smurfs_of_war

I see nobody has mentioned this but... HAIL!

Fiberglass will be more resilient to hail, but if it does get pierced (our did) it's more difficult to fix. This is from those big, nasty shooter-marble hail stones we see quite frequently up here.

Alum will show damage far more easily (golf ball dimples everywhere) but it is far more resistant to puncture.

This was one major deciding factor for us since that big white combine is a frequent visitor to our neck of the woods

Dirttracker18

Exterior is not as important to me as far as skin. However, if I had the money I would always go aluminum framed. I do not have the money so mine is wood framed. Nothing wrong with it but it is not as strong and structural as aluminum.

tooltruckguy

Thanks for all inputs.

BCMIF150

Most of the ones I just look at have the smooth type fiberglass side, or a poly/plastic type siding that looks like the aluminum used to. Haven't seen any with aluminum.

Elroy71

Even though I just bought an aluminum sided 28' trailer, I do like the look the fiberglass more. However, sun and weather are going to effect both materials negatively if you don't take care of it. Also, if you have damage to the siding itself or water damage to the wall behind, it is much easier and cheaper to repair/replace one piece of alum. siding than a whole panel of fiberglass. I had a dent in the side from someone hitting it and the repair guy said if it had been fiberglass it would have been a much more expensive fix. 28' at about 5500lbs with my '11 F150 Eco is no problem.

Ahab

Airstreams are easier to tow because they tend to be lighter and are aerodynamic. They last a lot longer and it's not uncommon to see one made in 1956 looking like new.

ColbyL

+1 on Airstream. We've had ours for 3 years now. Bought used on CL, a 2002 with only a few K mi. Perfect cond, 1/2 price of new. Good deals can be found. With the F250 diesel, never used any antisway device and it towed straight as an arrow. 25',double axle. Quality through and through. Hate the new ones though with the polished alum interior- I hear they are colder inside.

Steve@F150

If you are OK with a smaller unit, a Casita is a really nice fiberglass trailer with all the features you need except for size. Makes it easy to tow, etc. The gross weight is only 3,500 lbs and Casitas hold their value much better than most Travel Trailers.

acadianbob

I just saw a 19' Airstream at the RV dealer's today. $67K. Just sayin'.

ColbyL

We bought our '02 used- completely furnished right down to a Honda generator- for 1/2 price and it only had a few K miles on it. Good deals can be found. Here's one- http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...a-28-oregon-2/