Hello All, I'm actually new to travel trailers but have owed one for a few years.I'm looking to upgrading from a 2005 33' Gulfstream Cavalier (FEMA) special edition:-) to something newer with a pop out. This will be a camper that I'll park and just use for bowhunting out of every 4-8 weeks in Central FL. I've got power, water and sewage set up at the camp area and just wondering if I should stick with a metal traveler or go to a Fiberglass shell in my search?I've read the post on lighting strikes and thats making me think metal.

Can't speak to lightening strikes.....but, metal or glass doesn't matter as long as you keep it sealed up and that it doesn't leak.

downtheroad wrote:Can't speak to lightening strikes.....but, metal or glass doesn't matter as long as you keep it sealed up and that it doesn't leak.^^this, water will destroy anything that not kept sealed.

Thanks, it's being parked in the woods so it will get lots of weather. The back of my FEMA trailer had a leak we caught but not before the inside wall in the bunk separated some:-/ Also had a leak in the bathroom wall from the roof the vent and there are some carpenter ants under to entrance door now so not sure where the other leaks are:-/ But I only paid $5.500 for that camper so not real worried. Now looking to drop $15,000-$25,000 on my next one so I need to find these leaks quicker I guess.Was think if I don't build a pole barn maybe buying a cover or putting a tarp over it when not in use?

Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.Rob

Second Chance wrote:Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.RobYes and no. I thought they were a lot more money?What are they called?

Metal or fiberglass? | Good Sam Community

downtheroad
Explorer
Feb 08, 2019
Can't speak to lightening strikes.....but, metal or glass doesn't matter as long as you keep it sealed up and that it doesn't leak.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 08, 2019
downtheroad wrote:
Can't speak to lightening strikes.....but, metal or glass doesn't matter as long as you keep it sealed up and that it doesn't leak.
^^this, water will destroy anything that not kept sealed.
kilboar
Explorer
Feb 08, 2019
Thanks, it's being parked in the woods so it will get lots of weather.

The back of my FEMA trailer had a leak we caught but not before the inside wall in the bunk separated some:-/ Also had a leak in the bathroom wall from the roof the vent and there are some carpenter ants under to entrance door now so not sure where the other leaks are:-/ But I only paid $5.500 for that camper so not real worried. Now looking to drop $15,000-$25,000 on my next one so I need to find these leaks quicker I guess.

Was think if I don't build a pole barn maybe buying a cover or putting a tarp over it when not in use?
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2019
Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.

Rob
kilboar
Explorer
Feb 08, 2019
Second Chance wrote:
Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.

Rob

Yes and no. I thought they were a lot more money?

What are they called?
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2019
kilboar wrote:
Second Chance wrote:
Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.

Rob

Yes and no. I thought they were a lot more money?

What are they called?

They are called park models. They are not necessarily more expensive - they don't have holding tanks, etc. RVTrader even has a selection to search for just park models and there are some very reasonably priced ones.

Rob
kilboar
Explorer
Feb 08, 2019
Second Chance wrote:
kilboar wrote:
Second Chance wrote:
Have you considered a park model since you have utilities and won't be moving the trailer? You would get more space and a bit better insulation, etc.

Rob

Yes and no. I thought they were a lot more money?

What are they called?

They are called park models. They are not necessarily more expensive - they don't have holding tanks, etc. RVTrader even has a selection to search for just park models and there are some very reasonably priced ones.

Rob

Thank you.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2019
Lightning should not be a consideration , lightning is searching for the best ground and your electric service is what it will follow . Early years of fiberglass had a big problem with separation , newer ones not so bad !
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
The all fiberglass trailers are commonly called eggshells. Most tend to be small (some would say VERY small), butt they have a reputation they have a reputation of remaining leak free and longer lasting than almost any other style.
rexlion
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
theoldwizard1 wrote:
The all fiberglass trailers are commonly called eggshells. Most tend to be small (some would say VERY small), butt they have a reputation they have a reputation of remaining leak free and longer lasting than almost any other style.
Going from a big fema to a tiny Scamp, now there's an interesting thought! But I doubt molded FG is what the OP had in mind.