Out with the old in with the ?

[DK and SK]

My wife and I are looking at two travel trailers.
#1 2005 Gulf stream Emerald Bay 28TRBW, (fiberglass) and
#2 2009 Gulf stream Conquest 296RBW (Aluminum)

The price difference is only $1100, and I am wondering if I could get some info on:

- The differences between quality of models,
- which model is a higher model,
- which is better alum or fiber?
- Anything to be concerned about?


I was told the Emerald Bay model is a step up...accurate??

[RV Wizard]

Hello DK and SK, . We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
An aluminum skinned unit is usually constructed of wood frame and some batten fiberglass insulation in the wall. A Filon or fiberglass unit is usually constructed of aluminum framing, Styrofoam block insulation that the entire wall and roof sections are vacuum bonded. Which ever you consider be sure that no water has ever entered the roof or walls as this can cause much damage that is very expensive to repair.
Take your time and first understand how you will use the coach. Lay on the bed, stand in the shower, sit on the throne to see if the unit(s) under consideration "fit".
Enjoy the hunt!

[RV Wizard]

Hello DK and SK, . We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
An aluminum skinned unit is usually constructed of wood frame and some batten fiberglass insulation in the wall. A Filon or fiberglass unit is usually constructed of aluminum framing, Styrofoam block insulation that the entire wall and roof sections are vacuum bonded. Which ever you consider be sure that no water has ever entered the roof or walls as this can cause much damage that is very expensive to repair.
Take your time and first understand how you will use the coach. Lay on the bed, stand in the shower, sit on the throne to see if the unit(s) under consideration "fit".
Enjoy the hunt!

[DK and SK]

The '09 conquest is a brand new unit that was repo'd from a dealer who went out of business. It has never been used.

I guess to each his own for the alum versus fiber.

Besides the obviously difference in layouts I was wondering if these are cheap models of the manufacturersand what settles things in quality are there