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View Poll Results: Smooth or Aluminum siding poll. Multiple choice.
I have a smooth sided RV 175 39.33%
I have an aluminum sided RV 146 32.81%
I have had both and prefer smooth 82 18.43%
I have had both and prefer aluminum 54 12.13%
I have a smooth sided RV and have experienced delamination 48 10.79%
I have an aluminum sided RV and dents and dings have been a problem 14 3.15%
I have a smooth sided RV and have experienced fading 25 5.62%
I have an aluminum sided RV and have experienced fading 2 0.45%
I will never buy another smooth sided RV 18 4.04%
I will never buy another another aluminum sided RV 11 2.47%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 445. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 09-22-2014, 01:16 PM   #1
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Smooth or Aluminum siding poll

Smooth or Aluminum siding poll and discussion. Let`s keep it civil.

Poll is multiple choice.
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Old 09-22-2014, 01:31 PM   #2
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Not a real big sample yet. I like the smooth sides because they are somewhat easier to keep clean and, with the gutter thingies, I don't get black lines down the sides of the FW.
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Old 09-22-2014, 01:36 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nbhybrid View Post
I think most people don't go looking for either or so unsure what a discussion could help.

I consider myself an average Rv'er and I purchased my hybrid because of the size and features not the siding. The only way to get my trailer was fiberglass. I think most people shop for other reasons first.
There have been many threads on this question in various forums including this one. Folks want to know why choices are made, that`s the reason for the poll and discussion. Now we can reference the poll when the question arises. That is why I feel these polls are valuable. (At least some of them)
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Old 09-22-2014, 01:43 PM   #4
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I for sure prefer the smooth fiberglass siding. I've had plenty of the aluminum in the past.
Aluminum dents easy, they get small pin holes because of the grounding and other elect problems. The sealing on the corner and roof is much harder and subject to more leaks.
Just like a metal roof on a house..if there is no air gap then condensation forms...which means there is water being formed between the aluminum siding and plywood. We have a older 5iver at deer camp, aluminum siding, water freezes and separated the laps and water gets in. They build the aluminum as beginner models. Most RVers move up to fiberglass.
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Old 09-22-2014, 01:43 PM   #5
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When I went shopping for mine, I wouldn't even consider something with aluminum sides. The only reason I would walk into them was to get an idea of what kind of floor plan I liked. Aluminum is too hard to wax and keep looking good. Just my opinion...
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:00 PM   #6
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We just sold our 197 Today. It had the smooth side. Never had any problems with it. We ordered a 2015 24FBS and elected to stay with the aluminum siding. The FBS is going to be around for awhile and if a leak were to occur and I didn't notice it in time, Im sure a delamination issue would be an expensive fix after the warranty expires. I liked the smooth side, but like NB said, we bought it for the size and features as well, not the siding. The smooth side option on the 24 FBS is around $1,700.00 with frameless windows. Thats alot of $$ for a fiberglass sidewall. The frameless windows turned me off. It's too late anyway....we pick it up this weekend.
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:01 PM   #7
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Remember everyone to also vote in the poll at the top of the page.
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:02 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff View Post
I for sure prefer the smooth fiberglass siding. I've had plenty of the aluminum in the past.
Aluminum dents easy, they get small pin holes because of the grounding and other elect problems. The sealing on the corner and roof is much harder and subject to more leaks.
Just like a metal roof on a house..if there is no air gap then condensation forms...which means there is water being formed between the aluminum siding and plywood. We have a older 5iver at deer camp, aluminum siding, water freezes and separated the laps and water gets in. They build the aluminum as beginner models. Most RVers move up to fiberglass.
So, your saying I took a step backwards?
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:08 PM   #9
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I really don't have a preference, but bought a smooth-sided HTT because it was the best camper my money could buy at the time that I was in the market. I wouldn't hesitate to give aluminum a chance.
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:10 PM   #10
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JOF Poll's and associated discussions are always interesting, and it's one choice to participate or not

I prefer the Smooth side for ease of cleaning, and the look....., but I wouldn't walk away from an Aluminum sided RV if it was the only material offered in the RV that met all my needs.

Bob
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:15 PM   #11
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I think the bottom line on deciding between smooth sided and aluminum sided is basically "You pays you money and you takes you chances".

Both types have advantages and disadvantages. In the case of water damage, aluminum sides will be easier and cheaper to fix; repairing major aluminum sided water damage is potentially an at home do it yourself fix. Repairing major smooth sided water damage begins with "First, remove the entire old wall". Aluminum is lighter. Smooth sided is easier to seal.

Buy what you like, and make sure you keep it well sealed.
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:16 PM   #12
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I like the look of the fiberglass trailers, and they will stand up to hail damage better for sure (which I just experienced). I do have concerns though about fading, chalking, and delamination. I'm looking at the 26BH and it's offered in both... Really not sure which way to go.
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Old 09-22-2014, 02:30 PM   #13
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Having had both Smooth and Aluminum sided TT's, IMO one common characteristic is that UV and debris over time has a visible effect on their respective front caps.

I will acknowledge that the Smooth "colored" front caps seemed to be more difficult to maintain do to what seems to be premature fading (based on owner feedback).

I do prefer a Smooth white surface over a colored surface, and this could potentially be the deal breaker for me if I had to choice between a Smooth colored and an Aluminum sided TT.

Bob
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Old 09-22-2014, 03:03 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camping Couple View Post
So, your saying I took a step backwards?
No...maybe a side step....
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Old 09-22-2014, 03:29 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Texashighsheriff View Post
No...maybe a side step....
I know, I just think of the possible delamination issues. My sister in law has a Jayco 2007 17export with the smooth side. The front sidewall corner is bulging. I believe from lack of maintenance. She says they always check it. So I am very attentive to maintenance items...especially the roof. Like I said earlier, if I miss something, the aluminum siding is probably a cheaper fix. Smooth sided walls, the whole side has to come off. We decided to give the auminum a chance. We will see.
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Old 09-22-2014, 04:07 PM   #16
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I have the aluminum side. Picked it because of the layout and I coul afford the trailer. If money not factor like the look of smooth sides.
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Old 09-22-2014, 04:11 PM   #17
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I have alum. It is easy to to keep clean and the paint stays bright.

Waxing isn't the issue many like to think it is. I might even suggest some folks who say it is difficult to wax alum sided trailer have never tried doin it. I wax at least twice a year with quality liquid wax and its easy on easy off -- paste might take more work but paste always takes more work.

The only fiberglass I would consider would be a gel-coat fiberglass. Otherwise most of the fiberglass sided trailers I see are pretty faded and chaulky looking after 5-6 years. I am sure there are expections but that is my personal experience.
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Old 09-22-2014, 05:10 PM   #18
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See this. I have seen this Lots over the past 40 years.
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...446#post236446
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Old 09-22-2014, 05:15 PM   #19
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I have had both and have no preference. I have had no problem with either, however, these are relatively new trailers. I have not had any fading of the front cap of my White Hawk. I wash it but have not waxed it.

If I were to order a Jay Flight series trailer I would not spend the extra for smooth sides.
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Old 09-23-2014, 06:53 PM   #20
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I'd like to try the fiberglass sides, but didn't want the extra weight and was told it would be more expensive to repair if there was damage. So I went with what I have had in the past. The next one, many years down the road, may be fiberglass as I hope to have a heavier duty tow vehicle.
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