Community Forums

Ghostman · 12-01-2012, 01:44 PM

Seeking everyone's opinion and comments on Fiberglass vs Aluminum. I'm considering buying a new 5th wheel TH that ia Aluminum. The TH I have now is Fiberglass. Is one better than the other?? Thanks

Ghost

VanDiemen23 · 12-01-2012, 02:47 PM

you don't have to worry about the sun degrading the aluminum.....

Francesca · 12-01-2012, 03:01 PM

You'll never be faced with Delamination issues with the aluminum...

flaggship1 · 12-01-2012, 03:12 PM

Generally speaking.
Fiberglass + Hail = No problem
Aluminum + Hail = The Daily Double
Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding

BFlinn181 · 12-01-2012, 04:00 PM

Fiberglass can delaminate if not kept sealed at window and vent openings. My father-in-laws old Winnebago had aluminum that developed pitting and holes, I don't know if it was electrolysis with aluminum contacting steel or what. Fiberglass allows for smooth panels while most aluminum skins (except for Airstream) are usually rolled with ridges to add strength.

Jon Mopar · 12-01-2012, 06:42 PM

we're talking about sidewalls right?? well unless it's hailing sideways....it won't be a problem with aluminum.

Aluminum. I've had both, Aluminum wins hands down. Not saying that fiberglass is junk, but hust think about how fiberglass units are put together....given the choice, it's a no brainer. Plus you can actually remove and fix aluminum panels with relative ease.

VanDiemen23 · 12-01-2012, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Fiberglass allows for smooth panels while most aluminum skins (except for Airstream) are usually rolled with ridges to add strength.

Huh? I've never seen anything but flat aluminum. It usually has some overlaps at sheet edges, otherwise it's flat. On toyhaulers it's usually a clear plastic protector over a white plastic coating over .040-.060 sheet laminated to 1/8-1/4 inch plywood.

Unless it's a laminated fiberglass sidewall over pllywood like motorhomes, Toyhauler fiberglass is frequently corrugated siding.

Ghostman · 12-02-2012, 09:16 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate it, man I love this forum!

BFlinn181 · 12-02-2012, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanDiemen23

Huh? I've never seen anything but flat aluminum. It usually has some overlaps at sheet edges, otherwise it's flat.

Not just Ripples have ridges.

Francesca · 12-02-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Not just Ripples have ridges.

HTFireMedic · 12-03-2012, 12:42 AM

I've had both and love the fiberglass. Easier to maintain and hail damage is far less a concern.
We had a MH damaged, almost beyond repair, by hail. The metal siding bent, tore and leaked. It was eventually repaired. Then sold.

WoodGlue · 12-03-2012, 03:47 AM

In my opinion, Fiberglass wins hands down.

Delamination can happen if the fiberglass isn't bonded to anything strong, like an "composite" material - Compositek, Azdel, etc. If fiberglass is simply laminated to a luan (wood) backing, there's where you're getting into trouble in my opinion.

WoodGlue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv9jlH1WDGI

Jon Mopar · 12-03-2012, 09:07 AM

that Compositek is awesome. But the reality is many (if not most) manufacturers are still putting their fiberglass over a wood type product. Plus unless you have full-body paint, gel-coat is a bit of a pain in the butt. When it gets dull, it's not nearly as easy to restore as conventional paint.