Embarking on the RV lifestyle opens up a world of adventure, and one of the first major decisions for any traveler is the type of trailer. Among the various options, Fiberglass Travel Trailers stand out for their unique construction and set of advantages. When I began my own RV journey, I was immediately drawn to fiberglass trailers, a conviction that has remained steadfast through countless miles on the road. While exploring the specifics of Oliver fiberglass trailers, it became clear that a broader discussion about the merits and drawbacks of molded fiberglass trailers, in general, would be beneficial.
This article delves into the world of fiberglass travel trailers, outlining their key pros and cons to help you determine if they align with your travel aspirations. And at the end of this exploration, I’ll touch upon a question many ask: knowing what I know now, would I choose a fiberglass trailer again?
What are Fiberglass Travel Trailers?
When researching molded fiberglass trailers around 2016-2017, I found a relatively small, dedicated market. At that time, only a handful of manufacturers were actively producing them, including brands like EggCamper, Escape, Scamp, Casita, Big Foot, and Oliver. While the landscape may see occasional shifts with older manufacturers potentially restarting production, the core group remains consistent. Over the decades, more than fifty companies have ventured into fiberglass travel trailers, many of which still enjoy a loyal following and can be seen on roads today.
A white small molded fiberglass trailers.
Originally, these trailers were nicknamed “eggs” due to their distinctive, egg-like shape, particularly prevalent in the smaller, 13-foot models. While the “egg” moniker isn’t as common now, it reflects the unique molded construction of these RVs. Interestingly, the fiberglass RV community is quite niche; my friend Casita Dean and I estimate that molded fiberglass trailers might account for only 1% or even less of the total RVs manufactured. While concrete data is elusive, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests their rarity compared to traditional RVs.
Now, let’s dive into the core of the discussion: the pros and cons of molded fiberglass trailers.
The Pros of Fiberglass Travel Trailers
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a fiberglass travel trailer lies in its inherent durability and resistance to water damage. This stems directly from their unique construction.
Durability and Leak Resistance
During a factory tour at Oliver Trailers, I witnessed firsthand the molding process. Fiberglass trailers are constructed from two main molds – a top and a bottom half – which are then joined and sealed at the center, often referred to as the belly band. This molded, seamless shell is a significant advantage.
Water intrusion is a major concern for RV owners. Leaks can lead to mold, costly repairs, and significant headaches. My decision to go with fiberglass was strongly influenced by the understanding that molded fiberglass trailers are far less prone to water leaks compared to traditionally built RVs. The key is the absence of a flat roof with seams and edges where water can penetrate. The curved roof design also prevents water from pooling, further minimizing leak risks.
Factory floor.
It’s important to clarify that “decreased chance” doesn’t mean “zero chance.” Water can still enter through openings like windows, air conditioning units, and roof vents if seals are improperly installed or wear down over time. However, the fundamental design of fiberglass travel trailers offers a superior defense against water damage compared to traditional RVs with multiple seams and a flat roof structure.
Longevity and Appearance
Another significant advantage of fiberglass travel trailers is their ability to maintain a youthful appearance over time. Unlike traditional RVs that can quickly show their age with faded paint, peeling decals, and general wear and tear, fiberglass holds up remarkably well.
You can often easily identify older model RVs by their dated aesthetics – a distinctly 70s or 80s look, often accompanied by dingy whites and outdated design. Interestingly, some campgrounds even have policies against RVs older than 10 years, not necessarily due to discrimination, but to maintain park aesthetics and avoid potential issues with dilapidated rigs. However, many well-maintained older RVs, owned by responsible individuals, are unfairly impacted by such rules.
Molded fiberglass trailer designs have remained relatively consistent over the years, making it challenging to immediately distinguish an older model from a newer one. The smooth, white fiberglass finish stays bright and shiny, especially with regular waxing. This durability contributes to excellent resale value. Oliver Trailers, in particular, are known for holding their value exceptionally well, and this likely extends to other fiberglass trailer brands as well. The rigid fiberglass construction ensures they remain sturdy and strong, resisting the typical deterioration seen in many other RV types.
Lightweight and Maneuverability
The generally more compact size of fiberglass travel trailers translates to another advantage: they are often lighter and easier to maneuver. While length can be seen as a limitation in some ways (discussed in “Cons”), it’s a definite “pro” when it comes to travel flexibility.
Shorter trailers, whether fiberglass or not, excel in accessing a wider range of destinations. They handle challenging roads better, and many national parks, built in an era of smaller trailers, have campground size restrictions that longer rigs simply can’t meet (often around 30 feet). The narrower profile of many molded fiberglass trailers also makes them easier to navigate on narrow roads and fit into tighter campsites.
The Cons of Fiberglass Travel Trailers
Despite their numerous advantages, fiberglass travel trailers also come with certain drawbacks. Ironically, some of the very features that make them appealing also contribute to their limitations.
Space Limitations
The rounded walls, a key feature for leak prevention and structural integrity, also impact interior space. Overhead cabinets, for example, follow the curve of the roof, resulting in less usable space compared to square cabinets in traditional RVs. Optimizing storage in rounded cabinets can be challenging; items like canned goods are difficult to stack neatly, and overall, square corners simply maximize volume more efficiently.
While soft items like clothing can conform to the curved spaces, they often end up less organized. Items stored in the upper, more curved sections of cabinets can become compressed and wrinkled.
Furthermore, the limited length of most fiberglass travel trailers contributes to overall space constraints. While this enhances maneuverability, it also means less living area inside.
Limited Customization
The very nature of molded construction restricts customization options. Fiberglass trailers are built from molds, meaning their shape and layout are fixed. What you see is essentially what you get. This contrasts sharply with traditional RVs, where modifications and customizations are common.
The most obvious example of this limitation is the built-in fiberglass seating in dinettes. These seats are part of the mold and cannot be easily removed or replaced. In traditional trailers, many owners modify dining areas, replacing factory seating with chairs, couches with recliners, or even converting the entire dinette into a workspace with desks.
Dining room in an RV. Table is black and the seat cushions are dark gray.
Such flexibility is simply not possible with molded fiberglass trailers. The interior layout is largely predetermined, which can be a significant drawback for those who desire a highly personalized or adaptable living space.
Wet Baths
Due to length restrictions, most fiberglass travel trailers, with the exception of longer models like the 21- and 25-foot Bigfoot, come with wet baths. These combine the shower and toilet area into a single, compact space. While manageable, wet baths are undeniably less convenient than dry baths with separate shower stalls. They require more effort to keep clean and dry, and the limited space can feel cramped.
For those accustomed to dry baths, or for full-time RVers where bathroom comfort is paramount, the wet bath in many fiberglass travel trailers can be a significant disadvantage.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a balanced look at the pros and cons of molded fiberglass trailers. From exceptional durability and longevity to space and customization limitations, these unique RVs offer a distinct set of trade-offs.
Whether a fiberglass travel trailer is the right choice for you ultimately depends on your individual needs, travel style, and priorities. If durability, low maintenance, and ease of towing are paramount, and you are comfortable with a more compact space and limited customization, then a fiberglass trailer could be an excellent fit. However, if you require ample living space, extensive customization options, and prefer a dry bath, a traditional RV might be a more suitable option.
Would I buy the same type of trailer again? Stay tuned for the next installment where I delve into the specifics of my Oliver Travel Trailer and answer that very question!
