Awning that is more ventilated.
2. Light broken from hail
3. A/C hail damage w/o guard

[Bob2019]

Went to fast - didn't attach pictures.

[PDuB-IA2MI]

Originally Posted by Bob2019

Attached are some pictures of RV damaged at a campground that received hail. I didn't have any expensive to fix, but here are other campers that had it much worst. Every tow vehicle had lots of hail damage - nobody escaped having $3,000+ damage

1. Awning that is more ventilated.
2. Light broken from hail
3. A/C hail damage w/o guard

Whoa!

That must have been noisy as all get out!!!

[PDuB-IA2MI]

Took a picture of the latch catch, you can see the foil insulation in there.