What do you folks think of aluminum sided trailers?

:) Hi, I like my aluminum sided trailer. :B

I own both. The aluminum is harder to heat and cool, less sound deadening from outside noise, harder to seal the windows and doors from water intrusion because of the corrugated metal, lighter and easier to tow, cheaper to purchase and more prone to hail damage and dents. Easier to repair damage.

If you take care of it and keep it sealed properly you can get 20 years out of it. Water intrusion and ultra violet sun do the most damage. Storing under a carport will contribute to longevity and keep it looking nice .

That’s a nice unit. Aluminum siding is fine. It worked well enough on our first camper that we recently bought a Transcend. Take a look at the Grand Design Imagine as a comparison with similar quality but with fiberglass siding. The Transcend is very similar, mostly the same appliances and features, but at a significantly lower price point.

If my Airstream is ever in a hailstorm, I will just name it the GOLFBALL.

Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Second opinion

Aluminum PRO's

Cheaper-more trailer per $$$.
Easier and cheaper to repair if you have water issues behind a side wall.
Heavier to tow with wood framing construction vs. aluminum in most laminated trailers.
No Delamination
Don't fade as bad over long haul. Painted surface.

Aluminum CON's

Harder to clean and maintain caulking with all the ridges in the aluminum.
Not as "Clean" a look/attractiveness (Subjective).
Dent's/Hail damage.
Fiberglass insulation in Aluminum trailers not as effective as block foam which is often used in fiberglass trailers for cold weather camping.

I've known a lot of people that have owned both and were happy with their choice.

All good advice above.....but, it is a real common floor plan (rear lounge). If you are set on fiber glass siding and aluminum framing, there are lots of choices out there with an identical floor plan.

Good luck with it.

Floor plan, floor plan, floor plan, what it is wrapped is comes later. If you live in the hot sunny south, you chance delamination and as mentioned, hail is the bane of aluminum.

Aluminum is old school, well established and easy to repair. It will be around for a long time to come. Flat panels are also well established and lend themselves to detailed artwork. They too will be around for a long time.

Living in Indiana, so I have no particular preference between the two.

Had one for 6 years and never had a problem with it. I’m not sure what folks mean by they’re harder to clean and wax. I never found that yo be the case.

Have had both types of trailers, no issue with either type. If you like the floor plan and it works for you - go for it. To me a floor plan that works for us and our travel style is more important.

After owning one smooth side with delamination and condensation around the aluminum frame, we’re back in a stick and tin TT. They all leak. Aluminum sides don’t delaminate. Just my experience. Smooth does look better.