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Thread: Fiberglass vs aluminum
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11-29-2021, 08:08 AM #1
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Fiberglass vs aluminum
I'm getting ready to order a Transcend 297QB and just discovered there's a fiberglass version. I have two questions, one, has anyone here had delamination issues and two, is it worth the extra cost to get it?
Thanks!
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11-29-2021, 08:52 AM #2
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There is a small percentage of units across all lines and manufacturers that have had issues with delamination - it's not limited to Grand Design nor the Transcend line. We have had three fiberglass/gel coat units in a row (a Forest River travel trailer and two Grand Design fifth wheels) and have had zero issues with any of them. Only you can answer the cost question. A well-maintained aluminum-sided trailer is perfectly good, too.
RobU.S. Army Retired
2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
Full time since 08/2015
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11-29-2021, 09:18 AM #3
Laminated construction is well-matured at this point. The RV industry actually tracks performance of laminated construction too. The overwhelming reason for delamination in most recent years (sans pandemic builds - no data available) has been the result of lack of maintenance allowing ingress of water to the composite construction. So the industry is even responding to that by departing from wood backing material.
In my experience, either will perform with proper maintenance and care, but composite construction is more resistant to scratching and hail damage.Rob & Nikki + Cloverfield
2020 Grand Design Solitude S-Class 3350RL
2015 RAM 3500 Longhorn Laramie Crew Cab, Long Bed, 4x4 Dually Cummins/AISIN
Mountains of Pennsylvania
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11-29-2021, 10:31 AM #4
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Another consideration is insulation which in my opinion is much better in the fiberglass sided.
About 5 years ago we were looking at TTs, at one dealer they had 2 forest river trailers side by side with the same size and floorplan, one aluminum and one fiberglass. We went in the aluminum 1st and it was so hot we could only stay in it a couple of minutes. The fiberglass was still hot but not too bad to stay in about 15 minutes and really check it out.
We were leaning towards fiberglass before due to appearance and easier washing and waxing. We did not look at another aluminum sided trailer after this.2021 Imagine 2800BH
2017 Flagstaff 831CLBSS - Sold 5/2021.
2017 F150 Super crew, 3.5EB, long bed, max tow, 1800lbs payload. Pro Pride, prior WDH Blue Ox SwayPro
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11-29-2021, 04:47 PM #5
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Thanks for the answers. Went ahead and ordered it today. Went with the aluminum because the dealer explained that it was the same construction just with fiberglass instead of aluminum.
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