Why get a fiberglass RV?

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by RogerDat

They age well. Better than me anyway.

Truth.

Barring mishap, mine will outlast me. My younger daughter already has dibs on it.

[WaltP]

I really relate to Rogerdat's "Better than me" comment. And Jon, my kids are still fighting over who gets the Escape.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by RogerDat

Very few "new model" bugs since they don't come out with a new and redesigned model each year. Instead they do small things such as add solar connector or LED lights.

(snip)
I can also enjoy the folks who comment that they didn't know they still made those campers. I let them know they are still being made by same company, however this one is a 1977. They age well. Better than me anyway.

And with that being said, you can go to one of those places that don't want rigs more than 10 years old. Just tell 'em it's current and they'll never know.

[Martin.P]

The Coolness factor!

[WaltP]

And the people at the gas station saying "what a cute little camper, can I see inside?"

[Perryb67]

Originally Posted by bobblangley

It's true that the fiberglass itself has fewer seams but don't forget the multiple openings in the shells for vents, fridge, windows, etc. The are all prone to leaks and, all to often, do leak. Just check out all the posts about repairs on Bigfoot trailers due to leaks.

I see you've only been here since last July. Bigfoot has no more leaks than any other camper. Don't know the reason for your Bigfoot statement. I suggest you read your first two sentences I quoted.

Enjoy,

Perry

[steve dunham]

We’ve owned 3 FG trailers ( Scamp , Casita , 21 ft SO
We like FG trailers but that being said

1) They still leak maybe less but they still leak
2) FG trailers and stick built trailers share the same lousy appliances that seem to fail on a regular basis
3) FG trailer manufacturers cut corners just like the stick built manufacturers
cheap tires , cheap fabrics , cheap hardware , cheap appliances , cheap plumbing fixtures etc etc
4) The build quality of a FG trailer may be better but only slightly . They shove crap out the door just like Forest River
5) Most FG trailers are sold manufacturer direct so basically if something is wrong you haul the trailer back to the factory or fix it yourself . In many cases the warranty is useless
6) The size , floor plans and options offered on a FG are extremely limited
7) FG trailers are expensive when compared on a sg ft basis
8) Most FG trailers have no or very poor insulation and are not designed for temps below freezing . So in our area a FG trailer is basically a one season trailer .
9 ) FG trailers don’t have slide outs , less to go wrong but they make you feel like you living in a long narrow hallway

I’ve had more problems with quality , leaks , appliances failing , plumbing , wiring , lighting , structure with my 21 ft FG trailer than many of our friends have encountered with their stick built Forest River trailers
FG trailers are a fine option but they’re just not as perfect as some wish to portray.

[Green Frog]

My rather pointed (at me) comment is that after one corner of a hand-me-down stickie I used to have literally collapsed, the decision was immediate that I would get a FGRV. When I got home from camping that evening I went right on the sale sites and arranged to buy my egg immediately!

I like the fact that my Burro thrives on neglect and abuse. It may not be the prettiest example out there, but it goes down the road and gives me a reasonably secure shelter when I get to my destination. Unless the fiberglass shell gets cracked like Humpty Dumpty, everything else is repairable (or can be neglected. )

Froggie

[Martin.P]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

We’ve owned 3 FG trailers ( Scamp , Casita , 21 ft SO
We like FG trailers but that being said

1) They still leak maybe less but they still leak
2) FG trailers and stick built trailers share the same lousy appliances that seem to fail on a regular basis
3) FG trailer manufacturers cut corners just like the stick built manufacturers
cheap tires , cheap fabrics , cheap hardware , cheap appliances , cheap plumbing fixtures etc etc
4) The build quality of a FG trailer may be better but only slightly . They shove crap out the door just like Forest River
5) Most FG trailers are sold manufacturer direct so basically if something is wrong you haul the trailer back to the factory or fix it yourself . In many cases the warranty is useless
6) The size , floor plans and options offered on a FG are extremely limited
7) FG trailers are expensive when compared on a sg ft basis
8) Most FG trailers have no or very poor insulation and are not designed for temps below freezing . So in our area a FG trailer is basically a one season trailer .
9 ) FG trailers don’t have slide outs , less to go wrong but they make you feel like you living in a long narrow hallway

I’ve had more problems with quality , leaks , appliances failing , plumbing , wiring , lighting , structure with my 21 ft FG trailer than many of our friends have encountered with their stick built Forest River trailers
FG trailers are a fine option but they’re just not as perfect as some wish to portray.

A little harsh maybe?
Suggest you take a look at the "Armadillo" FGRV you may change your mind. They are doing a very good job. imho.

[Doctor Harold]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

I see you've only been here since last July. Bigfoot has no more leaks than any other camper. Don't know the reason for your Bigfoot statement. I suggest you read your first two sentences I quoted.

Enjoy,

Perry

AND: On any forum (trailer, car, computer, etc.) there maybe a ton of threads about repairs, but people who don't have repair issues don't start a "how do I fix my..." thread.

Harold

[ScamperWillow]

We love our “newer to us” 2002 13’ Scamp deluxe. Always receive positive comments, and we have found that campground kids are especially intrigued (perhaps b/c it seems kid sized?). My fave campground kid moment was when one 8yr old boy rode up on his bike and complimented the Scamp, and when we said he could go in and check it out we heard him say aloud “Goodness, it’s really cute! How does the toilet actually work?” LOL!!!
It has been a comfy, well built, reliable and to date easy maintenance camper. Tows like a feather w/ 6 cyl even though deluxe model is weighing in at about 1500#. Holds value!!!

[Judi in NC]

All of the above--especially the lightweight, better floor layout choices and easy to customize and they are ADORABLE (or handsome if you prefer) and sturdy as well!

[nefldiver]

Originally Posted by Nicole M

Hello, I'm going to be writing a blog post on why a fiberglass RV might be desirable. So, in other words, what makes it better than other trailers? I know what things I like, but, what are your favorite things about your fiberglass trailer? Weight, design, etc? Thanks for your input!

In fiberglass panel travel trailers and RV's the siding material is made from a very thin layer of fiberglass is glued (apparently with water soluble glue) to a thin layer of Luan plywood which is glued to a thin layer of foam board. This is not nearly as strong as a solid fiberglass molded trailer. Also it has a tendency to delaminate (the layers coming apart). This is a catastrophic failure of a structural wall. It is very costly to fix. It is just one of the reasons that many fiberglass panel trailers lose 50 to 70% of their value within the first eight or nine years.

Visit any RV dealer in walk around look at the used fiberglass panel trailers, paying close attention to the laminate near the window openings hatch openings roof seams etc. I guarantee you will see many trailers with puffy spots where the fiberglass has separated from the plywood.

Molded fiberglass trailers do not lose their value so precipitously, in fact many of them holding their value well into their 20 year mark. Some older antique trailer sell for more than they originally sold for.

[Spongelander]

Originally Posted by FRED SMAILES

I wanted a boler cause they're COOL!!!
Was wanting one to tow behind my hotrod.
Camping in it wasn't really on my mind at first.
We took it to a major show and stayed in a campsite not far away to save a few dollars and were hooked!
It's been across Canada, up and down the west coast several times
and a constant source of projects.
Fred
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Would that picture happen to be above Osoyoos?