TT Outside Construction

theoldwizard1 wrote:

jerem0621 wrote:
Aluminum sides are easier to repair if the wall is damaged. Fiberglass suffers from Delamination...always...every fiberglass camper will eventually delaminate to some degree or another.

Every fiberglass/Filon sided RV I have seen uses square aluminum tubing for "studs" and solid foam insulation.

Aluminum sided RVs usually use wood studs and fiberglass insulation.

I would expect that the fiberglass/aluminum/foam would weigh less, but i have heard is actually weighs more :h

I think a lot of it has to do with how the RV is built. Aluminum rots in its own way so it's not perfect either. There are also some, at least there were, RV's that use aluminum studs and aluminum siding. So it reallly is a mixed bag. Some manufacturers use aluminum studs with wood trusses, or aluminum studs on the sides with wood trusses and wood framing on the front and rear of the camper. From what I have seen it's pretty rare to get 100% no wood in a RV build.

Foam can hold water too...some types of wall construction such as Azdel is impervious to water penetration...but that doesn't mean everything else in the RV is.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

jerem0621 wrote:
Aluminum sides are easier to repair if the wall is damaged. Fiberglass suffers from Delamination...always...every fiberglass camper will eventually delaminate to some degree or another.

Every fiberglass/Filon sided RV I have seen uses square aluminum tubing for "studs" and solid foam insulation.

Aluminum sided RVs usually use wood studs and fiberglass insulation.

I would expect that the fiberglass/aluminum/foam would weigh less, but i have heard is actually weighs more :h

All of the above.
Like others , have owned a few of each. Aluminum is lighter and that's why i went aluminum this time. Its a little more difficult to keep clean and it will show dents. But, sections can be replaced if need be.

I found ,any body shop or person using basic tools with a little skill can repair the aluminum. The aluminum takes more time to maintain a good seal.
IMO because of that, leaks might tend to be more common, especially if you buy a used unit, if you buy new, then simply maintain it. If you take your time re-caulking things as regular maintenance then it works .

If Filon develops leaks, then its much more involved and costly making repairs. The smooth Filon is all glued in place.

I've owned several of each. I would never go back to aluminum because of leaks, easy damage and rot or the aluminum itself.

goducks10 wrote:
Really, the only reason MFG's make the two different types is so RV forums can have countless pages of debate on the subject.

+1, but there are other reasons as well. Filon versus aluminum is easier to deal with in the build process, quicker assembly and less fasteners used versus aluminum. Filon composite looks better initially but like aluminum, the finish will degrade from exposure over time and delamination is always a possibility though not a guarantee so long as the seals and caulk are maintained properly. So long as there is no water intrusion between the walls and the outer skin, it will not delaminate.

Aluminum, on the other hand will corrode just like steel. It oxidizes and will eventually develop holes. Again, that usually occurs when water is present on the backside. Soaked insulation and rotting wood promote electrolysis and the aluminum 'white rusts' away.

It's a toss up. Filon composite looks nicer but needs surface maintenance. Aluminum don't look as nice but still needs surface maintenance.

Really, it's all about manufacturing more than longevity.

Aluminum sides are easier to repair if the wall is damaged. Fiberglass suffers from Delamination...always...every fiberglass camper will eventually delaminate to some degree or another.

My personal preference is the corrugated aluminum. Admittedly it doesn't look as slick but it is reliable and if you get water damage in the wall and the wall has to be repaired the repair is invisible as the aluminum covers the repair.

The flip side to that is that aluminum can hide damage for a long time until us shows on the interior.

In reality, if either are maintained then they last a long time. If either is not maintained then they will degrade very quickly.


BTW...Jayco uses aluminum on its Jay Flight and Swift series and uses the fiberglass on its Hummingbird, Jay Feather, Eagle and Whitehawk lines

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Really, the only reason MFG's make the two different types is so RV forums can have countless pages of debate on the subject. :)

A flat surface is easier to wax.

I believe that using aluminum saves weight.
Fiberglass is heavier.