Community Forums

helocat · 02-08-2010, 08:52 PM

I keep hearing different reasons for both from the sales guys. Here is some of what they have said. What are your thoughts?

Stick’n Tin

Pros:

Warmer, as the wood is an insulator
Easy to repair the tin if damaged
Average fasteners can be used to mount/fix things

Cons:

Water leaks can rot
Corrugated siding windows more prone to leaks

Aluminum and fiberglass

Pros:

Stronger frame for the weight
resilient to water
Smooth wall easier to clean

Cons:

No insulation in aluminum tubes = Colder
When unused for awhile the cold aluminum can condensate as you warm it up.
Difficult to fix if damaged

MonacoMama · 02-09-2010, 12:54 AM

May I suggest that you read this thread?

Ray,IN · 02-10-2010, 06:16 PM

I agree with most everything you list about construction.
Actually, in some units aluminum construction is nearly the same weight as wood construction.

MM, that thread you referenced does not address this poster's questions.

450Donn · 02-11-2010, 07:27 AM

Had both and will never own another RV without aluminum frame, smooth walls and fiberglas end caps. Much easier to clean and keep clean, less worries about structural failures. You forgot to mention that most (if not all) wood frames units are constructed of 1-1/2 X 1-1/2 lumber that is stapled together. NO screws, no glue, just staples. The insulation they use is non foil backed loose fiberglas that is pushed into the cavities before the siding is put on. Not the best of construction methods IMHO.

MikenAmber · 02-11-2010, 08:51 AM

We to have had both types of construction and definately prefer the aluminum fiberglass units. There is foam insulation in the fiberglass units usually compressed between the walls, then the cutouts are made. Yes aluminum fiberglass construction can leak and cause delamination, but you don't see to many of these problems. The aluminum siding dents very, very easy while the fiberglass is more resistant to dents and damage. Of course the choice is yours to make, but I like the welded screwed aluminum framing vs: the 1x's and staples.

WilleyB · 02-11-2010, 07:57 PM

IMHO listening to sales guys will get you nothing but more questions, lets face it they want to get their commission from a sale. $$$ is what makes them talk.
Now you'll get different answers here, but they're honest answers, owners personal opinions and gained from their experience.
This RV we have is our first and I have no previous experience to compare to. However from what I read on the forums I believe what I have is best for us. The house part is composed of a solid 1 piece fiberglass roof, both ends are solid fiberglass that the roof fits into and sealed (2 seams) the sides are that laminated fiberglass panels that fit up into the roof, (1 seam each side) the bottom skirting is solid fiberglass. It's 10 years old now an ex rental and it hasn't leaked around the windows or any of the roof joints. That said there was a leak from underneath. Some jackass covered an area with an aluminum sheath to protect some wood structure behind the rear duals. However there was also a steel frame. Electrolysis ate up some of the aluminum and viola a rotted floor in the kitchen in it's 7th year. The aluminum is gone now, the wood was replaced and protected with steel sheathing and it has a new kitchen floor.
So no matter how well built they, or are claimed to be, you can be sure there's flaws somewhere.
What I know now (or believe) There is (or was) an RV (Coach house I believe) where the house body was one piece solid fiberglass, if I were to buy again that's what I'd be looking for.

Cheers
Willey