Which model has all aluminum frames? tandem axles

[racng69]

Im looking for aluminum framing, with tandem axles.

First time campers, but want aluminum ( we think?)

Which model is the best bang for the buck? new or a few years old.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by racng69

Im looking for aluminum framing, with tandem axles.

First time campers, but want aluminum ( we think?)

Which model is the best bang for the buck? new or a few years old.

Nearly every smooth filon-sided trailer has aluminum framing vs the stick and tin trailers which are almost always wood framing.
As to which model, FR probably has over 60 different trailer brands. So every brand could caim to be the best bang for the buck.
For travel trailers, IMHO the Rockwood/Flagstaff lines are my vote for best bang for the buck.

[racng69]

thanks. yes im seeing so many different models that its hard to even comprehend them all. lol

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by racng69

thanks. yes im seeing so many different models that its hard to even comprehend them all. lol

There's no substitute for viewing each brand in person.
If you want aluminum framing, eliminate any stick and tin brand. As far as I know, all of them have wood framing. They are also heavier, compared to the same size trailer with filon siding and aluminum frames.

[dustman_stx]

The Riverside Retro is aluminum framed with aluminum skin. Not aware of any FR product that is.

[tomkatb]

We spent two years shopping.

Good luck!

We changed thoughts several times. We have a fiberglass shell, aluminum studs glued and screwed frame over the steel base. 2018 CC Hathaway 34RE.

There are pluses and minuses to EVERYTHING.

Get a nice document box to store literature.

Ask specific questions here.

Questions. Style of camping. Lots or little driving? Boondock, most new rv’s are not sold ready to overnight without shore power. How many folks

Shop hard! Dealers can be As#$&@‘s. Trust none. Sign little.

One day you will stumble on the one that fits you best.

Airstream is the most pricey. Aluminum siding is typical of cost leader trailers. I.E. cheap.

Read these pages often. Much to be learned.
.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by bikendan

There's no substitute for viewing each brand in person.

X2
Spend time in them. Hop on the bed, sit in the seats for a while and I just do not mean five minutes. Hop in the shower, sit on the toilet. Open cupboards and stand at the kitchen sink for a few minutes.
Start a spreadsheet(if able) of must haves and what each model has.
Take pictures, even of what you do not like in a camper.
Hopefully there are dealers near you who let people roam the lots freely.

[Palinduff]

Personally I wouldn’t buy anything but stick and tin. Lower cost, longer lasting finish, no worries of delaminating.

[llr]

Originally Posted by Palinduff

Personally I wouldn’t buy anything but stick and tin. Lower cost, longer lasting finish, no worries of delaminating.

And I would not buy a stick & tin, even though I agree with your pluses.

The smooth sides are easier to wash and wax and I think they look better. The biggest reason is the fiberglass sided seem to be better insulated. I was looking a two trailers, same size and layout, these were next to each other on a hot day. The fiberglass one was very hot inside but I didn't feel like I had to rush looking. The stick & tin was so hot I only made it half way in and had to turn around and leave before I passed out. I was leaning fiberglass before this but this confirmed it.

Everyone has their own opinion which is why they still make both types and all the other options. And why shopping for a camper can be so confusing

[5picker]

As one can tell from the replies... tough decision.

"Best bang for the buck???"... highly subjective and what is a good deal for me, (both money and options) may not be for you or anyone else.

There is no substitute for attending a LARGE R/V show and doing your due diligence.

Buying a R/V is a significant outlay of cash, don't start your R/V experience without doing your homework.