Your RV’s exterior siding serves a few essential purposes. Specifically, it provides the necessary insulation to keep your interior at a comfortable temperature and protects your vehicle from the elements.
As you walk around any RV dealership, you’ll notice two main siding options – aluminum and fiberglass. Luckily, it’s easy to tell them apart, as aluminum siding usually has ridges, while fiberglass siding is flat and smooth.
Each type of siding has its own advantages and shortcomings, which can make it difficult to determine which kind is best for your vehicle. To help you make an informed decision, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of aluminum and fiberglass siding.
Aluminum RV Siding
Aluminum is a tried and true siding material, and its main benefit over fiberglass is price. Vehicles with RV aluminum siding are typically much cheaper. So, if you’re a first-time buyer and want to make sure the RV lifestyle is right for you, aluminum siding is an economical choice.
Repairs are also often easier with aluminum siding. If you’re in an accident and the side of your trailer gets dented, you can remove and restore the specific sections that were damaged. Meanwhile, with fiberglass siding, you’ll have to replace the entire side.
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your RV warm, aluminum siding is an effective option. Aluminum RVs have more layers which provides additional warmth during the winter months. This type of siding also offers better breathability, which can reduce the risk of mold and mildew. Plus, since aluminum weighs less than fiberglass, you can pull your trailer or RV with lower tow capacity vehicles.
RV Fiberglass Siding
Fiberglass is currently a popular RV siding choice for a variety of reasons. Not only is its sleek appearance aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also much easier to clean and maintain than aluminum.
Fiberglass siding is also very durable and less prone to denting and peeling. Therefore, it looks nicer for longer and holds its resale value better than aluminum styles. With this in mind, fiberglass is an ideal siding choice if your travel plans take you through places that see frequent hail, or if you expect to sell your vehicle down the road.
Because fiberglass RV siding features a smooth surface, windows and doors tend to seal more securely than with aluminum siding. Plus, its streamlined construction and shape provide enhanced aerodynamics, so you may even be able to enjoy better gas mileage.
Choosing Which Type of RV Siding Works for You
When shopping for an RV, you’ll likely have to make several important decisions, including which type of siding you want. Each material has its own pros and cons, so ultimately, there’s no clear winner. For example, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly material, aluminum is the way to go. And if you want something that will hold its value for years to come, fiberglass is the best choice.
All-Rite Custom Manufacturing offers a wide selection of custom RV siding, including both aluminum and fiberglass options. For more information about these products, or to place an order for your vehicle, contact us today!