Best fiberglass RVs?

[Colorado Barb]

I am new to trailer camping and just now learning there are major differences, such as "stick built" vs. fiberglass. Just as there are reputations and different qualities among automobiles, I am wondering about the ranking and reputations among fiberglass RVs. Which are considered the best? the most luxurious? the more basic entry-level ones? etc.? Until I joined this forum I had no idea there are so many kinds of fiberglass trailers - I don't want to start a war, but I would enjoy hearing your opinions.

Thanks!

[Bob Miller]

"What's Best" is a question that is usually asked before buying a FGRV.
For the most part you will get opinions based on what is currently in the driveway and/or what that owner wants/needs in a FGRV.

I like to call my 1973 Hunter Compact-II "The Best" because it's small, light weight, easy to work on, low in profile, fits in a garage and, for me, presents more fun per $$$ than any of the others....

(Psst... don't let the others in our fleet know that I said that, the Lil'Bigfoot is known to be a bit prissy when she's not #1)

In new ones, price is fair indicator of build quality.

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Colorado Barb

I am new to trailer camping and just now learning there are major differences, such as "stick built" vs. fiberglass. Just as there are reputations and different qualities among automobiles, I am wondering about the ranking and reputations among fiberglass RVs. Which are considered the best? the most luxurious? the more basic entry-level ones? etc.? Until I joined this forum I had no idea there are so many kinds of fiberglass trailers - I don't want to start a war, but I would enjoy hearing your opinions.

Thanks!

Hi: Colorado Barb... Escape to the best...and leave the rest IMHO!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Colorado Barb]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Colorado Barb... Escape to the best...and leave the rest IMHO!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Ha ha! You know, maybe I do want a friendly war to break out!

[Rattlesnake Joe]

It depends on what you plan to do with the trailer? If you are just going to use her as a weekend or vacation rv then maybe you don't need a fiberglass one, as some are expensive. The Molded Fiberglass ones are the best in my opinion because it is more bulletproof. No need to worry so much about water leaks in the roof or body. Read as much as you can about them on the web, talk to owners about the differances. Colorado gets cold so you may want to think about a 4 season travel trailer. You might have friends or family that will allow you to take theirs camping too. Don't rush into a purchase or you will most likely be sorry.

[Daniel A.]

In new units build quality craftsmanship is the difference, some things can be done cheaper but may need attention after a couple of seasons.

If a used fiberglass unit has been looked after you won't have water problems.
The chance of not having water issues with stick units will only be luck.

A lot of the same appliances/ fixtures are used in both.

I think its easier to care for a fiberglass unit.

[WildBirder]

What's best is highly dictated on your needs. Full time? Vacation? Camping? Tow Vehicle? Budget? Climate? Size "needs"? New vs Vintage style?
Once those are better established I'm sure there's still plenty of debate to be had.

[deryk]

And everyone has different ideas about what will work for them too! I was really close to chooseing a scamp 13 deluxe. Beautifal trailer well cared for but I started thinking about haveing to keep resetting the dinette and realized I want a bed and a dinette. So I went for the ParkLiner.. bigger bed, but will admit when the table is up it really makes the cabin look huge!

deryk

[BAMA & Pachyderm Posse]

well of coarse every one will say theirs is best , and I agree my choice is LIL SNOOZY ck out owners page click on the HOME . link

[Mike Magee]

I will venture to compare them as follows:
Scamp is sort of like a Chevy.
Casita, a Buick.
Escape, a Lexus
LIl Snoozy, a Honda
Parkliner, a Nissan
AIrstream = a Mercedes (big reputation based on past quality)
Any stick built trailer = a Yugo

JMHO

[Tonia]

I agree with the "it depends" answer. For me the ability to tow with my Jeep Wrangler, price, and

[Tonia]

Originally Posted by Tonia

I agree with the "it depends" answer. For me the ability to tow with my Jeep Wrangler, price, and

Oops. Happy fingers sent this too soon.

It came down to the 2 things I mentioned (13' for towing comfortably and < $4000) and also that Scamp seemed to be logical for me for a few reasons...since I'm new to FB RVs I thought that it would be easiest to get parts for the year of RV i could afford. They're the factory nearest me so the price seemed most within reach too for used--- there seem to be more around me for sale (WI).

There were a few Burros and a uhaul for sale within my price range when I looked. I really liked that the interior was not "lined". But also as a newby I wondered about the band being top to bottom rather than around the belly.

I was not educated on ramifications of the band, liner or parts so I went with my gut. I was not concerned with amenities either and i did not want a bathroom. So it made things easier.

[Donna D.]

Best? Well, it's what's best for YOU of course I think that starts with tug capability, then budget, then layout (beds, bathroom, etc.). From there you move to the different types that fit those needs. If you're fortunate enough to find an all molded towable that fit those scenarios... NIRVANA. However, I know that all molded isn't for everyone. If a slab-sided trailer is what's determined as desirable, I'd look at brand reputation, yearly maintenance and resale value to determine what to look at!

I like Mike Magee's answer!!

[Alf S.]

Hi: All... My B-i-L's custom built slab side 5th wheel behemoth has just undergone another $2000. + repair for a water leak. The floor rotted in the kitchen corner from a poorly connected water fill hose. He never noticed the wet spots under all that thick plush carpet, or in the storage cupboard. This on top of the slide out tranny puts him over the average price for a used 13'er in our world.
Seems the bigger the unit the bigger the repair bills.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Pam Garlow]

UHauls and Burros are the 'smoothies' inside. No ratfir or ensulite. I love my warm white interior better than the 'white white' Burro interior (and also EggCamper). And I love the smooth exterior (no rivets).
Disadvantage of Burros and UHs is that they rely on airspace between the double hulls for insulation. In my experience, that little bit of insul under the ratfir does help the camper hold a more even interior temp. But a little cube heater keeps my baby toasty no problem.
My GF has a Scamp, and another has a Boler, and both LOVE them silly too!

..........so there's no turf war here, just a HUGE selection of different tastes and preferences. Ain't the FG world a grand place to be ??

[keekers]

Barb,
Welcome, and yeah, another person from Colorado. I love my little UHaul, easy to pull and take care of and I agree to finding what fits your needs and tow vehicle. Get out there (of course when it is warmer than 4 degrees) and enjoy yourself.
Patti

[Pam Garlow]

Colorado Barb's profile indicates that she's already the owner of a 17' Casita.... hmmm do we have a future FG collector in the making?

What is your next acquisition going to be Barb?

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by Pam Garlow

Colorado Barb's profile indicates that she's already the owner of a 17' Casita.... hmmm do we have a future FG collector in the making?

What is your next acquisition going to be Barb?

Hi: Pam Garlo... A sparing partner!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[brian m.]

The "best" one is the one in your driveway.

[Pam Garlow]

Originally Posted by Alf S.

Hi: Pam Garlo... A sparing partner!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Hi, Alf! One of these days, I want to make it to one of the ONT gatherings, and I'll look you up. Are you a white wine or red wine guy?