Our new Jayco Jay Flight is on order and we have a limited time to decide if we want fiberglass or aluminum. We have done some online research and it looks like the fiberglass is easier to maintain and I think it looks better however we are trying to determine if we should spend the additional $1,700.00 for fiberglass. Are there any other benefits in going with fiberglass over aluminum?

I have no idea whether this holds true these days as I've never owned an aluminum sided trailer but it used to be that those that were also had wood framing rather than aluminum. Personally we've always preferred the look of fiberglass over aluminum and the structural integrity of aluminum framing over wood framing. JMO.

Aluminum is probsbly easier to repair,but is also easier to damage. Waxing is so much easier with smooth sides. Whats a few hundred dollars at the end of the day if you like one over another better.

Buy the one you like better. For me, I like the older fashioned aluminum. It doesn't look as smooth but it's a bit easier to repair if damage is done. You would be able to remove the siding, repair the damage and replace the siding (with new if needed) For a fiberglass trailer most repairs require and entire new side wall or a patch with a seam. With siding you have to be careful not to buff through the siding, may not be an issue now but on my old 95 it was easy to buff through the paint.Thanks and good luck. Jeremiah

Never owned aTT that was aluminum. DW likes the look of the fiberglass and I like the ease of washing and waxing it.

Our preference is fiberglass over aluminum, mostly for looks, but to each their own. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It's true that aluminum can be relatively easily removed to conduct repairs and for the most part fg walls require substantially more in depth repair techniques or complete replacement. This really isn't an issue no matter what style you choose, unless you are of the small percentage of RV owners that are able to tackle major repairs and rebuilds. Maintenance is the key to any rv no mater what construction methods are used. Maintaining sealants on the roof, trim, walls, windows etc should be the highest priority after your purchase, regardless of what siding it has... Keeping the water out is one of the most important things to consider in owning any RV, once moisture is in the walls or floor it's only a mater of time before delamination or rot start.

Jayco Fiberglass or Aluminum | Good Sam Community

Atlee
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2017
This doesn't apply to the OP since he has now made his decision, but here is the skinny on the Jayco Jay Flight with the fiberglass option.

On the Jay Flights, the optional fiberglass siding is glued to the wood frame. The construction of the Jay Flights is the same, whether aluminum or fiberglass siding is used.

The aluminum siding is stapled onto the wood framing. The fiberglass siding is glued to the wood framing.

SoundGuy wrote:
I have no idea whether this holds true these days as I've never owned an aluminum sided trailer but it used to be that those that were also had wood framing rather than aluminum. Personally we've always preferred the look of fiberglass over aluminum and the structural integrity of aluminum framing over wood framing. JMO.
Candie4749
Explorer
Jan 31, 2017
Thanks everyone for the input. I think we are going to go with the fiberglass.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2017
bid_time wrote:
jerem0621 wrote:
...
For a fiberglass trailer most repairs require and entire new side wall or a patch with a seam...
Actually, they have been doing seemless repairs of fiberglass for a long time now. Depends on the extent of the damage. I had a repair done on mine, you can't tell where the repair is.

That's good to know! Thanks for passing the information along.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2017
After owning both I prefer fiberglass. The fiberglass was quieter and easier to heat and cool. Fiberglass is less prone to hail damage and dents in general.

Aluminum is lighter, easier to repair and cheaper.
spoon059
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2017
Fiberglass is heavier that aluminum. Its not a significant difference though.

We bought aluminum because the Jayco fiberglass process isn't the best. I forget what I learned in my research, but there are essentially two ways to attach fiberglass walls. One is supposed to be superior to the other. If I remember correctly, Jayco uses the superior method for hanging the front wall, and the cheaper (less durable) method for side walls.

Aluminum was cheaper, lighter and easier to repair if I ever need to.
chesterb
Explorer
Jan 31, 2017
theoldwizard1 wrote:
What is the weight difference ? A salesman told that fiberglass with aluminum weighed more, but I don't believe him.

I thought it was the opposite but if the salesman said it then it has to be true...
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 31, 2017
What is the weight difference ? A salesman told that fiberglass with aluminum weighed more, but I don't believe him.
bid_time
Nomad II
Jan 30, 2017
jerem0621 wrote:
...
For a fiberglass trailer most repairs require and entire new side wall or a patch with a seam...
Actually, they have been doing seemless repairs of fiberglass for a long time now. Depends on the extent of the damage. I had a repair done on mine, you can't tell where the repair is.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
fiberglass won't get ruined by hail quite as easy.
bumpy
chesterb
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017
There is no standout advantage of one over the other. Mostly it is personal preference. We owned both. Washing and waxing is much easier on the smooth fiberglass. However, I'm always worried about water and delamination with fiberglass. Once the outside walls start to delaminate then you can't really fix that and it becomes an eyesore imo. With aluminum siding you don't have to worry about delamination but that doesn't mean the water problem isn't there...just more hidden.