Josh the RV Nerd over at Bish’s RV in Coldwater, Michigan, has a lot to say about RVs, especially if you are wondering about RV construction. This was one of the seminar topics at the 35th Annual Detroit RV & Camping Show (fall 2024), featuring Josh as the presenter.

There are generally two methods used to construct an RV: stick and tin (conventional construction) or laminate. (There are hybrid models out there, but for the purposes of this article, we are going to look at the two most common RV construction types.) The biggest question you may have, and one that Josh hears frequently on the lot, is, “Which one is better?”

There isn’t a simple answer to that question. In reality: It depends on what you’re looking for, how you’re planning to camp and travel, how large of an investment you’re willing to make, and what tradeoffs you’re willing to make for one type of RV construction over the other.  It’s important to approach this question with an open mind and a willingness to learn so that you can make the best, most educated decision for yourself as possible. Which RV construction is better for you may not be the best choice for somebody else based on each of your unique factors.

 

Construction Types

Stick and tin construction refers to conventional RV construction in that the RV is built with a wood skeleton and covered by an aluminum sheeted skin, with residential-style insulation in between. This skin typically has ridges, so it’s not smooth like a laminated RV. A laminate RV is built using an aluminum skeleton and then is glued together with block foam insulation. Aesthetically, laminated RVs may appear to be more eye catching, with cleaner lines; however, an RV’s curb appeal is purely based on the eye of the beholder.

Weight

Laminate skin RVs are lighter weight while conventionally constructed RVs will tend to weigh more, simply due to the material weight. Weight is one of those big considerations when it comes to a tow vehicle (for a towable RV). You need to ensure you have the appropriate vehicle, whether you already own it or are willing to invest in a new one, to tow the RV you decide is best for you.

Repairability

“When it comes to things like being able to work on or repair the RV, the stick and tin RV is absolutely the winner. That being said, you have to screw up pretty bad to mess up a laminated RV,” says Josh. Conventionally constructed RVs are easier to work on for several reasons: “A single aluminum band on this wall, a wooden stud in the wall, a roll of fiberglass insulation can be pulled out, hand tucked, nailed in place, replaced, stapled up. Whatever the case needs to be, you can work on a wall. It is far easier, far simpler, far faster, and vastly less expensive.”  Walls on laminated RVs, on the other hand, are one big piece. “Once it’s glued together, it’s not really coming apart, making individual, localized repairs very difficult and very expensive,” explains Josh. If you want to do a really good job, not just fix a local patch, on a laminate RV, the whole wall might have to go. However, as mentioned, laminate is harder to hurt and more impact repellent, as far as the exterior goes. Josh describes it as a “suit of armor,” which can be an advantage.

Towability

We all know RVs, whether motorized or towed, take a decent amount of gas or diesel to get around. The construction of an RV impacts not just gas mileage, but towability – how it feels and travels down a road at high speeds, low speeds, windy days, etc. “That smooth skin on a laminated RV is one of its greatest benefits when it comes to towing,” says Josh. In the video, he compared a laminated RV with a stick and tin RV side by side, of comparable size. “In terms of aerodynamic drag and distance, [stick and tin construction] is a nightmare. Think of all the nooks and crannies and ups and downs in that skin. Imagine if you took a hammer to that wavy skin and pounded it flat, how much taller that RV would be,” explains Josh. “These two campers, going from 0 to 35, you’ll never notice a difference. You get up to highway speed and you really start to see a difference in how they handle.” Josh’s advice? “If you’re not going to be towing a lot, maybe the conventional camper is better for you. If you do plan on towing, being on the road a great deal, then maybe look more seriously at the laminated RVs.” Of course, it all depends on how important this factor is to you.

Financial Aspects

A stick and tin RV will tend to have a lower price tag than a laminate RV. Take this into consideration given the current economy and cost of living as well as staying within your individual budget. A well-educated salesperson will be able to help you navigate all the factors to help you settle on a suitable RV. If you are planning to buy used, make sure you do a thorough check (Josh has another great video related to this) so that your investment lasts for years to come.

 

At the end of the day, neither is superior; each type of construction has advantages and drawbacks – they seem to be opposite of each other in every category if you were to make two columns. Josh offers these final thoughts, “The real answer [to which one is the best] is, they are the best for different reasons. You should have confidence and peace of mind with your purchase. If you don’t have peace of mind, you shouldn’t buy it. You’re supposed to have fun. If you never relax, you will never like it…. You folks at home, you are the single number one most important and influential factor in the lifespan and longevity of that RV.”

Check out the video by Josh the RV Nerd, as he covers all these points plus more. Note that Haylett Auto & RV is now Bish’s RV in Coldwater.