Ultimate Guide To Fiberglass Travel Trailers
By Marshall Wendler
Fiberglass travel trailers are a sought-after and niche RV type, and they offer many advantages over traditional travel trailers.
People who buy these fiberglass RVs swear by them, and they are some of the most loyal RV owners.
What is so special about a fiberglass trailer?
Why is a molded fiberglass RV such a highly sought-after product?
Are they worth the extra money? (How much is my camper worth?)
We will answer these questions and more as we take a deep dive into the world of small fiberglass campers.
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What Is A Fiberglass Camper?
A fiberglass camper is made out of, well, fiberglass.
The walls, roof, and floor are all formed from a composite material that makes for a high-quality 'hull.' (Glass fibers saturated with either an epoxy or polyester resin.)
This differs from conventional recreational vehicle construction. Most consist of either a wood or aluminum frame with insulation sandwiched between hulls.
They have either sheet metal or thin composite skins. There are separate walls, roofs, and floors, which means many seams (potential leak points).
A molded fiberglass travel trailer's manufacturing process is vastly different from traditional camper trailers.
The fiberglass body comprises only two parts - an upper and a lower half. A single seam connects them. This means:
- The outer 'hull' has many fewer potential points for water to enter
- It is a much more solid structure
Fiberglass Trailer Mold (photo courtesy Oliver Travel Trailers)
The upper and lower shell halves are formed in molds where the fiberglass is laid out, then the resin is applied.
Once the shell cures (dried and set), it is removed from the mold and joined to its other half. This is the same primary method used to make boat hulls.
Are Fiberglass Travel Trailers Better?
To put it simply, yes! Small fiberglass travel trailers are better constructed than most other trailers.
I'd be hard-pressed to think of a manufacturer that builds a more solid unit than any of the fiberglass travel trailer manufacturers we list below.
Don't get me wrong, some of the best-rated travel trailers use traditional construction processes and have overall fine quality.
But there is nothing like starting with a solid, two-piece shell and building an RV from that to make a solid product that holds up well over time and use.
Resale value is typically very good with fiberglass camping trailers. For example, a used Casita or Scamp travel trailer will be selling surprisingly close to what a new one costs.
Part of this is due to the low build volume and long wait times for a new one, so if someone wants a molded fiberglass trailer RIGHT NOW, they are willing to pay a premium.
Traditional Trailer (Left) and Casita Fiberglass Trailer (Right)
A small fiberglass camper is easy to tow, and many models only require a vehicle with a modest towing capacity.
Have a car with at least 3,500 pounds towing capacity? No problem! It isn't necessary to have a big size truck with these RVs. Small to medium size SUVs work great!
There are some downsides to these travel trailer types. For instance, they are expensive compared to a similarly sized 'regular' RV.
Also, they don't have a travel trailer slideout, which increases the interior living space. This trailer style may not work for you if you have a large family, especially if you are looking for a full time travel trailer.
(More drawbacks in the pros/cons section below.)
The fiberglass camper trailer is the only way to go for many people. But is it best for you?
That's up to you to decide.
Pros And Cons Of Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailers
The best fiberglass trailers have features that make them super appealing. They also have some drawbacks that don't make them the right option for certain people (including those that have larger families).
Pros:
Interior Of Casita Trailer
Cons:
Fiberglass RV Manufacturers
There are many travel trailer brands out there, but only a handful of them make molded fiberglass campers. Why is this?
Most manufacturers want to crank out the most trailers that they can for the least money, resulting in a lot of junk RVs. You can't do this with fiberglass construction, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
As a result, only a tiny fraction of RV manufacturers make all fiberglass travel trailers. Most of which are lower volume builders, not cranking out the rigs by the dozens.
Camp Addict Kelly And Friends By Casita Trailer
Price reflects the increased costs related to using this alternative building method. Molded fiberglass trailers are more expensive than their traditionally constructed counterparts.
Here is a list of the more popular fiberglass RV manufacturers (not exhaustive). Companies are listed from shortest available trailers to longest trailers.
- Armadillo Trailers
- Scamp (Evelands, Inc)
- Happier Camper
- Casita Travel Trailers
- Airstream Nest (though production ceased in 2020)
- Cortes Campers
- Escape Trailer
- Bigfoot RV
- Oliver Travel Trailers
What Is The Best Fiberglass Travel Trailer?
The beauty of fiberglass travel trailer brands is that quality is typically built-in due to the construction process.
Overall, these RVs are more rugged and have fewer issues than traditionally constructed trailers.
Most of the above-listed brands make our list of top-rated RVs. Unlike all other segments of RVs, it's pretty hard to buy a poorly built small fiberglass travel trailer. You almost can't go wrong!
Scamp Trailer
These fiberglass camper trailers are all excellent choices, depending on your camping needs.
Just know that while the exterior construction process is similar, there are very discernible differences between a Casita or Scamp trailer and higher market RVs such as Oliver Travel Trailers.
Amenities and layouts vary, as will the dry weight between different sizes of fiberglass RV trailers.
Choosing The Right Fiberglass Trailer
Figuring out which of these small fiberglass trailers is best for you takes some consideration, and you will need to decide which features and amenities are important to you.
You should know how you camp (where you go, how long you stay out, campground vs. boondocking, etc.) to choose which is the best fiberglass RV for you.
The choice comes down to which of these models works best for your camping style.
Questions To Ask Yourself
- Do you need all the bells and whistles - a permanent queen RV mattress size bed, a bathroom, a fancy interior, air conditioning, a pretty design over pure functionality?
- What kind of vehicle are you going to be towing? A truck that can pull any of these fiberglass trailers? Or do you have a car or SUV that has limited towing capability?
- In other words, does size matter to you? Do you need a lightweight fiberglass travel trailer, or is weight not a concern?
- Are you a family of four or more, or just a couple? Are you a solo traveler with less gear and can put up with the lack of space inside?
Casita Travel Trailer
Smaller VS Larger Fiberglass Trailers
The Scamp and Casita are basic, no-frills small camper trailers and don't have many options. They are available with a wet bathroom, a seating area (sometimes in the form of a small side dinette), and sleeping space (generally not a permanent bed, with camper bunk mattresses being an option in some floor plans), but suffer from limited storage space.
When you move up to an Escape or Bigfoot RV, you are getting into the territory that requires a truck to tow. SUVs and cars will not have the ability to tow most of these campers due to the higher weight and greater overall length.
There will be more features and options, while the materials will be nicer than a Scamp or Casita.
Niceties such as full bathrooms and a dual RV twin mattress setup are available, and the overall quality and design of the living area are a step up from the smaller trailers.
Storage space is more abundant due to the larger size. But again, these benefits come at the cost of more weight and less ability to fit into the smallest of camping spots.
Oliver Legacy Elite II
The top-end (and most expensive) fiberglass trailer manufacturers are the Oliver Legacy Elite. There are two lengths of the Oliver, both of which utilize an inner and outer fiberglass shell for true 4-season camping.
Interior finishings are a step above everyone else in this market, and options are abundant.
The downside to an Oliver Legacy Elite (other than the price) is that trucks and SUVs with decent towing capacities are required to haul them around due to their weight.
As you can see, there is a molded fiberglass camper for almost every camping style and level of needed luxury. Just keep in mind that the price of entry into this recreational vehicle style will be greater than their more traditional (and most likely lesser quality) counterparts.
How Long Do Fiberglass Trailers Last?
How long fiberglass trailers last is one of those 'it depends' questions, and it all comes down to what type of life they lead - any RV that is abused, no matter its initial quality, won't lead a long, happy life.
Generally, an all fiberglass travel trailer lasts longer than a travel trailer made with a traditional frame, insulation, and siding. The fiberglass version has a vastly superior exterior and is better put together than most recreational vehicles on the market.
If properly taken care of, quality fiberglass travel trailers last years, if not decades. The resale value is superior to a 'regular' RV.
A well-maintained rig gives its owners years of happy camping and doesn't disappoint when it comes time to sell (IF that time ever comes!).
Conclusion
The best fiberglass travel trailers (and they all are pretty darn good) are very well built and can last a long time. They are an excellent option for someone looking for something different and better made than the traditional camper.
I'm considering one for my next rig. Small fiberglass camper trailers are very appealing because they don't have slides, have virtually indestructible exteriors, are lighter weight, and are smaller than my current rig. Quite simply, they are intriguing.
If you are looking for a quality built RV that is different from most rigs on the road, fiberglass egg campers are an option to consider.
Author: Marshall Wendler
As the co-founder of Camp Addict, Marshall Wendler is a seasoned expert in the world of RVing, with years of hands-on experience living the full-time RV life in his travel trailer. From 2014 to 2020, Marshall learned the ins and outs of the lifestyle and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. After a brief hiatus as a part-time RVer in 2021 and 2022, Marshall is back on the road full-time, embracing the vanlife and all the exciting possibilities it brings. He particularly enjoys the freedom and flexibility of boondocking and is excited to share his technical insights with the Camp Addict community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the RV world, Marshall has valuable insights and information to share, and is here to help you navigate the exciting world of RVing with confidence and ease.
I’ve been full-timing in my Escape 19 for the past 4 years. Having compared my trailer to many stick-built units, I can safely say that I will never own the latter. Absolutely no problems with the Escape with over 35000 miles on it. I travel solo so it has plenty of space. For a couple, I could see that it could be tight for long-term living but great for months-long trips. Thanks for the great article!
Hi Carl,
Yep, there’s not much similarity between the two types! We totally get your opinion now that you’ve experienced a good fiberglass unit. Safe travels!
Hi Marshall,
Great information here, thanks. We have a small home and wanted to utilize a travel trailer as a spare living space when guests visited us. We live in Duluth Mn. and yes it’s cold in the winter. Other than the top end products you mentioned that most are not 4 season capable. Any thoughts of possible options other than going the Oliver route?
Thanks much,
David
Hi David,
Are you looking specifically for a fiberglass travel trailer? If so, Oliver would be your best bet, but they are pricey.
If you want a “normal” travel trailer, you can check out Northwood Manufacturing and Outdoors RV (they are sister companies out of Oregon) who make 4-season trailers. My Lance trailer has a 4-seasons package and I’ve camped in all 4-seasons with it.
There are other manufactures who claim to have some 4-seasons trailers, including Jayco.
Best of luck in your search for a spare room for your house!
Hi Marshall,
Yes, we were liking the fiberglass options but the Olivers are more than we want to spend. And we like the idea of getting as much use as possible from the investment by having it be our “Tiny House” for guests. We see so many neighbors with trailers parked in their drive that are used so little. It seems a waste. We’ll investigate your ideas.
Very much appreciated,
David
Fiberglass is definitely the way to go if you want to keep the rig forever. As long as they are maintained, they should outlive you. But I totally get the not wanting to spend that kind of money.
After crazy RV prices over the past couple of years, travel trailer prices have settled down a bit. There actually is an inventory (assuming you want to buy new, but prices on used have come down some as well because new inventory is now under more control).
If you aren’t particular about a brand, you might be able to score a decent deal on a 4-seasons trailer now, whereas that might have been more difficult 6 months to a year ago.
Actually thinking a well maintained used one, always like the idea of quality, outlast me etc. We have a Tacoma so weight is less an issue, something to pull between Duluth and Baja Mx.
Thanks again Marshall
David
Where are some good online sites to find used fiberglass trailers? RV Trader gives me a ton of travel trailers when I search for the brand names of the fiberglass manufacturers, but no actual fiberglass units. Thanks…
Hi Bob,
Great question! There are a few sites:
1. Fiberglass-RV.com/forums -search in the used marketplace section of this site.
2. https://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com -another good site
3. https://www.fiberglassclassifieds.com -another with a good map
All three are great resources.
Thanks for the quick response. I’ll check them out.
You’re welcome!
We have the 21ft Bigfoot. Just two of us and not cramped at all. It is truly a 4 season. Being in Texas we just camped in 110 degree heat. Ac stayed on low and inside temp stayed at 72 degrees.
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
Lucky you! I am in the market for the 17′ Bigfoot. Really looking forward to not dealing so much with sealing the roof and many other aspects of it! A shorter trailer is needed for me now that I am not full-time.
I love the Bigfoots!
Just bought a fiberglass camper for daughter. When former owner said “gutted” I did not expect no wall support at all. Put a 2×4 brace in for roof (temp). But I really am at a loss for wall studs to insulate between. How can this be done? I feel comfortable bonding them with construction adhesive but how do I get them to fit the curve? The few that remain ate 1×2 and look to be steam bent.
Hi Tammy,
Whoa, sounds like quite the project RV!
What kind of a fiberglass camper is it that needs internal bracing? I’m guessing not the kind that is discussed on this page, where the outer shell is constructed like a boat’s hull, and doesn’t require supplemental support.
We don’t give construction advice. Mainly because that is waaaaay outside of our wheelhouse.
Maybe you can find an owner’s forum for the particular brand of trailer and seek advice there?
Best of luck with this project!
Probably the easiest method is to make a cardboard template and cut ‘studs’ from 3/4″ plywood (curved on both sides or just one?), possibly gluing a couple together. Be mindful of ‘going cheap’ on the plywood. You’ll be tempted to use ‘subfloor’ grade material that has a lot of voids in the veneers which will fail when you try to put a screw between veneers. The best material would be Baltic Birch. Another (better but more labor intensive) alternative is to make your own curved stud by gluing a stack of strips cut from thin plywood and clamping it to a formed ‘tool’. 2.8mm Luan is probably best but 5mm thick at the max (don’t use 1/4″). You want around 4-5 strips minimum. This is the real ‘expensive’ part of making a molded camper….
Hi Marshall,
I’m trying to find a small fiberglass trailer with a pop top. I’ve seen them before but can’t remember the brand name. The top raises straight up not hinged like a Westfalia. If you know the brand name(s) please let me know.
Thanks keep up the great articles.
Best,
Richard H
Hey Richard,
Thanks for visiting Camp Addict!
Off the top of my head I don’t know any US brands that have the feature you are looking for (or what I think you are referring to), but here are a couple of trailers with different pop-up tops:
Alto’s Safari Condo and TAXA Outdoors Cricket.
Though I don’t think those are what you are referring to.
I’ve seen (online) trailers with different styles of pop-up roofs (more what I think you are referring to), but I can’t for the life of me remember where I saw them. Other than they most likely were European (because, you know, they get all the cool RVs).
But I did find L’air Camper Company out of Ontario, Canada that makes trailers that have the style of pop-top that I think you are referring to. Unclear if they import to the US (but at first glance it appears they don’t?).
Unfortunately, I don’t know of any US-based manufacturers that do this (unless I’m just totally drawing a blank, which is entirely possible).
Hey Richard,
Kelly just pointed out that the Little Guy Meerkat has a portion of its roof that pops up. So here is one trailer available in the US that may be close to what you are talking about.
Hey Richard,
I just found another one. It’s called Hunter Compact, Jr. There’s a 1971 model for sale lin Enterprise, Alabama for $7500 listed on FB Marketplace under small travel trailers.
It’s super cute!
We have an Oliver, and it’s never felt like a cave to me! The white interior reflects light and the numerous built in LED lights in the interior also make it very cheery.
Hi Nancy,
Great to hear you love your Oliver! They are especially well-made for sure and have many many positives. It’s just a personal opinion on our parts- wish it had bigger + more windows!
And the white interior is a huge bonus and it’s something that Casita has finally brought on board with their trailers! I like it much better than their tan/beige colors.
Here’s to you getting to taking your Oliver out a lot this season!
Would like to see floor plans, lengths and prices
Hi Stan,
That would be much more in-depth and requires a whole separate page. Still, it’s something we may do in the future!
We have an Airstream, but I can’t deny that I am fascinated by fiberglass trailers.
I’m replying to myself, not only am I fascinated by fiberglass trailers, but I find their owners to be interesting people.
I really admire the double axle Oliver, but it is a bit cramped. It’s a reverse Sport 22, but I like the restroom although the headroom is for normal sized people.
Hi Donald,
Yeah, I am a fan of the QUALITY of the Oliver, but for me, it suffers from not enough windows and not big enough windows. It feels like a cave to me, and I really like to feel more like I am outside when I am in my camper.
I prefer the Casita Spirit Deluxe to the Oliver any day. Way better outside views!
Hello Marshall and Kelly,
I am giving you both credit here as Kelly you helped me this past summer with questions I had about Bigfoot trailers. Through my own fiberglass trailer research and your responses, I ordered a Bigfoot 25B21RB. I won’t see it for a year. I am okay waiting for a quality built trailer. Tell Paige Mills at Trailer World in Denver that Mick sent you. She is knowledgeable and patient.
All the best,
Mick
Hey Mick,
Yay, so happy you got your trailer ordered! I am a bit jealous myself. I DO SO LOVE the Bigfoot I saw in Denver a couple of years ago. I think it was a 17 footer. The windows, the layout, and the quality were pretty much perfect!
We are so excited for you! Please let us know when you get it how much you love it, OR what you DON’T like about it. But I am quite positive you are going to be thrilled.
Yay!!
Betcha can’t wait!!!
Great article on fiberglass trailers
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much! We worked really hard on it. (Well, Marshall did. He’s the better brain about brands!)
Watch out the larger fiberglass trailers are subject to delamination as they are built differently than the small ones .
Hi Don,
Thanks for visiting Camp Addict and for the comment.
What do you base this on? As far as I’m aware, fiberglass trailers are all made in molds as described in this article. Only difference is the size.
Can you point me to something that supports your statement about larger fiberglass trailers being subject to delamination? Thanks!
We are talking about molded fiberglas trailers here ; they have been made since the late ’60s and the 70s and do not delaminate. At a fiberglas trailer gathering , with lots of old trailers, none are delaminating. My ’72 Compact Jr trailer had sat outside in the AZ desert for almost 50 years, the shell is still in good condition . Don is thinking of newer trailers with conventional construction and fiberglass covered panels. Some start delaminating very soon ! DG
Hey David,
Ah, great point about what type of trailer Don was referring to. I didn’t occur to me that it was the traditional trailers with fiberglass laminated panels. Whereas this article is talking about a completely different beast altogether.
It’s amazing how long a quality built, molded fiberglass trailer will last. As long as it is taken care of. I suppose they will last pretty much forever (or what goes for forever in the modern world).
Thanks for the comment!