Fiberglass Vs Aluminum Camper

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Two of the most common materials used to build campers are fiberglass and aluminum, but which one is better? Although many people believe it, fiberglass isn't actually lighter or more resilient than aluminum. For the purpose of making an informed choice when buying a camper, it is crucial to comprehend the distinctions between these two types of materials. Despite being lighter, fiberglass can also be more expensive and challenging to maintain. To help you choose the ideal option for your camping needs, continue reading to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

TL;DR

Fiberglass and aluminum campers offer different benefits for RVers.

  • Fiberglass campers are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain.
  • Aluminum campers are more affordable and provide better insulation.
  • Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Learn more about the differences between fiberglass and aluminum campers to find the best option for your next RV adventure!

Are you thinking about buying a new camper?

Do you find yourself feeling more than a little confused by all the different options out there?

Have you ever wondered which is better between fiberglass and aluminum campers?

In this article, we’ll give you all the pros and cons you need to know to help you decide between a fiberglass vs aluminum camper. You’ll learn all about what makes both of these camper varieties a popular choice and you’ll be able to make a decision based on the information you learn here in no time, too.

Remember that, in the end, the decision is entirely up to you, and you should choose your camper based on what it is you’re looking to get out of your experience of owning one.

It can be beneficial to make a list of qualities you’re looking for in a camper before you ever get started doing your research. From there, you’ll be able to make an unbiased decision based on the information you can gather from other camper owners like yourself.

There are definitely pros and cons to both options, so let’s get started learning about these differences right away!

Fiberglass Campers

Do you envision taking lots of road trips in your fiberglass camper? These are very popular campers that many buyers are happy with for years. Below, we’ve listed several pros and cons to help you determine if fiberglass is the right material for your new camper.

Pros

  • Fiberglass campers are more insulated against temperatures than aluminum campers are. Think about how hot an aluminum camper will get if it’s sitting in direct sunlight for a while! The same is true of the cold, and you’ll want to be sure your camper is going to be able to withstand extreme temperatures in either direction.
  • Because of their insulation, fiberglass campers are quieter and more resistant to road noise. Whether you’re sleeping in your camper near a busy road or you’re staying in a packed campground, you’ll want to have a comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep when inside it, and fiberglass is a better option for this.
  • Fiberglass comes in more color options and has a sleeker finish than aluminum. Aluminum campers don’t have a lot of aesthetic choices to pick from, so if you’re looking for something with a little more customization possibilities, fiberglass is probably the way to go.

Cons

  • Fiberglass is a more expensive camper option than aluminum. This material costs more to produce and usually has a more durable frame underneath than aluminum campers do, too. Therefore, fiberglass campers are considerably more costly than aluminum ones and may be well over your budget, depending on your situation.
  • UV rays can damage fiberglass more easily than aluminum. If you leave your fiberglass camper in direct sunlight for too long, the fiberglass may wear down and the paint job could chip or fade. Aluminum holds up better to UV rays overall.
  • Some types of fiberglass can be very heavy depending on the type of frame it has underneath. If you’re looking for something that’s lighter and easier to drive around, you may want to stick to aluminum—or look for a fiberglass camper with an aluminum frame for best results.

Aluminum Campers

Aluminum campers may not have the aesthetic appeal of their fiberglass cousins, but they are easier on the wallet and have other benefits, too. Check out our list of pros and cons below to help you decide if an aluminum camper is the right choice for you and your family.

Pros

  • This is a more budget-friendly option. For anyone looking to buy a camper without breaking the bank, it’s much cheaper to go with aluminum than it is to invest in fiberglass options.
  • Aluminum is an old-fashioned material for campers that is very tried and true. Campers have been made of aluminum for a long time, and it’s proven itself time and time again as a durable and safe option for long-term use. If you’re looking for something with a great history behind it, aluminum is a good call.
  • It’s easy to repair sections of damaged aluminum. You can usually have just a section of aluminum replaced as needed if it becomes damaged, so it isn’t too much of a hassle or expense to fix a problem like this.

Cons

  • It’s a little harder to keep aluminum clean. Aluminum campers have ridges that are tougher to wash down than the sleek fiberglass varieties may be.
  • Aluminum is less aerodynamic than fiberglass. Because of the ridges in aluminum campers, they tend to have more wind resistance when you’re driving, and therefore they’re not as aerodynamic. In the long run, this translates to costing more in gas money than fiberglass campers do.
  • Aluminum campers don’t have resale values as high as fiberglass ones do. They aren’t in high demand, and therefore, if you sell or trade in an aluminum camper later on down the line, you may be out more money than you’d like to be.

Conclusion

Do you feel a little bit more well-versed in your options when it comes to the type of camper you want to pursue purchasing? As you can see, there are solid reasons to try either type of camper, and you may still not be too sure which one is right for you. One of the best ways you can figure this out is to simply talk to other people who own campers and ask them about their experiences. You may even want to go take a look at some campers of both varieties in person and work on figuring it out that way.

aluminum vs fiberglass

If you’re wondering what our recommendation is, however, we do recommend going with fiberglass campers in most situations. Overall, fiberglass is more gas-efficient, easier to keep clean, and looks a little more streamlined and modern aesthetically. These campers, however, are very expensive, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you will be much better off going with something made of aluminum instead.

In the end, the decision is entirely up to you. You’ll need to consider what you’re looking for in your camper and how often you plan to use it. Also think about the type of storage situation you’ll have when your camper isn’t in use. Since UV rays are more damaging to fiberglass, for example, you may want to choose aluminum if you’re unable to store your camper in a covered facility when it isn’t in use.

By figuring out your goals from camper ownership, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect camper to suit your specific needs.

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5 Tips for Choosing Between Fiberglass and Aluminum Campers

  1. Consider the weight of the camper. Fiberglass campers are typically lighter than aluminum campers, making them easier to tow.
  2. Think about the cost. Aluminum campers tend to be more expensive than fiberglass campers.
  3. Look at the durability. Fiberglass is more durable than aluminum, so it may last longer.
  4. Evaluate the insulation. Fiberglass is better insulated than aluminum, so it will keep you warmer in cold weather.
  5. Research maintenance requirements. Aluminum requires more maintenance than fiberglass, so make sure you're prepared for that.

ALSO: Consider renting a camper before buying one to get a feel for what type of camper works best for your needs!