Thread: aluminium vs fibreglass

Originally Posted by stewie110

Hi All,

This is a repeat question as I couldn't find any specific answer in the various threads so I'll ask again.

Beyond weight is there any specific benefits from either fibreglass or aluminium for use in canopy or campers?

I am looking at various options to have something on the back of a 130 or similar size tray the open questions that I have are materials based.

Also interested in knowing if anyone has any pro's or con's for sleeping in such a space for an adult and small kid.

For starters, I would think Alum significantly stronger, less easily damaged, but a much poorer insulator.

Hi,
I have a fiberglass slideon camper. Best thing is it doesn't leak. No seams or joints, all moulded.
Cheers

fiberglass is easier to repair, stronger, can be seamless, very easy to make alteration/additions, all can be done with minimal hand tools, 4 inch grinder, rasp, matt roller, cheap paint brushes and acouple empty icecream containers.
cheers
blaze

Fibreglass would be heavier I would imagine but as noted easier to repair with basic tools.

TFC Canopy | Aluminum Composite Building Panels from ALPOLIC
Aluminium Ute Canopies Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold Coast & Sydney

Propely designed, weight should be about the same for both materials with the same strength. Fibreglass is probably easier to repair, as suggested,but suffers more from deterioration due to exposure to sunlight - aluminium is unaffected.

Unless insulated, you will get condensation in alloy canopies. Fibreglass is easier to build with compound curves, and so is likely to be stronger. Alloy will be noisier as a general rule.

My preference would be alloy, simply due to its stability when subjected to sunlight, but this does not mean I would not end up buying a fibreglass one because the design was better!

This ali vs fiberglass is something many boaties think about as well.
Fiberglass boats tend to look nicer and have a better "finish" and "Ride" than ali/steel boats have but they usually require much more horsepower to push the same sized boat through the water due to their extra weight.
Fiberglass boats can be repaired quite easily without the need of specialised tools But they also can be damaged more easily than their ali/steel counterparts also sunlight degrades them and has No effect on ali or steel.
I have owned both ali and fiberglass boats But at the end of the day the ali boats require far less maintenance and cost less to run and tow as well , The ali boats are also much easier to launch and retrieve as well especially with beach launches.
However without a doubt I have found that the fiberglass boats I have owned to be much more comfortable at sea than my ali boats, So it all depends on what you want.
If you want comfort and good looks and are prepared to pay more money on maintenance and running costs then fiberglass is the go.
If you want dependability, longevity and low maintenance and are prepared to put up with a harsher ride then ali is the go.

I would think that the same would apply to slide on campers.

I don't think the material of the canopy will affect the ride..........