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RV Siding Materials: Which Type is Best For Camper Exterior Walls?

• Last Updated: March 17, 2024
• 16 minutes read

Are you in the market for a camper? If so, you’re probably neck-deep into RV research, including their basic construction and the various types of camper siding options. 

If you’re just beginning your search, however, you might be wondering: What is RV siding made out of? 

RV siding is typically made out of either aluminum or fiberglass; and while these are the most common materials used, not every RV is made the same. Fiberglass RVs are made from both laminated and molded fiberglass, while aluminum RVs can be made from corrugated or smooth aluminum. 

RV siding material is an important aspect of your search, but it’s not the only element to consider.

So before choosing RV siding, it pays to do a little research on the different types of materials used to construct the exterior walls of your camper and learn about their costs and benefits, and ultimately – which RV siding is best.

Choosing The Correct Siding For Your RV 

Welcome to the amazing journey of RV construction; hold on tight, there’s a lot to know! 

This is mainly because there are SO many RVs out there to choose from. Lucky for us, there truly is an RV for everyone with many different options for floor plans, features, and of course – siding construction. 

As mentioned above, the two main types of camper siding materials are aluminum and fiberglass.

And yes, you can side your RV with just about any material out there: wood, vinyl, steel, etc.. however, you won’t really find those siding materials at a traditional RV dealer.

Indeed, there is a reason why aluminum and fiberglass are so popular: they are both lightweight and durable. 

Nevertheless, not all aluminum-sided and fiberglass-sided RVs are similar.

Some RVs have corrugated aluminum (think: wavy siding) while others have smooth aluminum (yep, you guessed it: Airstreams). Likewise, fiberglass RVs are made with either laminated fiberglass or molded fiberglass.

These include most motorhomes, as well as Scamps, Casitas , and other similar trailers. And of course, each option comes with its own list of advantages and disadvantages.

Next, we’ll dive into the four most common types of RV siding construction: corrugated aluminum, smooth aluminum, laminated fiberglass, and molded fiberglass. 

Let’s get started!

Different Types of RV Siding Options to Consider

Below are the four different types of siding that are typically used in RVs. While each one has its pros and cons, it’s important to remember that they are used for a reason.

Whether you choose an aluminum-sided RV or a fiberglass one, you can rest easy knowing that they are tried-and-true materials trusted by RV manufacturers throughout the years. 

1. Corrugated Aluminum

RVs with corrugated aluminum siding are extremely common, and chances are, someone you know probably has one.

They are typically cheaper than fiberglass RVs because they’re less expensive to make. Even so, it takes more man-hours to build one of these rigs because of their construction.

In fact, RVs with corrugated aluminum siding are referred to as “sticks and tin” campers because they’re built similar to a house.

They typically have a wood frame, fiberglass or foam insulation, and aluminum panels lining the exterior. 

Unfortunately, these rigs come with a reputation of being made with lesser quality materials; however, RVs with corrugated aluminum siding have many benefits. 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons. 

• Lightweight : Aluminum is actually lighter than fiberglass, and therefore RVs with aluminum siding are generally more lightweight – thus, saving you money at the gas pump.
• Less Expensive  : Due to the cost of construction, RVs with corrugated aluminum siding are typically cheaper than those with fiberglass siding. This allows more people to afford RVs and enjoy everything that RV life has to offer. 
• Easier to Repair : Because the exterior of the RVs are made with aluminum paneling, they are much easier to repair – especially if you plan on doing the work yourself. If the side of your RV becomes damaged, you can replace individual panels instead of having to remove an entire wall. 
• Decent Insulation : We all know that RVs aren’t the best structures for keeping out the cold, but the wood and padding behind the aluminum provide a decent amount of insulation. Some say, better than fiberglass-sided RVs. 
• Prone to Dents : Yes, aluminum is lightweight, but that also means it dents very easily. If you find yourself caught in a hail storm or you accidentally drive under low-hanging trees, your RV may not look as nice as it once did. 
• Lower Resale Value : Like I said before, RVs with corrugated aluminum siding have a reputation for being built poorly, and in some cases, this is true. Unfortunately, whether this is accurate or not, resale value is affected. 
• They Age Poorly : To expand on the last point, these RVs’ susceptibility to dents and dings doesn’t help their resale value either. One mishap or scratch and your RV may suddenly look much older and more beat-up than it actually is. 
• More Wood = More Chances for Rot : Lastly, because the frame is made of wood, any kind of water damage is bad news. It’s also harder to spot any water damage from the outside, as the aluminum siding conceals it very well. You may not even discover it until the interior damage is noticeable – and by that time, an entire wall might need replacing.

Example of an RV with Corrugated Aluminum Siding: The Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf 26DBH Travel Trailer

2. Smooth Aluminum

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of smooth aluminum siding? Airstreams, of course! And Wally Byam knew exactly what he was doing when he founded the iconic company in 1931. 

Airstreams are made from a riveted aluminum shell, an aluminum frame, and spray-on insulation.

This allows them to be both light AND indestructible. The body of an Airstream will not rot if left sitting for years in your backyard – there’s no wood in the structure! (Okay, there is wood in the subfloor, but that’s to be expected). 

While Airstreams are the most emblematic of the smooth-sided aluminum RVs, they are definitely not the only ones ever made.

In fact, you can find Airstream alternatives such as Living Vehicle Trailers and Bowlus Road Chief Trailers – both excellent companies that make top-quality rigs.

You also may recall seeing different vintage trailers with smooth aluminum siding, as they were very popular at one point. 

• Built to Last : Because these RVs are literally a shell of riveted metal, they won’t leak and fall apart like more traditional RVs. How many times have you seen a vintage airstream sitting in someone’s yard looking like it hasn’t aged a day?!
• Lightweight : As we discussed before, aluminum is very lightweight – and when it comes to Airstreams, their outer shell, frame, AND interior shell are all aluminum. Talk about weightlessness! 
• High Resale Value : At this point, investing in an Airstream or another comparable RV is almost like investing in a house. And if you buy and restore a vintage trailer like these, you’ll probably find yourself making money on the resale. This is because everyone knows: they last forever. 
• You Will Look Oh, So Cool : This factor doesn’t hurt the resale value, either! If you’re into RV life at all, you’ve probably seen those picturesque scenes of a vintage aluminum trailer with amazing views in the back. Yeah, Airstreams definitely have that cool factor, and it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. 
• Expensive to Buy : As you might guess, riveted aluminum RVs are quite laborious to construct. In fact, Airstreams take two people (one inside, one outside) to insert each rivet. Couple this with their top quality materials and “cool-factor”, and you have one expensive RV (specifically, $188,100 for the 2023 Airstream Classic). 
• Expensive to Repair : If you find yourself needing to repair an Airstream, Road Chief, or a similar rig, prepare to pay a pretty penny. Replacing just one segment of an Airstream’s outer shell will cost $2,000 or more, and if you want to DIY it, the parts alone are in the hundreds. 
• Dents Easily : As we already mentioned, aluminum dents very easily, and if your RV’s exterior is shiny and smooth, just imagine how it will look after a hail storm! 
• Lower R-value : Because metal conducts temperature very easily, these aluminum-built RVs aren’t the best at keeping the heat in or the cold out (or vise versa!). Yes, there is a layer of insulation between the inner and outer aluminum shells, but they aren’t as energy efficient as other RVs. 

Example of an RV with Smooth Aluminum Siding:  The Airstream Classic Travel Trailer 

3. Laminated Fiberglass

Laminated fiberglass is one of the most common types of RV siding; especially in modern RVs.

In fact, if you see a camper or motorhome going down the road with smooth sides, it probably has fiberglass walls. 

RVs with fiberglass walls have grown in popularity – mainly because they look so good.

They don’t dent as easily as aluminum and they hold up well as they age. Yes, you may see some cracked decals, but the structure behind it remains solid unless heavy damage occurs. 

These RVs are usually made with an aluminum frame, and the walls are constructed with laminated fiberglass, luan wood, foam insulation, and another layer of luan for the inside wall.

If made well, this construction is very durable and lightweight. Moreover, because the frame is aluminum instead of wood, it will withstand water damage better than corrugated aluminum RVs.

In fact, you’ll probably be able to spot water damage pretty quickly. A sure sign that moisture has made its way into your walls is delamination, which happens when the layers of your RV wall separates, creating that wavy or warped look. 

• More Resistant to Water Damage: Again, because the frame is aluminum and the insulation is foam, there is less opportunity for mold and rot to make its home in your RV compared to “sticks and tin” RVs. 
• Water Tanks are in Located an Enclosed Underbelly : This is a fantastic perk of fiberglass RVs; the water tanks are usually enclosed underneath the RV (where the heat ducts are!). This makes RVing in cold weather a little more enjoyable, as your tanks and pipes won’t freeze as easily. 
• Higher Resale Value : Fiberglass RVs are known for being better quality than those with corrugated aluminum sides, and whether or not that is true, the resell value is generally higher for fiberglass RVs.
• Doesn’t Dent as Easily : If you have an RV with laminated fiberglass sides: good news! A hail storm won’t damage your rig nearly as bad as it would an aluminum RV. This also goes for low-hanging branches, excited pets, and other small mishaps. 
• They’re Pretty : While aesthetics are purely subjective, most RVers seem to like the smooth, sleek look of fiberglass RVs (as opposed to corrugated aluminum), and this is probably why they have a much better resale value. 

Cons: 

• Heavier than Aluminum : While fiberglass is a durable, lightweight material, it’s not as lightweight as aluminum. Thus, laminated fiberglass RVs are usually a bit heavier than aluminum ones (and require more powerful tow vehicles). 
• Lower R-value than Corrugated Aluminum Competitors : While this point is definitely up for debate, laminated fiberglass walls won’t typically have the same energy efficiency as “sticks and tin” RVs. This is because the aluminum frame, fiberglass, and foam insulation conduct temperature better than the wood and traditional insulation in corrugated aluminum walls. 
• More Expensive : As you might expect, fiberglass RVs are usually more expensive than their aluminum counterparts. This is because of the aesthetics, manufacturing costs, and durability of these rigs. 
• Unable to DIY Wall Repairs: Unfortunately, if major damage occurs to one of the sidewalls, you won’t be able to repair it yourself. Because the RV walls are created and laminated in a factory, you’ll have to turn to professional help for these projects (and it probably won’t be cheap!). 

Example of a Laminated Fiberglass RV: Jayco Eagle HT Fifth Wheel 

4. Molded Fiberglass

Molded Fiberglass RVs are in a class of their own. In fact, only six companies manufacture molded fiberglass RVS: Escape, Scamp, Oliver, Casita, Big Foot, and The EggCamper. 

These RVs are very recognizable and are made by molding fiberglass into two sections and then sealing them together to create the outer shell.

The interior is then lined with insulation (a space-age “bubble” insulation or foam), and then an interior wall material such as cloth or another layer of fiberglass. 

Molded Fiberglass RVs are unique because they don’t need a frame; the molded shell is sturdy enough to hold itself up (with some supports).

This construction provides both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to weight, durability, and size. 

• Resistant to Water Damage and Moisture Build-up: Because of the molded design, there are almost no seams – and thus fewer chances for water to seep in. The campers themselves are built with very little wood as well, so you won’t have to worry as much about the integrity of the structure. 
• Holds Up with Age : Like Airstreams, molded fiberglass RVs barely seem to age, and there are many older fiberglass campers on the road today. No doubt, buying a molded fiberglass RV like a Scamp or Oliver is a true investment because they last forever. 
• High Resale Value : To expand on the last point – since molded fiberglass RVs don’t seem to age, they keep their value! Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the depreciation that a typical RV experiences.
• Lightweight : Because of the ingenious design of molded fiberglass RVs, there is no need for a frame! This cuts down on weight dramatically, as the entire shell is made of lightweight fiberglass.

Cons :  

• Less Space Because of the Rounded Edges: This is a common complaint from Scamp, Escape, Oliver, Big Foot, EggCamper, and Casita owners. Because of the molded form, they have almost an egg-like shape (hence the name “The EggCamper”). This can impede both living and storage space. 
• Limited by Size : For one reason or another (possibly the rigid nature of fiberglass), molded fiberglass RVs max out at only 25 feet in length. In fact, most of these campers are between 17 and 19 feet, automatically excluding families who need more room.
• Expensive : Considering the size of these RVs, they are considered rather expensive. For example, a 17 foot Casita starts at $25,000, while an 18 foot Oliver starts at $57,000. Yes, they are made to last, but you could save thousands of dollars if you decide to buy a corrugated aluminum rig of the same size. 

Example of a Molded Fiberglass RV:  Oliver Legacy Elite 

So, Which Camper Sliding Material is Better?

It’s tempting to say one material is better than the rest (and I definitely have my own opinions).

However, the best camper outer wall construction is going to differ for everyone.

For example, someone who doesn’t want to blow their budget on a rig they will only use occasionally may opt for a corrugated aluminum RV, while a full-timing family may opt for a large rig with laminated fiberglass sides.

Likewise, a retired couple may enjoy the durability and low maintenance nature of molded fiberglass campers. 

Another point worth mentioning is: It’s all how they’re made! 

If you search long enough, you’ll find laminated fiberglass RVs that are poorly made and corrugated aluminum RVs that are extremely well built.

Therefore, comparing one material to the other is just one aspect to consider when deciding which RV is best for you – and usually, you get what you pay for! 

Now we want to hear from you! Which type of RV do YOU think is best?

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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8 insane off-road camper vans with 4×4 drive for overland adventure.

Robin D Shelton

We are in the market for a travel trailer and this has helped me understand so much about the camper exterior. My husband is against a corrugated one but those seem to have the best indoor features. It’s good to know that there are some bad fiberglass campers and some good aluminum ones. Thanks for this article.

Eddie olson

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RV Siding Repair Guide...

Rv siding repair guide.

Will A Sealant Handle the Job?

Before jumping into a full replacement, check to see if a little bit of sealant is all you need. If that’s the case, you can make very inexpensive repairs by handling this sealing yourself. Smaller problems, such as minor leaks in the corners of panels or even small scratches can be easily repaired with the proper application of RV sealants . The first step is selecting the right sealant. We offer the following products at RV by LIFE that can be used for siding repair:

• Silicone/Polyurethane : Great at UV and temperature resistance, with a long service life and quality adhesion.
• Polysulfide : Ideal for locking out water, such as in high-precipitation areas or repairing leaks.
• Rubber : Strong against weather, cures in the presence of moisture.

How do you know which is right for your RV? It depends on your goals and the materials you have. Even so, there’s probably a specific type of material that stands out to you as ideal for your particular RV siding repair needs.

RV Siding Repair with Sealant

Once you’ve identified the right sealant, thoroughly clean out the affected area and allow it to dry. This will make for a smoother and more comprehensive adhesion. Load your cartridge and apply the sealant to the affected area. Using The Stick , level away any excess sealant and discard, giving a smooth overall appearance to the sealant.

Your RV should be in a dry, protected area while you allow the sealant plenty of time to cure. Be sure to check the individual curing times of each sealant, as different materials cure at different speeds.

Once finished, clear out any remaining debris and inspect the area again. Your RV siding should be fully repaired and ready for action.

RV Siding Replacements

If your siding is so far beyond repair, however, you may need to consider replacement. The first step is to determine the type of siding you have on your RV. Some RVs use aluminum while others use fiberglass. If you’ve never attempted anything like this before, refer to your owner’s manual for the next steps.

When replacing aluminum siding, it’s a little easier to match your siding with newer versions, as many types follow the same color and pattern templates. If you’re able to find the new versions, you can remove aluminum siding one piece at a time, using a nail gun to hold the new panels in place.

RV Cleaning & Maintenance Products

But the story doesn’t end there: ongoing maintenance is your priority now. Make sure to properly maintain and clean your RV siding and the rest of your RV using all of our dedicated cleaning and maintenance products .

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Aluminum Siding & Patterns

Priced per SQUARE FOOT.

Siding is made to order and ships the next business day after order received. Height and length are rounded UP to the next foot for pricing.

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NOTE:  MAXIMUM LTL FREIGHT IS 19'.  ALL LTL FREIGHT OVER 8' IS CONSIDERED OVERSIZE BY CARRIER.  12' AND OVER IS CONSIDERED EXTREME LENGTH.  ADDITIONAL SHIPPING CHARGES APPLY.  

ALL-RITE HAS THE LARGEST SELECTION OF SIDING PATTERNS, TEXTURES, AND COLORS AVAILABLE!

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RV Aluminum Siding and Seamless Aluminum Roofing 102"

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Warranty information.

There are different schools of thought on what makes the best siding and roofing for a recreational vehicle. You can search the internet and find multiple articles on the subject with people seated firmly in different camps, unwilling to budge. Even at the campgrounds, you can find loyalists for all sides fervently arguing the finer points over burgers and beer by the campfire. What's the answer? We at RecPro take a very neutral "Swizterland-esque" approach to the issue. We promote both types of siding/roofing because both have different benefits! This time around we're embracing the benefits of aluminum siding.

One of the first "go-to" arguments for having aluminum siding on your rig is that it's lighter than some of its competitor products. The lighter your recreational vehicle is, the easier it is to control down the road and the more gas efficient it will be. Whether you're driving around with a fun little fifth-wheel or a half-a-million hauler, saving money on expensive gas is always a benefit. If you're pulling around a tiny house, you know how important weight is to your home. With the lighter weight aluminum siding, you can have stability and functionality without the added weight. The weight of your aluminum siding/roofing product will depend greatly on the gauge.

Next is maintenance. This is where most win their material arguments when it comes to the positive properties of aluminum siding. Aluminum siding is rust, corrosion, and weather-resistant, which is a great quality to have when you're thinking about such an important part of your RV. If your aluminum siding does become damaged, unlike most other siding products, you only need to repair the specific spot. That alone is a check in the "win" column for aluminum. When it comes to repairing, we have multiple selections to support your repair projects. The rolled sheets from RecPro come in 5' increments from 10' to 40'. Each piece has a gauge of .024 and is 102" wide. There are multiple sizes to fit multiple applications for your projects on your recreational vehicle.

Installing aluminum siding and roofing will keep your RV (or other vehicles) rust-free, weather-resistant, and on the road for many years to come. Call one of our customer service experts today to help you pick the right size of RV Seamless Aluminum Siding and Roofing for your RV DIY project today.

• Width: 102" (8.5 ft.)
• Made in USA
• Increments: 10 ft. - 40 ft.
• Gauge: .024
• Aluminum Grade: 4017-H16
• Low-maintenance roofing option
• Avoids cracking unlike fiberglass
• More durable than rubber or fiberglass products

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Manufacturers and Suppliers: Where to Buy RV Siding Panels

• June 21, 2019 /
• RV Siding /
• By Phil Nash

Maintenance is vital. When it comes to keeping your RV in top shape and ready for the road. Hail and other weather issues can take their toll on your RV’s exterior. Finding the right sources to correct those issues is essential to good RV time.

Where to Buy RV Siding Panels: One of the best places to buy your RV exterior siding panels is at a RV parts dealer. They specialize in RVs and the parts needed to keep them on the road. One such supplier is RV Parts Nation. They have one of the largest selections possible.

To get more information on where to buy siding for your RV just continue to read our article. It has the answers to your questions and gets you on the right road to finding those siding sections you need to fix your RV.

Where to Buy RV Aluminum Siding Panels

The good news is that there are a lot of suppliers available throughout the nation that can sell you aluminum siding for your RV. One such company, if you happen to be in the Arizona and California region is RV City Surplus . You can view their supplies at their website

RV Parts Nation can be contacted through this link and you can contact them to help you find the aluminum sections you need. Another company is All-Rite Custom Manufacturing and you can talk to them by clicking on the following link.

These are just some of the examples that can be found through a simple internet search. You can also try your local yellow pages too find the aluminum siding supplier nearest you.

Plus, talking to more experienced RV users should be able to get you some out of the way places that have cheaper prices than national RV parts stores. These experienced RV users also would know which company provides the best customer service.

Where to Buy Fiberglass RV Siding

Finding the right parts for your RV is not as difficult as it once was. In the early days, RV use was minimal and very few people saw the value of investing their time and money in supply parts and labor for RV users.

But times change and with the popularity of RV vacations finding the parts you need is not that difficult. There are a myriad of RV parts and service stores throughout the country that will help you get the fiberglass siding you need.

Three of those places are already linked above. Some people have even turned to Amazon to help them find the fiberglass material at a cheaper cost. See this link and find out that Amazon even sells their fiberglass materials in sizes ranging from 2 to 40-foot lengths.

And of course, a look in the local yellow pages will also help you find the supplier who will sell you the fiberglass sections at a cost you can afford. Another place to ask is the local RV dealer. They may not have the material on hand, but they can direct you to a reputable company that does sell the fiberglass siding you are looking for.

RV Siding Suppliers

RV siding, no matter which kind you have on your vehicle, can get damaged. Some more easily than others. When that happens you need a list of good suppliers to turn to in order to find replacement siding.

It is good to know that most RV parts suppliers handle a variety of RV exterior siding. They know that not all RVs are made the same and that to stay in business they need to offer a selection of exterior siding to meet their customers’ needs.

They also carry an assortment of styles, colors, textures and more. One company you can contact is Interstate RV Metal & Supply and they are found at this website . Another is Hemet Valley RV Siding and Storage . Their inventory and contact information is found at this link

You can also check at those home improvement box stores to see if they carry the siding type you need. Their prices may be a bit lower than their competitors making a stop there worth your time.

Let your fingers do the walking before you hit the road and find RV parts suppliers along your route. Making a list of available suppliers will save you a lot of time and frustration.

RV Siding Manufacturers

According to our information, there are over 3,600 RV siding manufacturers in the word today. The bad news is that about 98% are located in China. Very few in comparison are located in America.

But that does not stop people from making RV siding in this country. One such company is also mentioned above, All-Rite Custom Manufacturing and their contact information is already linked to this article.

What you need to be aware of is that these manufacturers may have a minimum order size before they will accept your purchase. For example on company is looking at 200 square meters of siding at between $5.65 and $12.35 per square meter.

Local manufacturers may not require that much material nor sell it at such expensive prices. This means that you will have to do some research to find the right manufacturer who can handle small orders at a very low price.

Alibaba lists some siding sections for as low as $5 per square meter and their minimum order is 1 square meter. You can check their prices at this link . Your search can be more specific and you should be able to find some manufacturers near your location.

RV Aluminum Siding Cost

To figure out how much the aluminum siding is going to cost you, you need to remember that the prices come in either square foot or square meter increments. Then the overall cost is going to depend on how much aluminum siding you are going to need.

One company charges on average $2.15 per square foot. That means if you need only 10 square feet of aluminum siding, you will only need to pay $21.50 plus shipping if applicable.

If you need to replace all of your Aluminum siding and your RV measures roughly 500 square feet of siding, then you are looking to pay over $1000 just for the material alone. Labor and hardware should be extra.

Then if you need to make a special order or your purchase is under a specified amount, look to have your costs go up. Some companies charge an extra $75 for small purchase priced orders. They may also have a no return policy on special orders and a 75% fee for cancellations.

Before you order make sure you can get the materials you need without incurring nay more fees or charges.

Buying Online vs Local RV Dealers

It is going to be difficult to get a break on shipping costs whether you buy online or buy from the supplier or manufacturer. The latter base their rates on square footage then they add in shipping, crating and other fees before they send it off.

Those shipping fees fluctuate depending on the which freight company the supplier uses to get your order to you. Online shipping is going to be about the same and will have many factors including weight as criteria for setting their prices.

To give you an idea, to ship 22 pounds of siding through Alibaba, if you use a Chinese supplier, you are looking at paying about $690, and that is from Shanghai to Beverly Hills.

Local shipping costs should not be as high as that but you are still looking at a high cost as one experienced RV user drove 200 miles both ways just to save on those fees. Some companies require you to call first and talk to them before they will quote you a shipping price.

Regardless, shipping fees will be determined by weight and distance. The further away you are and the heavier your order, the pricier your shipping costs will be.

RV Siding Crating Costs

This is a service provided by many RV siding suppliers. They want their product to arrive at your destination undamaged. To do this, the suppliers will crate your order and charge you a fee for doing it.

To give you an idea of the money involved in crating your siding, here is what one company charges:

8 foot crate any size- $70

Box crate- $85

1 by 6 inch crate up to 18 inches wide- under 24 feet- $125, over 24 feet- $155

1 by 6 inch crate over 18 inches wide- under 24 feet- $155,over 24 feet- $175

Packaging- $15

When you order make sure you get a specific list of all charges going to be added to your purchase price. That way you can be prepared and have no surprises when your materials arrive

Also check to see if the shipping company delivers to your curb side or if you need to find a way to get it from the shipping warehouse to your home.

Where to Buy Used RV Aluminum Siding

To find used aluminum RV siding, you may have to contact your local RV dealers, suppliers or manufacturers. In our search we found no RV siding provider that offered used aluminum siding for sale. There were no hits on used RV aluminum siding dealers.

The reason for this is that most TV owners do not replace their siding until it is damaged. Damaged aluminum siding is not a very good replacement material. Not only has its integrity been compromised but it won’t look good.

Even if you bang the dents out, you may not get that clean smooth look new siding offers its RV owners. Also, the potential for water leaks is greater and you could cause more interior or frame damage by using old materials.

While it is cost effective to use used aluminum siding on your RV, the future repair costs may wipe out any advantage you had. In other words using used materials is not the best idea an RV user can have.

Some Final Comments

Because of the popularity of RVs, it is not hard to find the siding you need. No matter where you are in the country, you can get your damaged RV siding repaired. Now you can do it yourself or save your labor by having a pro do it.

When it comes to fiberglass and its varieties, you may want to have an expert do it as the job needs exact specifications and materials to do properly. When searching for a good supplier, it is always best to talk to more experienced RV users, dealers and let your fingers do the walking.

That way you should be able to find the best customer service with the lowest materials cost.

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RV & Airstream Aluminum Panels Repair 101

January 30, 2023

So, you’ve had a bit of a fender bender, and now, you’ve ended up with a hole or dent in your Airstream’s aluminum siding. Whether it is a small ding or a big bash, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Not only are these damages an eyesore, but if left, rust and corrosion may occur, leading to an even bigger problem down the line. You can either take it in to be repaired or try to fix it yourself. 

If you’re a natural at DIY, you’ll need to know a couple of things and pick up some materials beforehand. Below, you’ll find all you need to know about RV aluminum siding repair and aluminum siding replacement, plus a few tips to help you out.

RV Siding Repair Top Takeaways

Before you replace the damaged aluminum siding, please take note of the following: 

• Follow directions : For your own safety (and the safety of your RV!), make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, only use the recommended products and tools for the job.

Aluminum 101: How to Repair RV Siding

Typically, aluminum trailer siding sheets can be found in older recreational vehicles, and of course, Airstream trailers. While many love the vintage feel and classic look of this material, one negative is that the sheen makes dents and dings very noticeable. Luckily, small holes in aluminum siding don’t require welding and a fairly easy patch job. You can create an aluminum siding patch by cutting a piece of aluminum sheet to fit over the damaged area. You can find these sheets and other aluminum siding repair parts in most hardware stores and some specialized RV parts shops.

For larger holes that affect an entire panel of aluminum siding, it’s often easier to replace the sheet rather than attempt to fill in the holes. You can remove the screws from the existing siding and then pry off the sheet. Next, you’ll need to take your new aluminum sheet and then trace and cut it to replace the damaged piece.

Repairing Camper Siding: How Do You Fix a Small Aluminum Hole?

• Step 1 : Begin with a clean surface. Wipe it down and scrape off any paint or debris before you begin. Clean the area around the hole with a sponge soaked in warm water mixed with liquid detergent.
• Step 2 : If the hole has parts or flaps of the aluminum around it, press them down to cover a part of the hole to minimize the damage. You can also remove them with tin snips or a similar tool.
• Step 3 : Mix your epoxy according to the instructions. Use a putty knife to stir the mixture. Apply the epoxy mixture to the hole, trying to cover it as smoothly and as seamlessly as possible.
• Step 4 : Leave the epoxy to dry and harden for at least one hour. Once dried, treat the damaged area and the nearby surrounding area with fine-grit sandpaper.

How to Remove Dents From Aluminum RV Siding

Getting a dent out of aluminum siding is often easier than repairing a hole. Still, you’ll need to drill a hole in the siding to pop out the dent.

• Step 1 : Screw the self-tapping screw into the center of the dent.
• Step 2 : Use a pair of pliers to pull the dent halfway up. This will draw the screw up and pop out the indent.
• Step 3 : Using sandpaper, take off all the paint.
• Step 4 : Fill the dent with the two-part auto-body filler.
• Step 5 : Use a putty knife to scrape the surface level with the siding.
• Step 6 : Sand the patch to remove all roughness and paint it to match the siding. Leave to dry completely.

RV Siding Replacement: How Coach Specialists Can Help

If you don’t feel up to handling your own RV siding repairs, Coach Specialists is happy to help. Our technicians have decades of experience and can perform any Airstream repair services that you may need. Here’s why you can trust our team at Coach Specialists for all your collision repairs:

• Repairs to Airstream trailers can require very particular and highly-trained technicians. Coach Specialists’ staff are familiar with OEM standards and materials.
• Our Airstream mechanics pay close attention to detail when handling raw aluminum RV siding panels, with the outcome looking like factory-new.
• We take extra care to ensure there are no leaks and your finished product holds up to the original factory standards.
• Airstream construction is very similar to aviation construction with aluminum structures and skins. 
• These are assembled with rivets and a series of OEM fasteners, sealants and adhesives that we are very comfortable with.
• Our technicians are trained specifically for recreational vehicles and have access to Airstream parts and the know-how to fix common Airstream issues.

Other Repairs That Coach Specialists Can Make

Along with collision repairs, we can also help with the following:

• Electrical and Plumbing : Keeping all of your systems in tip-top shape will provide you the level of comfort you expect when on the road.
• Fabrication and Repair : We can custom fabricate the panels and or structural components, matching them to your original panels.
• Door and Window Repairs : An Airstream’s airplane-style windows can prove difficult to install and or replace yourself, so let us do the heavy lifting.
• Awning and Steps : While these may fall to the bottom of the priority list, your awnings and stairs are critical for your travel safety.
• Interior Repairs and Updating : We can assist you with everything from choosing fabric colors to interior finishes.

Whatever your RV needs, our trained team at Coach Specialists is experienced in handling any repairs!

Contact us today for all your Airstream repairs, RV services and RV repairs. Call  (817) 842-1144 or complete our online contact form here .

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