(Non-fiberglass) Any opinions on Chalet RVs?

[Perryb67]

Originally Posted by ecmbob

I owned a Chalet and had a lot of fun camping with over 12 years. Traded it in for a Parkliner. I love what I have, but I think a fiberglass camper is more complex to maintain than an A-frame camper. Of course, the wife decided it was time to upgrade to a shower and toilet.

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

It was the full hot and cold plumbing upgrade, not the switch to molded fiberglass, that added the complexity. Our no-bath Scamp is very simple to maintain and operate.

Our 2007 Casita had a 5 gal fresh water tank that we never used, no electric water pump (you pumped the handle), no grey water tank (sink water ran on the ground or into a bucket), no black water tank (no toilet), and no heater, but it did have a nice, big, 4.0 cf fridge. That non-frills Casita was easy-peazy to maintain.

Our Escape 5.0 has hot and cold water, grey water tank, a toilet, black water tank, heater with a problematic sail switch, solar panels/wiring/controllers/SAE port, expensive dual batteries, Maxx fan, electric entry door keypad, a great manual awning, twin axles (not a single), etc. Sometimes I forget how maintenance-free our Casita was.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Danoh]

Originally Posted by James in NJ

With the state of the market, and how quickly I am hoping to get a <2000 lb RV, I am thinking to buy a new Chalet "The LTW" trailer instead of looking for a used fiberglass trailer.

Anyone have any experience with these? Or know their reputation?

I have had a Chalet XL1938 for the past five years, having previously owned an Aliner and Forest River A-frame. This model has a full dry bath.

I have found Chalets to be a step or two above all other A-frame models in quality and have no regrets.

They are fairly rare east of the Mississippi though. The factory has always been very responsive with any questions I have had.

Best of luck with your decision!
Dano

[parmm]

Originally Posted by James in NJ

Ah okay, but do fiberglass trailers still tend to leak much less than stick-built?

I've owned 4 fiberglass motorhomes (a Toyota Sunrader, a Allegro class a, a Foretravel diesel pusher, and my current Roadtrek, plus I am currently looking for a Scamp 19) and none of them have leaked. All were purchased well used! Fiberglass trailers tend to leak where two shells are mated together, but that is not the fiberglass leaking!

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by parmm

Fiberglass trailers tend to leak where two shells are mated together, but that is not the fiberglass leaking!

With a exception or two, so-called “belly band” leaks are rare. Most manufacturers fiberglass together the two halves during assembly.

Most leaks in molded fiberglass trailers come from doors, windows, vents, and hatches.

I agree with your major premise that leaks are not inevitable in any build type. Choosing manufacturers with a good reputation for build quality and keeping up with maintenance are critical to a leak-free ownership experience. You seem to have picked some good ones over the years.