What do you folks think of aluminum sided trailers?

Pro: light
con: don't do well in a hail storm, and a bit harder to get washed with siding

Honestly when I had aluminum siding I was happy and never really thought about it. Once I had smooth siding I liked the "look" of it and was easier to keep clean

Daryll

I haven't had any issue with mine, aluminum sided and roof.

even if the paint is damaged, aluminum won't rust. it won't de-laminate like fiber or composite

it will hold on to every dent and ding, but I don't get worked up about that.

We had several corrugated aluminum RV's. All leaked because of the undulating shape of the siding. It was impossible to stay ahead of the water intrusion, rot and mold. Had to take one of them straight to the dump.
Personally, now that I've had a couple of hard sided RV's (which have never leaked), I would never go back although I understand it's a price point issue for some.
They also have made some flat aluminum sided RV's that I think would be great.

Buddy of mine has an older Springdale. He hates it. Always something denting it. Accidentally hit the sidewall with what ever and it will dent.
Pro's. Cost.
Cons, less insulation and usually but not always lower end finishes.

While aluminum sided RV's are more susceptible to hail damage I have no issues with aluminum siding. If I were interested in a given RV assuming it was in good shape, aluminum siding would not scare me away or negatively impact my decision.

Mine has been perfect. Wood frame, aluminum sides, rubber roof. 13 years and going fine.

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.

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.

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.

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.