One important decision is whether you will choose a trailer with aluminum or fiberglass siding.
Fiberglass or aluminum siding trailer.
We ve been looking for a new trailer and have a question regarding the relative merits of aluminum siding versus fiberglass.
Many rv owners prefer aluminum siding material because it s affordable and provides effective insulation.
Plus repairing specific areas on your rv is often easier with this type of siding as you can remove and restore just the damaged sections.
But aluminum has its virtues too.
Aluminum is also lightweight and allows you to pull your rv or trailer with lower capacity vehicles.
Fiberglass siding is also very durable and less prone to denting and peeling.
Aluminum siding is available in both smooth and corrugated styles.
One of the biggest benefits of aluminum siding is that it s very light notably it s lighter than fiberglass.
Not only is its sleek appearance aesthetically pleasing but it s also much easier to clean and maintain than aluminum.
This means that you can pull an aluminum travel trailer with a vehicle that has a lower carrying capacity.
Its cleanliness and resale value makes up for the initial price and the gas mileage savings don t hurt either when you are searching in the travel trailer market.
Aluminum is an incredibly common material for travel trailer siding to be made of and it s very effective.
Aluminum is easier to repair but harder to maintain.
The weight difference between aluminum sided and fiberglass sided trailers is minimal.
Pros and cons of fiberglass.
All rite custom manufacturing offers high quality rv siding available in aluminum or fiberglass options.
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.
Aluminum has a number of advantages over fiberglass.
Fiberglass are easy to maintain but require more effort to repair.
Fiberglass sided campers are generally glued to aluminum framing and solid foam insulation.
Fiberglass sides are smoothe whereas aluminum will have ridges for each piece of siding.
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.
Fiberglass is a relatively newer technology and is currently a popular rv siding choice for a variety of reasons.
In general fiberglass siding is a better choice for long term convenience and practicality.
If cost isn t a huge factor in choosing your rv fiberglass is the hands down winner.
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.
Painted aluminum siding normally holds up better than the laminate coatings on fiberglass.