RV Construction: Aluminum vs Fiberglass RV

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When looking at travel trailers for sale, you know there’s a significant price increase from aluminum stick-and-tin construction to fiberglass. Typically, that change in sidewall construction marks the difference between a manufacturer’s entry-level and mid to high-end campers (so you see other RV upgrades as well). But what are the real differences between an aluminum vs fiberglass RV from a quality standpoint? 

Let’s clarify first that we use aluminum to refer to conventional, “stick-and-tin” RV construction with aluminum siding, as opposed to all-aluminum RVs like Airstream

With that caveat, let’s weigh the benefits of aluminum vs fiberglass RVs, analyzing the differences in cost, quality, and durability. That way, you know what to expect when shopping for that new fiberglass or aluminum RV. 

RV Expert Tip: Not sure what an aluminum camper or a laminated fiberglass camper looks like? Aluminum stick-and-tin RV sidewalls have ridges and look to be made of metal. Fiberglass campers will have smooth, shiny walls, more similar to a commercial trailer.

Aluminum vs Fiberglass RV?

aluminum-vs-fiberglass-rv-10-2024
Photo by Camping World

Conventional aluminum and fiberglass RVs are equally popular. While fiberglass is a relatively newer material and may offer more promising benefits, modern stick-and-tins incorporate higher-grade aluminum, and the affordability of this segment keeps RVers returning to this traditional material and construction process. 

So before we get into the specifics, let’s explore the biggest differences between an aluminum vs fiberglass RV: price and construction. 

Price

You will almost always pay more for an RV with fiberglass walls. As noted, some of that cost is attributed to other upgrades—and many consumers prefer the look of fiberglass over aluminum. However, fiberglass is more expensive to build, including the machinery and materials used in its construction, which are part and parcel of the overall quality.  

Construction 

The common nomenclature of “stick-and-tins” refers to their interior wood framing and aluminum exterior. Meanwhile, fiberglass walls typically use welded aluminum framing. The term stick-and-tin sounds a bit unappealing—and certainly, some fiberglass-forward salespeople will use it to denigrate its quality—but there are positive and negative aspects of wood framing versus the welded aluminum framing of a fiberglass RV. 

Insulation

When comparing aluminum and fiberglass construction, insulation is an important sub-component. Aluminum RVs use fiberglass batt insulation (yes, the terms can be a bit confusing), which is similar to what your house may contain. Alternately, fiberglass RVs use foam insulation that’s actually a part of the wall, like Azdel. Fiberglass RVs have an advantage with insulation. Foam does not absorb moisture, provides better insulation, can offer soundproofing, and more. Batt insulation is more prone to shakedown, absorbs water, and can create hot spots.  

Weight

The materials used during construction of aluminum and stick-and-tin trailers will affect their weight, an important factor for fuel economy. In general, all-aluminum construction RVs, like Airstreams, are the lightest. Next, travel trailers made with laminated walls and light gauge aluminum frames are fairly lightweight. The all fiberglass Casita-style units are very close to laminate, while stick-and-tin units are the heaviest. You might expect approximately 100 pounds less weight from an all-aluminum than a vacuum-bonded camper, and as much as 500 lbs saved between all-aluminum and the stick-and-tin units.

RV Expert Tip: It’s easy to confuse the terminology when describing the interior construction of aluminum vs fiberglass RVs, so here are two important clarifications: Fiberglass RVs use aluminum framing. Meanwhile, aluminum (stick-and-tin) RVs use fiberglass insulation. 

Aluminum “Stick-and-Tin” RVs

Man building aluminum stick and tin rv
Photo by Camping World

Stick-and-tin RVs are the bread and butter for recreationists across America and remain the most widely purchased travel trailer. Lightweight and affordable, they are great RVs for those exploring camping for the first time. 

It’s true: many aluminum RVs are typically entry-level. But that shouldn’t concern you if you’ve found an aluminum RV you like. In fact, many aluminum RVs have upgraded features you might typically expect from high-end campers. Besides, some of the benefits of aluminum campers can’t be replicated or matched by fiberglass.

Advantages

Aluminum RVs are far easier to repair than their fiberglass counterparts, should you need to access the insulation, repair a panel, or replace part of the wall. So your time (and bill) at the shop likely won’t be as significant. Fiberglass repairs are much more involved and can lead to a costly bill. 

Aluminum is more affordable. Shop similar RV floor plans to a fiberglass counterpart and get a similar camping experience for a far friendlier price with an aluminum RV. We’ve discussed some reasons why aluminum trailers are more affordable—and not all of those relate to quality. Aluminum RVs are more affordable to build and, therefore, have a lower price tag. 

The wood of stick-and-tins can be better for insulation. With conventional stick-and-tins, the wood frame does not transfer heat or cold as much as aluminum frames, so they can have better insulating properties. 

Aluminum RVs have seen increased popularity (and improvements). In recent years—with brands like Silver Lake, Coleman, and Grand Design travel trailers—we’ve seen manufacturers bolster the overall build quality of their aluminum travel trailer lineups. With reinforced framing, increased interior heights, solid surface countertops, tongue and groove decking, and other construction upgrades, you get affordable RVs with significant durability. 

Disadvantages

Aluminum is more susceptible to hail and debris damage. The lightweight nature of aluminum on RV walls also means that hail or rocks can easily dent, damage, or destroy aluminum paneling. 

Insulation can shake down. Batt insulation for your house does not experience the rumble and tumble of driving down the road; RV batt insulation does. This can cause the insulation within the walls to shift and pile at the bottom of the wall, leading to hot and cold spots on your RV or decreased insulation performance. 

Susceptible to water damage. Water damage to the wooden frame can cause rot and significant structural damage. Furthermore, the fiberglass insulation inside absorbs water and can lead to bad smells in your RV. 

As mentioned, stick-and-tin RVs are heavier than their laminate and all-aluminum counterparts. While you will often pay less up front for a stick-and-tin, you can expect better gas mileage from your tow vehicle with a lighter laminate or all-aluminum camper.

Fiberglass RVs

Tractor towing fiberglass laminate RV
Photo by Camping World

Fiberglass RVs—also referred to as laminates—offer some significant advantages over aluminum campers. Many new RVers are drawn to these campers by looks alone: They are smoother, have a glossy shine, and appear more modern and aerodynamic than aluminum campers. Some of these visual aspects are backed up with real quality. 

Advantages

Fiberglass exteriors are far easier to clean than aluminum counterparts and provide less wind resistance. The exterior flat fiberglass is also more resistant to dents caused by hail or road debris. 

Fiberglass RVs have steel or aluminum framing. This is part of the quality you pay for. Welded steel or aluminum framing is more durable, can hold more weight, and is impervious to rot. Brands like East to West RV use aluminum framing for every single opening on their laminate RVs, which fortifies the structure and the doors and windows they create. 

Fiberglass RVs with foam insulation perform far better in four-season camping. Even those that use non-Azdel components will be superior to aluminum RVs when it comes to temperature retention. Beyond that, foam walls are less susceptible to water damage, provide a more significant noise barrier, and generally last longer. 

Fiberglass RVs are more lightweight than stick-and-tins, and they often also have improved gas mileage due to their flat, glossy sidewalls which can improve aerodynamics.

Disadvantages

Fiberglass is more prone to delamination, which means water gets inside and causes the laminate to peel. This can be extremely expensive to repair and is difficult to detect. Many RVers who have experienced delamination are more likely to switch back to aluminum travel trailers. 

Fiberglass can be more difficult to repair. While often more durable and dent-resistant than aluminum, repairing damaged fiberglass is more extensive and expensive, and it often requires professional assistance. 

Given its advantages, fiberglass is more expensive. But even if demand were down, the equipment to manufacture fiberglass walls is expensive to own and operate.

Fiberglass Travel Trailers vs Aluminum

Let’s explore a few examples of our favorite aluminum and fiberglass travel trailers to illustrate several great, affordable options in each category.

Forest River Ozark (Aluminum)

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Specs

  • Length: 20’1” – 32’10”
  • UVW: 5,228 pounds – 7,733 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2-6

The Forest River Ozark travel trailer lineup offers great options at the stick-and-tin, aluminum-sidewall level. One of our favorites is the Ozark 2400BHLE. While its price tag is entry-level, the layout, construction, and design offer something more, including the exterior, which features a best-in-the-industry aluminum reinforced with a protective coating and made thicker to prevent denting.

Keystone Coleman Legacy (Fiberglass)

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Specs

  • Length: 23’11” – 33’11”
  • UVW: 5,150 pounds – 6,760 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2-10

Part of the redesigned 2025 Keystone Coleman RVs, the Coleman Legacy series offers an ideal compromise between the affordability of aluminum stick-and-tin travel trailers and the quality and durability of laminate fiberglass. It provides a fiberglass exterior with upgraded amenities like solid surface countertops, power stabilizer jacks, a tankless water heater, and more—and at an affordable price. 

East to West Silver Lake (Aluminum)

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Specs

  • Length: 21’3” – 37’8”
  • UVW: 3,548 pounds – 7,518 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2-8

This isn’t the first time we’ve touted the quality of the East to West Silver Lake travel trailers. Notably, they bolster the interior and exterior walls with thicker wood framing and incorporate stronger roof elements. Choose from ten floor plans for couples, families, or solo travelers. With amenities like standard king-sized beds, fully finished pass through storage, and a heated and enclosed underbelly, Silver Lake campers stand out among the best stick-and-tin aluminum travel trailers. 

Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite (Fiberglass)

Specs

  • Length: 22’4” – 25’11”
  • UVW: 4,493 pounds – 6,009 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 2-6

Short, lightweight, and aerodynamic, the Rockwood Mini Lite fiberglass travel trailer lineup is a great example of excellent sidewall construction in small, versatile campers. Mini Lite owners enjoy easy towing, the ability to camp almost anywhere, and Rockwood’s reputation for build quality. For those seeking an SUV-towable RV with luxury amenities, it’s tough to beat Rockwood. 

Is Aluminum or Fiberglass Better For a Camper?

When comparing aluminum stick-and-tins to fiberglass campers, the lightweight durability and aerodynamics of fiberglass likely make it a better overall material for travel trailer sidewalls. However, many campers who have switched to fiberglass later return to stick-and-tin for the improved price after experiencing delamination. 

Do Fiberglass Campers Last Longer? 

Fiberglass is recognized for longevity and durability and is likely the best option for long-term use. But by handing fiberglass the crown in this debate, we ignore the potential of some of the problems fiberglass owners have expressed, like delamination, which is costly and hard to repair, and overall cost. When properly maintained, many stick-and-tin options work perfectly fine for many families. 


Travel trailers are the most popular RV type, with options ranging from affordable stick-and-tins to luxury laminates. Hopefully this article helped better inform your search. Below are a few additional resources as you shop for the perfect travel trailer. 

If you’ve owned a fiberglass or aluminum travel trailer, what has your experience been? Let us know in the comments below!

Author

  • Comment (2)
  • Joel Evans says:

    Good comparison but incomplete. You didn’t address the #1 comparison factor – weight difference.

    • Carl Corder says:

      Hi Joel, great call-out. Weight is certainly a differentiating factor between stick-and-tin and fiberglass RVs. We’ve updated this article to address this topic. Thanks for your comment!

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