Fiberglass or Aluminum?

[WayneS345]

We currently have a '21 Forest River 21FBRS and have enjoyed using it the last two seasons. We have decided with our three dogs, it's just not big enough so we're looking at larger TTs. The 21FBRS has a fiberglass exterior and a couple of the longer units we're looking at have aluminum exteriors. Looking for your experience on what you think of both exteriors and the pros and cons. Looking at a 2022 FOREST RIVER PUMA 27RLSS and we really like the layout and interior just not sure of the aluminum exterior. Thanks.

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the General Community Discussion section to the General TTs/5th Wheels Discussion section since the OP's questions are specific to trailers.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Forest River Forums mobile app

[WayneS345]

Sorry about that, still learning to navigate the forums. Thanks.

[HangDiver]

https://www.glrv.com/blog/aluminum-v...ass-rv-siding/

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

https://www.glrv.com/blog/aluminum-v...ass-rv-siding/

^^^^ Read this.
Fiberglass comes out the winner.

[flyflotrtim]

3x Fiberglass. Better resale, easier to maintain, bit more expensive though.

[Aussieguy]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

https://www.glrv.com/blog/aluminum-v...ass-rv-siding/

read the comments in the article
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I like both especially the smooth look of fiberglass
but ended up buying aluminum..

because I like the inside layout #1 before anything else
cost #2
equipment #3

cladding.... did not come into the equation ... both have their + and -

It is just a bit harder to deal with adding stuff to the outside ... screwing stuff to the uneven aluminum.

[NMWildcat]

I have had both. I probably prefer fiberglass overall, but I also liked the aluminum. The aluminum definitely did not fade as fast as fiberglass. Just harder to use a buffer on

[5picker]

I've had several of both.
Both did equally well.

As Aussie says... the outer cladding would not sway my decision as to what R/V I'd buy.

Way too many other important factors.

[llr]

I was leaning to fiberglass a few years ago do to easier cleaning and looks.

Then I went in 2 different Forest River TTs at a dealer at the same time. I forget the models and brands but they were side by side and the same length and floorplan. It was a hot day and the aluminum one was so hot I could only stand to be in it a couple of minutes. The fiberglass one was also hot but no problem staying in it as long as I wanted. After this I never looked at aluminum again.

[Aussieguy]

whatever the style / type of cladding
find a good SOFT RV BRUSH and a lot of detergent keeps them looking good

I have the brush with detergent stored in the handle and can turn it off / on as required

spray ...scrub with a good detergent... rinse
only takes about 20 minutes unless I go up on the roof

[TowPro]

Aluminum don't delamanate.

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

^^^^ Read this.
Fiberglass comes out the winner.

I read it and aluminum was the better choice.

[TeachTexas]

Being in an area prone to hail, aluminum is not the first choice. A few trailers back I had an aluminum sided trailer. One hail storm and I had a golf ball sided aluminum trailer. Have had only fiberglass since and after a few hail storms none had any issues except plastic covers on roof.

[debit]

But what about the framing of the TT? Is it metal or wood?



We have fiberglass and love it.
_____________________________
Ram 2500 / FR Surveyor 251rks

[simiHal]

Everyone has their own must haves in an rv. For me #1 was Azdel so no wood frame and denting like aluminum cladded sides and no delamination like fiberglass. From there if you research you can find just about any floor plan that will fit your needs.

[Aussieguy]

But the adzel is the board that attaches to the frame... it is covered by fiberglass on the outside?

[TowPro]

the promise with adzel is that it will not rot like the 1/4" underlayment they have been using under the fiberglass that disintegrates when it gets damp, causing delamanation.

[larry2c]

We've had both and as others mentioned, the painted aluminum seems to stay shiny longer - at least in the So Cal sun. However, decals on both go south just as quick and if you want to replace them on a corrugated aluminum skin it will be much more of a PIA than on the smooth fiberglass.

[jpforsyth]

Aluminum is more repairable from water infiltration. Owned one for 23 years. Own a fiberglass unit now for 9 years and I am fighting a fading front cap. Does not look as good ad the aluminum sided unit at 9 years.