174BH - fiberglass or aluminum?

[Irishcannoli]

Hey all - finalizing a purchase for a 174bh. Only thing I need to figure out now is whether I want to go fiberglass or aluminum exterior. Aside from the sleeker look with the fiberglass (all depends on what you are into), what are the pros and cons of the fiberglass versus the aluminum?

Thanks!

[LuckyDuck]

Our 212QBW came with aluminum and I’d choose it again if given a choice. It’s easy to wash and with a good wax job at least once a year is shiny as new. In our area with scorching summer sun, that is a lot easier than maintaining fiberglass. I know, from the work it takes on our sailboat. Beautifully maintained fiberglass rigs look great, but I see a lot of them that are oxidized and faded and look like you-know-what. The only drawback I’ve found is the aluminum doesn’t fare well in hail storms. If you live in hail country, you may not want to go metal.

[Rustic Eagle]

Irishcannoli,

Welcome to JOF

I've had both over the years and went back to aluminum.

Here's a couple JOF threads on the same subject:

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tml#post236428

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...num-72555.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...n-49685-2.html

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ion-57875.html

Bob

[IamSpartacus]

I perused the threads, it looks like a wash to be honest.

Delamination is an issue with smooth, but then aluminum siding can catch stray currents and experience galvanic corrosion.

Corrugated trailers are lighter, less expensive.

Both are vulnerable to water intrusion.

Smooth tends to have a higher R value (better insulation).
Smooth is more resistant to hail and small bumps.

People seem to enjoy doing bi-annual maintenance on roofs and leak checks but not me. I mean, I do it, but I hate that so much work is involved just trying to keep seals good/water out. I believe these trailers should be constructed so its biennial maintenance, beyond a wash n' wax,- but that is just me. Bottom line on this point is that both require a fair amount of maintaining.

If you do have a panel issue, stick and tin construction is easier to repair.

I have no data on resale value...

Which one do you like?

[SouthCo]

I’ve had both and would go fiberglass again just because I like the look better and had no issues with mine. It seemed quieter inside but I never took a dB meter to prove it. It’s also easier to wash and wax in my opinion.

Both have good points such as aluminum is cheaper and lighter...