We've been looking at several fifth wheels and trailers. Most have fiberglass exterior but there are some lighter weight ones with a metal siding. Have heard them referred to as "stick built." We're novices at this, so I would like some information on the pros and cons of the different exteriors. Thank you.

They are both "stick built". One covered with aluminum siding, the other covered with fiberglass siding. Mostly a matter of personal preference.

Never heard of an RV referred to as a "stick built". A house or building yes, RV no. Sorry....

So the way they are built is the same, and just a different exterior?

Stick Built refers to the framing of the side walls, not the exterior covering. It means the wall frames are made of wood. (Similar to the inside of the walls of many homes) The other option for framing is aluminum. For the exterior siding the most common siding, in no particular order, are: 1. Aluminum 2. Filon, 3. Fiberglass.Hope this helps.

RV trailers are built in different ways, and have different issues - each manufacturer is a bit different. Aluminium sided exteriors could have wood framing - literally "stick-built", aluminium welded frame, steel framing. Fiberglass exterior can be the same, or might be a fiberglass monocoque construction - all fiberglass laid up kind of like a boat. It could be foam cored panels or in fact plywood cored panels with a fiberglass outer layer. You have to ask more questions than what the siding is made of...Brian

fiberglass or stick built | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Dog_Folks
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014
Stick Built refers to the framing of the side walls, not the exterior covering. It means the wall frames are made of wood. (Similar to the inside of the walls of many homes) The other option for framing is aluminum.

For the exterior siding the most common siding, in no particular order, are: 1. Aluminum 2. Filon, 3. Fiberglass.

Hope this helps.
stargirl96
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014
So the way they are built is the same, and just a different exterior?
sch911
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014
Never heard of an RV referred to as a "stick built". A house or building yes, RV no. Sorry....
robsouth
Explorer II
Mar 23, 2014
They are both "stick built". One covered with aluminum siding, the other covered with fiberglass siding. Mostly a matter of personal preference.

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fiberglass or stick built

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