dsmith3 wrote:
First-time RVers trying to decide between aluminum or fiberglass gel-coat exteriors. Concerned about the wear-and-tear on the paint/finish from sun and weather.
QUESTIONS:
1. To keep the finish and paint looking its best what maintenance should be performed on aluminum vs. fiberglass exteriors?
2. What frequency and what products to use?
3. Is it possible to prevent fiberglass gel-coated RVs from getting dull and faded or is it just inevitable with age?
I really don't like the glued and pressed together laminated walls. They are not fiberglass but a 1/16" of fiberglass skin on a backer (luan or other material) that's glued onto Stryofoam insulation inside of aluminum channels, with decorative luan on the other side. The aluminum channels can differ from maker to maker offering few cross members other than for windows or doors to a standard build with cross members.
I don't like them because I see more delamination than not, on these at the campgrounds and dealer lots. Delamination is where the fiberglass skin and/or luan comes detached from the wall when the glue fails. The glue can fail from the heat of direct sunlight, poor manufacturing, poor glue, or from water penetration. I've seen delamination on brand new trailers on the dealers lot. "I" rarely see older laminated build trailer as they just don't seem to hold up.
Unfortunately the upper end RVs seem to be made of this laminated wall build because they look smoother, prettier, and are a bit easier to clean. Oh, they also don't dent from hail but do crack from various things. Repairs can be very VERY costly compared to Stick and tin (built walls with studs, cross members, and aluminum siding). I've seen a lot of fiberglass skinned trailers look awful from the fiberglass looking dull and chalky.
I prefer Stick and tin but the aluminum walls do dent from hail but that's usually only cosmetic. Stick and Tin trailers are heavier so they require a more robust tow vehicle for the same length trailer.
While I don't like laminated walls, I would run from any trailer that uses a laminated floor or roof. Jayco use to but wisely started using built floors and roofs for their laminated wall trailers.
Most of the small, light weight trailers as R-pod and the like are laminated. You really don't have a choice in models like this.
Stick and Tin "NORMALLY" have higher ceilings as well. Most Laminated trailers have 6'6" or 78" ceilings while most Stick and Tin trailers usually have 6'9" or 81" ceilings. Most Stick and Tin trailers are 8' wide while laminated wall trailers are from 7.5' to 8.0' wide.
Laminate wall trailers will also cost thousand more for the same features, options, and size, for that easy to clean and pretty appearance.
I'd only consider laminated walls for trailers I would be towing with a midsize truck based vehicle or a less capable crossover, as those have lower tongue and tow ratings.
Good luck on your choice.
2019 Ford F150 XLT Sport, CC, 4WD, 145" WB, 3.5L Ecoboost, 10 speed, 3.55 9.75" Locking Axle, Max Tow, 1831# Payload, 10700# Tow Rating, pulling a
2020 Rockwood Premier 2716g, with a 14' box.
Previous 2012 Jayco Jay Flight 26BH.
