23 Jul 2020
When you are looking for new or used RVs for sale, you will have a number of options to choose from. There are numerous things to consider in a new or used travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, motor home, or RV. One of those things is whether you want Fiberglass sides or Aluminum siding.
The purpose of siding on a trailer for sale is protection from any elements, as well as for insulation for ensuring the temperatures inside are habitable. While you may not think that siding is one of the essential considerations for a new or used RV, you would be surprised. The siding you choose can have a direct effect on your comfort level in your home on wheels, as well as its longevity.
Fiberglass and aluminum are the two most common materials for siding. Each comes with a number of benefits, as well as shortcomings, that you’ll want to consider on your search for the perfect used camper for sale. Even something as simple as cleaning your travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler and motor home, can be greatly affected by your siding choice.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is often ridged, attaching to the exterior of the trailer in sections that interlock. This siding often is used on lower-priced travel trailers, as higher-end trailers with aluminum siding are typically smooth and attached with metal.
The main benefit of aluminum siding is that the RVs tend to be cheaper. They make a great choice for first-time RV buyers who are trying out a road trip lifestyle! It is important to note that the ridged aluminum siding is easy to replace when necessary, but the more expensive, smooth aluminum is more difficult, requiring a technician. However, due to the malleability of aluminum, damage may not mean that the full siding will need to be replaced.
Aluminum siding is installed in layers. There is usually an outer layer, followed by a wooden frame. Under that you will find fiberglass insulation and dead air space, which provides extra warmth. Labor during repairs of aluminum may be as high as fiberglass due to the fact that if a higher piece of aluminum siding is the one damaged, you will have to remove several pieces of siding in order to get to, remove and replace the damaged piece of siding.
Aluminum siding is also not as durable as Fiberglass. It is greatly impacted by flying debris, easily dented and damaged. Some dents can be removed by professionals however at a low cost with professional tools.
Aluminum siding is also going up in price as more industries and are using aluminum for more things. It is actually starting to experience some scarcity nationwide as well as worldwide. So the affordability of aluminum siding is dropping due to increase use, demand and price of Aluminum.
Another area to consider is cleaning and maintenance of your unit. Aluminum siding is often much harder to clean and will streak more that Fiberglass will. Aluminum siding often requires a hand wash as well as wax so you can get into all the valleys in the aluminum. Which means you are going to have to mount a ladder to clean your rv. Something to consider for sure.
Fiberglass Siding
Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and motor homes for sale may come with fiberglass siding. While it can be found in many styles, fiberglass siding usually comes smooth or corrugated. Attached with contact glue or metal fasteners, corrugated siding is typically used on cheaper travel trailers for sale and smooth fiberglass is found on the more expensive.
There are a number of benefits of fiberglass that make it a popular choice. It tends to hold up better than aluminum in harsh weather, resisting denting, fading, and peeling. It is durable and simple to maintain, with better insulation than aluminum siding.
Fiberglass siding is much easier to clean and can often be cleaned with a brush on a handle and cleaner as mild as Dawn dish soap. It is so much easier to care for as well. Silicone is easier to care for and replace. There are fewer if any leaks with fiberglass siding as there are no seams are areas that water can penetrate.
Fiberglass is normally glued to a board and then Styrofoam insulation and another board when installed. This makes a very thick wall that is incredibly durable. It is almost impossible for road debris or rocks to make a dent or damage an area of fiberglass for this reason. It is also very durable from the inside and better insulated then travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and motor homes that have aluminum siding. Often aluminum sided RV’s have regular house insulation that can drop down inside the walls of the rv, leaving a gap at the top that heat and cold can penetrate easily. When getting a fiberglass walled unit you have Styrofoam glued in place that cannot and will not move. It is always there, thus no void develops that heat and cold can ever penetrate. So your savings in heating and air conditioning costs as well as lack of damage may easily off set the higher costs of fiberglass construction.
Another benefit is that doors and windows are able to seal and close much better than those of aluminum siding, providing greater security. While aluminum RVs tend to run cheaper, fiberglass RVs are more of an investment. They hold their resale value well, especially when compared with that of aluminum. When trading in your fiberglass travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler and motor home, you will find you will get more for your rv than someone would with aluminum siding. Also, you unit should look better as it will not have many small or large dents as aluminum siding will.
Fiberglass trailers get better gas mileage than aluminum ones, due to the weight and aerodynamics. They are also lighter with a great shape that contributes to their aerodynamics. Fiberglass travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers and motor homes have less drag for the wind than do aluminum sided RV’s. So you will save on fuel costs. Also, many weigh less due to construction techniques and materials used in fiberglass construction. The units are very durable as well for even the largest of families.
It is important to keep in mind that while fiberglass siding is more expensive, it also provides greater security, durability, upkeep, and even a nicer aesthetic. Many RV owners opt for fiberglass siding over aluminum because it is easier to clean, maintain, and has a much greater resale value, which typically makes the higher price worth it.
However, if you are new to RVs, you might consider purchasing a new or used aluminum RV. At a cheaper price, they will give you a good look into the lifestyle of RVing. If you fall in love with being on the road, the day might come when you go fiberglass.
There are many features and aspects to consider when choosing the type of siding you want on your travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or motor home.. Decide which features are most important to you and head out to your RV dealership to check out what they have for sale.
Make sure to discuss service with them. Important items to discuss are:
- How will they service you when you are on the road and out of their area, for example.
- Can they ship you parts you need while you are on the road?
- Will you get expedited service since you purchased from them?
- Will they promise not to charge you for repairs done under factory warranty?
- Can I have a free loaner rv if my travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or motor home is not usable?
Please make sure that whatever you do, just go buy a camper and camp! Go explore this wonderful RV Nation of ours. Go see what this wonderful country has to offer. We have over 400 beautiful National Parks to explore. The Great Smoky National Park is amazing to say the least. Tons of untouched mountains and streams and waterfalls. Wild Turkeys, Black Bears, White Tail Deer, Elk, and more animals await you. Go see Cades Cove and go back over 100 years in time. Check out Yellowstone, bears, bison, deer, waterfalls, hot springs and beauty as far as you can see. How about Washington D.C.? Monuments, buildings, history at its finest and new history being made every day. Thousands of lakes to fish, swim and boat on. Rivers to swim, fish and explore. We have deserts, mountains, plains, valleys, forests, arctic regions, tropical areas and everything in between. Thousands of miles of coast lines to explore. The Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico all waiting. For you and your family. Museums that are waiting to teach our nation’s great history to you and your family. Finally, there are millions of stars in sky waiting for you to sit under and stare at with your friends and family! GO Rving, go explore, go make memories!
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