Jayco Eagle Fiberglass vs Aluminium

Fibreglass will pop rivet exactly the same as aluminium. As for dents etc it doesn't and to break the laminate would take several good belts with a solid hammer. Fibreglass is very forgiving, it does of course require a bit of wax as maintenance but that makes it even more forgiving.


Ian

hi ian

not sure if you have ever post fitted a full rollout awning with full annexe to a fibreglass van?? when doing it, how do you know where it is strengthened to support it or worse still has it been strengthened at all?? not as simple as you may think. wind resistance and other external loads to contain, not just dont have to hold it on the van.

yes the fibreglass will take a good beating but going off road you sometimes have no control over the external forces that can be applied when driving narrow spaces etc. Ever seen a low impact accident in a car - doesnt take much to cause considerable damage and a low impact on f'glass from a tree etc would not be too good.

Pop rivets will go into f'glass also, but the silicone will actually provide more holding power in f'glass than the rivet. try it and see

It does have its benefits re wind resistance, slick modern looks , other maintenance etc and each to their own. and by the way, i would not try the hammer thing and yes i know the aluminiums have plenty of potential issues too - as i said, each to their own

Was talking to a Jayco rep at the national caravan rally at Forbes recently. Jaycos are still constructed with the same aluminium frame. The outer skin is glass coated plywood. You will use the same techniques to hang new bits on either model.

PeterD

Hi PradOz .Thanks for your comments . I am only buying new as i can get such a good deal..eg slide out BBQ,full annex & flys , hyland hitch,innerspring matress,alko drop down jacks ,battery pack , extra gas bottle. total price $22600 as i have a mate who works for a Jayco Dealer, i am still deciding on the simplicity susspension

sounds like a great deal - especially as it will have everything on it.

regards the suspension - if you think u are going to keep it for a long time and get plenty of use out of it, why not go ahead and get it. if its going to be used rarely or your not sure how often or its your first van, well I would probably ave the cash. also depends where u plan on going to. if more vans are now being sold without it than with it, may make it more valuable later on when it comes time to sell. good luck with it.

ps get them to fit either a shade awning to kitchen side, or at least fit the sail track so you can easily do it later on. the shade is a bonus for you and your fridge.

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