Fiberglass Side

[Paul]

I have noticed in my research that there are some 2018 model that have fiberglass side instead of Aluminum. I would like to hear opinion on this. I have read that it was a prototype and that there was also 2018 model with Aluminum sinding. When you look for 2018 model the one that have the fibreglass have the Platinum Edition package

Platinum Edition: $3,500 Value High Gloss Gelcoat Fiberglass • Forced Heated & Enclosed Underbelly • Decorative Pillow Package (where available) • Backsplash at Cooktop • LED Back Lit Lighted Glass in OH Cabinets (where available) • LED Undermounted Accent Lights at Kitchen C.Top • Double Aluminum Entrance Step • Battery Disconnect • Back up Camera Prep • Stainless Steel Appliances • Deluxe Chrome Graphics       

I am not sure if the one I ordered will have that. There was no Platinum Edition on the order form so I assume it will be Aluminum

Is this good or bad?

[DavidM]

Paul:

Here is my take on aluminum sides vs fiberglass: Fiberglass is just as durable as aluminum, maybe more. Rock strikes will simply chip a bit of the gel coat from the fiberglass and can easily be repaired. When a rock hits aluminum, it will dent it.

The main downside to fiberglass is weight- It weighs a lot more than fiberglass. That is why the founders of LL chose aluminum over fiberglass- weight savings.

But looking at the Platinum package as a whole, there are some things I like: two step entry, battery disconnect, pre wiring for backup camera, enclosed underbelly- Not sure if it is heated, if so it could be a big plus for you and your climate. This feature which ducts hot air from the furnace to the area below the floor is only available on the higher end campers and makes them suitable for 3-4 season use.

So how do you feel about hundreds of pounds more weight for fiberglass? Are the Platinum features worthwhile to you? I would check on the underbelly heating and if so, that might be a reason to change your order to Platinum.

David

[Pinstriper]

Most of what David said. Weight, plus what's behind it ?

Battery disconnect ? I got one for $10.

Chrome graphics ? Meh.

Double step ? Yes, please ! I've got about $400 between welding and the step itself to do mine (which we love).

LED lights in and under the cabinets ? Yes, please.

Enclosed underbelly ? Depends how it's done. If it's an easily torn/punctured skin, it won't last and will just make a rodent haven.

Backup camera ? Meh. If I had a 21 maybe I'd care. Else not.

Backsplash ? Stainless appliances ? Nah. We don't cook inside, anyway.

So it really comes down to whether the basement enclosure is durable and a good seal. If so, that makes it worth the price. Otherwise not even close, IMO.

[GoElectric]

I would be real leary of fiberglass siding on an RV.  In and of itself fiberglass is a great product such as the way a Casita Travel Trailer is constructed, but as just a siding, delamination is a huge issue.  In most cases it due to moisture with the bonding to the luan backer, regardless of what the framing is constructed of and with stress and movement of the RV during travel.  I would be curious what Livin Lite is using as the backer to attach the fiberglass to.  I also will be curious to see how the composite floors hold up as well.  I think it's just another way to make the Livin Lites just like every other RV in the industry.  The list sure is growing on all the compromises "improvements" they are making.

[Capt J-rod]

Fiber glass shell? No thanks. Everyone else does it. Jayco, Starcraft, everyone. No wood in the wall is a plus. As stated above. Scamps, casita, and Oliver do it with great success. Fiberglass panel walls with a rubber roof? You are just like everyone else. Can it be repaired? I bought my camp lite because it was not a jayco. The de-lamination, water leaks, and cheap wood cabinets are never an asset. I paid more used for a camp lite than a brand new star craft would have cost with their fabulous "two year warranty". If it works for you then by all means go for it. It did not work for me and I was not willing to take a $18,000 gamble, much less a $35,000 gamble. Slowly but surely Thor is taking away all of the reasons the camp lite was the camper for me.

[Merlin]

For our use here in Michigan we would love to have an enclosed underbelly (subject to Pinstriper's caveats). That would significantly extend our season.

[Powder Hounds]

An enclosed and insulated underbelly, that would be really nice on those cold nights. BUT, having a family of Hantavirus infected rodents living in that nice insulation scares the heck out of me. I love that cold hard aluminum floor. We are completely fine sweeping up frost in the winter. Slippers and wool socks.

[Capt J-rod]

I understand that when freezing temps hit then things will freeze. What is to stop you from using the accordion style siding insulation on the floor under the rubber mats? It would definitely take some chill off. Critters living in the insulation is real. One little ground chipmunk did over $15k of damage to a buddy's 5th wheel.

[gbpack]

I really like the aluminum (wherever I can get it). If it were me right now, I'd stick with the aluminum sides. No sense paying an extra $3,500 for extra weight and I'm not sure I'd go with their first generation sealed underbelly. If that is interesting to someone, I would wait a few years to see how It ends up working out and for them to work the bugs out. Just my two cents.

[Apollo]

Some dealers are posting the order form and I've seen a few where they note "PROTO BUILT NEW WAY" and "WHT FBG SIDES" both were no cost options.

Will be interesting to see where this goes, is the aluminum going away? will aluminum become an extra cost option like the cabinets did? what happens Thor is ruining these campers.

[MarshHawk]

I have noticed in my research that there are some 2018 model that have fiberglass side instead of Aluminum. I would like to hear opinion on this. I have read that it was a prototype and that there was also 2018 model with Aluminum sinding. When you look for 2018 model the one that have the fibreglass have the Platinum Edition package

Platinum Edition: $3,500 Value High Gloss Gelcoat Fiberglass • Forced Heated & Enclosed Underbelly • Decorative Pillow Package (where available) • Backsplash at Cooktop • LED Back Lit Lighted Glass in OH Cabinets (where available) • LED Undermounted Accent Lights at Kitchen C.Top • Double Aluminum Entrance Step • Battery Disconnect • Back up Camera Prep • Stainless Steel Appliances • Deluxe Chrome Graphics       

I am not sure if the one I ordered will have that. There was no Platinum Edition on the order form so I assume it will be Aluminum

Is this good or bad?

Paul....did you get you camper yet? Is it aluminum?

[Paul]

I have noticed in my research that there are some 2018 model that have fiberglass side instead of Aluminum. I would like to hear opinion on this. I have read that it was a prototype and that there was also 2018 model with Aluminum sinding. When you look for 2018 model the one that have the fibreglass have the Platinum Edition package

Platinum Edition: $3,500 Value High Gloss Gelcoat Fiberglass • Forced Heated & Enclosed Underbelly • Decorative Pillow Package (where available) • Backsplash at Cooktop • LED Back Lit Lighted Glass in OH Cabinets (where available) • LED Undermounted Accent Lights at Kitchen C.Top • Double Aluminum Entrance Step • Battery Disconnect • Back up Camera Prep • Stainless Steel Appliances • Deluxe Chrome Graphics       

I am not sure if the one I ordered will have that. There was no Platinum Edition on the order form so I assume it will be Aluminum

Is this good or bad?

Paul....did you get you camper yet? Is it aluminum?

I haven't got my camper yet but I have confirmed with livin lite that my trailer is going to be Aluminum side

[Chappy133]

I have had fiberglass caps on pickups delaminate and become water logged.

I will stick to my Aluminum sides.