Fiberglass or alum siding? Looking at Gulfstream Kingsport

[bobsbbq]

We currently have an older 2005 Jayfeather 29Y. We full time and it is just not the best layout and the lack of drawers is a pain. Long story but we can't finance through traditional sources. We got our current trailer through in house financing and they are now selling new Gulfstream Kingsport models. They have aluminium siding and EPDM roofs. The quality inside looks decent not outstanding.

Just wondering if anyone has one of these that can share any good or bad experiences. We are looking at several different models. As usual we are kinda stuck between what we want and what is practical. We have two young girls 6-8 yrs old and of course my self, old disabled fart. While I would like to have swivel or reclining chairs to sit in for comfort, this rules out any dedicated bed or bunk for the kids. Most all bunk models I'm sitting on the sofa. I wish there was a better combination. We are also limited to weight as we have a newer 2013 1/2 ton Silverado so no 34'+ trailers for me.

Thanks

[Amy703]

We have a Gulfstream Kingsport. It has been a great trailer. No major problems. Our initial set of factory tires were cheap and got cracks. It was still under warranty so we replaced all 5 with Maxxis and Gulfstream reimbursed us $100 per tire plus cost of installation. They were great to work with...our dealer on the other hand was not.

Since we replaced the tires, we bought new chrome rims to replace the factory rims.

The only other issue we had was the faucet broke. The hot water handle would just spin and would not turn on. It didn't leak at all...I think it was stuck closed. Replaced it with a regular residential faucet.

Those have been our only issues.

Other than that...great trailer! We bought it at the end of the season so we got a great deal on it. Ours is a 2010 model....bought it new in March 2011.

[Todd_G]

We had a '04 Kodiak with fiberglass siding that we just traded in on a '14 Jayco Swift 264 with aluminium siding. The fiberglass was great, until a crack developed in the front panel. Dealer fixed it once while it was under warranty. A couple years later the crack returned. No easy fix as it was a curved panel. It's aluminium for me now.

[scbwr]

Another thought regarding recliner chair option! We downsized to a smaller trailer with only a U shaped dinette. I purchased a nice office desk chair for one of us to use when relaxing. Then, we picked an inexpensive bean bag "ball" to use as a footrest. It's pretty comfy...one of us takes the dinette, the other the chair. For traveling, I lay it on it's side and it fits between the bathroom door and the slide out.

I'm thinking that if you find the right unit with bunks, a dinette and a sofa, just see if there is room for another chair when set up for camping, and a place to stow it while traveling.

Good luck!

[scbwr]

I had aluminum siding on my 2002 Sunline trailer that we just traded last summer. It help up beautifully and cleaned up well, even in it's old age. The new Minnie has gel coat fiberglass and I find it much easier to clean. Now, the siding on the Sunline had a special coating and never needed waxing. The fiberglass gel coat should be waxed. Waxing was pretty easy using McGuires which made applying and removing pretty easy, and enjoyable with a couple of cold drink breaks!!

I don't know whether either would be a deal breaker for me. If I had found a really nice trailer that I really liked in terms of floor plan and construction quality, I would have purchased it with aluminum siding or smoothe side material.

[bobsbbq]

Speedogomer wrote:
The Keystone premier 33blpr is very long, but is within weight limitations of a half ton truck. It has bunks, and a rear living area.

It is however expensive. For the price of one, you probably could sell your half ton, buy a used 3/4 ton, and buy a Coachman Catalina 313rls. It has the same floor plan, and is probably close to $10k cheaper. Technically it is within weight of a properly equipped half ton, but is probably more than most half tons can tow comfortably.

One other option is to find a TT with a free standing dinette. Remove the dinette and put in recliners. Use a folding table and chairs when needed.

Thank you so much, I did not even know they made this floor plan option. It is just what we need. The Catalina would be a good option. I still have to work out a financing option but at least I know there is a trailer out there to fit our needs.

[Speedogomer]

The Keystone premier 33blpr is very long, but is within weight limitations of a half ton truck. It has bunks, and a rear living area.

It is however expensive. For the price of one, you probably could sell your half ton, buy a used 3/4 ton, and buy a Coachman Catalina 313rls. It has the same floor plan, and is probably close to $10k cheaper. Technically it is within weight of a properly equipped half ton, but is probably more than most half tons can tow comfortably.

One other option is to find a TT with a free standing dinette. Remove the dinette and put in recliners. Use a folding table and chairs when needed.

[PartyMarty]

aluminum siding is about 400 pounds lighter
aluminum siding has very good paint surface
half ton tow vehicle will be happier with lighter trailer .

[bobsbbq]

Thanks for the replies. I called Gulfstream and found that all their slide mechanisms are under the trailer and the sofa could be removed in place of chairs so that might be our best option. My current TT the slide motor and rails are under the jack knife sofa and kitchen cabinets, no option for a chair.

[aarond76]

Fiberglass siding looks better in my opinion. However, in cases of water damage, it becomes something of a disposable box. Bought new and properly maintained and this should not be an issue.

I have a used aluminum sided TT. The slide floor is rotten and I am about to replace. This requires removing several pieces of aluminum siding from the slide walls. Not a big deal to do. If this were a fiberglass trailer, it would be a much bigger project.

Several manufacturers are making bunk houses now that not only have a couch but also dedicated swivel chairs. All are too heavy for a 1/2 ton. You could always replace the sofa with a residential reclining love seat or a pair of small chairs.

[Bumpyroad]

They have aluminum siding and EPDM roofs.

two things that turn me off.
bumpy

[TucsonJim]

I've had aluminum skinned TTs, and fiberglass skinned FWs. I like the appearance of fiberglass, but aluminum was perfectly funtional with no problems for me. One thing about aluminum. They usually don't put a lot of graphics on them, so you don't have peeling decals in a few years.

[mosseater]

Since your original question was about type of exterior structure, I'll stick with that.

I think for most it's primarily a personal preference moreso than anything else. Luckily for me, I tend to like the look of siding over flat Filon. Not to say I haven't seen some I liked, I have. But overall, I like the traditional look of siding.

On top of that, it's lighter, cheaper, and is easily repairable. I've read some of the horror stories about delamination and I have no interest in going down that road. I won't dispute it's more aerodynamic, easier to care for, more engery efficient. All in what you like in the end. Chances are high I'll probably own one some day. Best of luck in your decision. Post pics when you decide.