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06-18-2014, 03:37 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 225
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Classic Argument?
If I were to assume that the Fiberglass vs Aluminum is one of those classic arguments such as:
-Ford vs Chevy
-Apple vs PC
-Canon vs Nikon
...would I be assuming correctly?
And if I am assuming correctly, would it be worth the time to ask the advantages of each? Because to me, the no brainer is Fiberglass walls and aluminum frame. No moisture, no rot factor. But then again, I'm only being influenced by sales people right now, so there may be something I'm overlooking. But I haven't ruled out aluminum walls and wood frames either, because one of the front runners that we are looking at is an aluminum trailer. I'm just not convinced it's a good choice yet.
Should I sit patiently and await the flames, or will this thread self destruct in 3...2...1.....
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06-18-2014, 04:29 PM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 66
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I have a "stick and tin" camper, with the aluminum siding. Don't have any personal experience with the fiberglass exterior. From talking with other campers, it seems the fiberglass ones are lighter, easier to maintain (less seams to worry with) and easier to clean, this on top of what you already mentioned, no rot. I know I see aluminum campers (mine included) with those long gray streaks running downward from the windows and doors (caused by water running over the gasket/sealant used around the opening). I can't say I've ever seen a fiberglass one with the streaks.
IMO the only advantage to the aluminum and wood would be the price. I'm no expert and will watch this thread for others' opinions.
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06-18-2014, 04:38 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Leesburg, FL
Posts: 385
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mavagrand
I have a "stick and tin" camper, with the aluminum siding. Don't have any personal experience with the fiberglass exterior. From talking with other campers, it seems the fiberglass ones are lighter, easier to maintain (less seams to worry with) and easier to clean, this on top of what you already mentioned, no rot. I know I see aluminum campers (mine included) with those long gray streaks running downward from the windows and doors (caused by water running over the gasket/sealant used around the opening). I can't say I've ever seen a fiberglass one with the streaks.
IMO the only advantage to the aluminum and wood would be the price. I'm no expert and will watch this thread for others' opinions.
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Fiberglass will get the streaks (and then some!) if you let the finish oxidize. Keep it waxed though, and it is very trouble-free.
__________________
Bobby & William Mukaisu
2005 Monaco Windsor 40PST 400HP ISL Cummins
2014 Chevy Equinox LS
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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06-18-2014, 05:01 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Aiken,SC
Posts: 1,025
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Our last coach was fiberglass and the decals were starting to crack and starting to delaminate,our current coach is aluminum with full body paint and I think it looks much better and is easier to take care of and wouldn't have another fiberglass one.(jmo)
__________________
Good Sam Life Members
Served in U.S.A.F.
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06-18-2014, 05:27 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ca
Posts: 1,076
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Owned two of each. For me, glass is easier to clean and wax. I haven't owned a Ford or Chevy in years.
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06-18-2014, 06:12 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,232
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Aluminum siding is cheap, but a pain to replace and dents easily. The construction is usually wood.
Fiberglass (filon and gel coat usually) is still backed by wood a lot of times. So don't think no rot. Coachmen Chaparral and Freedom Express are Azdel backed, so literally, no rot.
Gel coat repairs can be reasonable and easily done.
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06-18-2014, 06:20 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaycoPhoto
If I were to assume that the Fiberglass vs Aluminum is one of those classic arguments such as:
-Ford vs Chevy
-Apple vs PC
-Canon vs Nikon
...would I be assuming correctly?
And if I am assuming correctly, would it be worth the time to ask the advantages of each? Because to me, the no brainer is Fiberglass walls and aluminum frame. No moisture, no rot factor. But then again, I'm only being influenced by sales people right now, so there may be something I'm overlooking. But I haven't ruled out aluminum walls and wood frames either, because one of the front runners that we are looking at is an aluminum trailer. I'm just not convinced it's a good choice yet.
Should I sit patiently and await the flames, or will this thread self destruct in 3...2...1.....
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Fiberglass
Ford
Apple
Nikon
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06-18-2014, 06:36 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 225
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt1751
Fiberglass
Ford
Apple
Nikon
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We'd get along fine. 'specially on that Nikon part.
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06-18-2014, 07:04 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Waynesville Georgia
Posts: 1,307
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I'm watching this thread also, our first and only is alum/wood. What about delamination on some of the fiberglass units ?
Jim
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06-18-2014, 07:17 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Milton, NY
Posts: 923
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__________________
Steve & Beth - Milton, New York
2009 Monaco Diplomat 41 SKQ
2016 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4x4
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06-18-2014, 07:29 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 225
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StevieG
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I'll do you one even better.
I still shoot film!!! I even rebuilt my darkroom and do my own processing. I still shoot with a film collection dating back to the 40's.
All of these still shoot fine...
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06-18-2014, 08:53 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Retired Fire Service RVer's
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 343
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Sweet collection of cameras. (Understatement!)
I use a variety of digicams these days, but still use my OM-1 on occasion for old times sake. Nothing exotic like your stuff, but can't part with my old Olympus XA, with A11 flash. That little thing has a really sharp lens.
Back on topic, you continue to ask great questions...so it will be interesting to see what trailer you and your partner find. The pooches will be happy whatever you choose...!
Cheers!
PS. I avoided the whole Canon vs Nikon thing by going (usually) with Oly's .
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06-18-2014, 09:12 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 63
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Well put question! If we stay on Topic, that is.
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06-19-2014, 05:51 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SW Louisiana
Posts: 630
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I rebuild (to resell) salvage autos & campers.
I have bought two FG campers to repair. One had a tree limb across the back, the other some collision damage.
Never again.
It is an unbelievable pain in the @$$ to replace/repair the FG/ply siding.
At these salvage auctions I pass camper after camper that have been "totaled" just because of delamination from water damage.
And water will get in there. There is no way to stop it. Just too much flex in the cabin while going down the road. Eventually the seams will open up and start leaking.
I will only buy alum siding campers from now.
No argument the FG looks better. But from a purely repair standpoint alum wins hands down.
That said, it seems that's what the buying public wants, so I don't see FG campers going away anytime soon.
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