I am new to a lot of Rv features, and I am trying to figure out what exactly I want before purchasing one. I like to keep things for a long time, so I want to make sure I get what's best for me for the long haul. First question is fiberglass vs metal siding? What are the pros and cons of each?I am looking for a 5th wheel toy hauler and am narrowing down to sierra sport and weekend warrior. Looking for one 28-32ft without a garage. Are there other makes I should also be looking at?Tandem vs triple axle? I just look at triple axle is 2 more tires to replace?I feel like I am clueless. I have a f250 with a 7.3 powerstroke for a tow vehicle.

I'm sure others will offer more detailed advice, but in general:aluminum siding is cheaper, but will not de-laminate. (we prefer aluminum)2 vs 3 axles: more axles mean more weight you can carry, in theory. Look at the numbers!You have the right tow vehicle for a toy hauler. Just watch the numbers.

Our first trailer (Sunline) had aluminum siding and it held up really well for 10 years. Compared to fiberglass, it is a little harder to clean. The Sunline had an aluminum sided that was coated and waxing was not necessary.Our Minnie is fiberglass. I like it for ease of cleaning. The downside is that laminated walls results in fewer electrical outlets (at least on ours). Our trailer is only 3 years old and I haven't experienced any delamination. I think delamination can be prevented with proper maintenance of seams....but time will tell. And, if you get a leak in a trailer with aluminum siding, the damage will be behind the siding where you can't see it.Since you are looking for a 5th wheel toy hauler, you may want to consider aluminum due to the lighter weight as I don't see any major benefit for going with fiberglass.

Go with metal ......... Farraday Cage effect. Much safer in lightening storms.Rubber tires DON'T DO ANYTHING to protect oneself or one's rig or onboard electrical equipment.

We traded our 2006 HR Presidential Suite in for sig TH...It was 9 years old, (fiberglass/gelcoat) and we NEVER had an issue with de-lamination, or any other issues for that matter...Unit was well kept and looked almost as good as the day we drove it off the dealers lot, and it was brand new..Having owned units with the aluminum siding and also other fiberglass units. We prefer the fiberglass for ease of cleaning, waxing and looking better....I personally like the smoother look of the fiberglass over the aluminum , but that's a personal choice....The fiberglass/gelcoat is normally more expensive...I'd go with what you feel best with.Jim

My previous RV was a new 19 ft Jayco with metal siding. I traveled a lot in bad weather. Water would leak in through the seams in front while driving in rain storms. Never leaked while parked. Never could get it to stop. Dumped it in a trade before it was a year old.

I am new to rv's Fiberglass vs metal siding | Good Sam Community

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016
My previous RV was a new 19 ft Jayco with metal siding. I traveled a lot in bad weather. Water would leak in through the seams in front while driving in rain storms. Never leaked while parked. Never could get it to stop. Dumped it in a trade before it was a year old.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016
We traded our 2006 HR Presidential Suite in for sig TH...It was 9 years old, (fiberglass/gelcoat) and we NEVER had an issue with de-lamination, or any other issues for that matter...Unit was well kept and looked almost as good as the day we drove it off the dealers lot, and it was brand new..Having owned units with the aluminum siding and also other fiberglass units. We prefer the fiberglass for ease of cleaning, waxing and looking better....I personally like the smoother look of the fiberglass over the aluminum , but that's a personal choice....The fiberglass/gelcoat is normally more expensive...I'd go with what you feel best with.

Jim
buta4
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016
Go with metal ......... Farraday Cage effect. Much safer in lightening storms.

Rubber tires DON'T DO ANYTHING to protect oneself or one's rig or onboard electrical equipment.
scbwr
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2016
Our first trailer (Sunline) had aluminum siding and it held up really well for 10 years. Compared to fiberglass, it is a little harder to clean. The Sunline had an aluminum sided that was coated and waxing was not necessary.

Our Minnie is fiberglass. I like it for ease of cleaning. The downside is that laminated walls results in fewer electrical outlets (at least on ours). Our trailer is only 3 years old and I haven't experienced any delamination. I think delamination can be prevented with proper maintenance of seams....but time will tell. And, if you get a leak in a trailer with aluminum siding, the damage will be behind the siding where you can't see it.

Since you are looking for a 5th wheel toy hauler, you may want to consider aluminum due to the lighter weight as I don't see any major benefit for going with fiberglass.
mleekamp
Explorer
Jun 21, 2016
I'm sure others will offer more detailed advice, but in general:

aluminum siding is cheaper, but will not de-laminate. (we prefer aluminum)

2 vs 3 axles: more axles mean more weight you can carry, in theory. Look at the numbers!

You have the right tow vehicle for a toy hauler. Just watch the numbers.

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I am new to rv's Fiberglass vs metal siding

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