How We Decided On The Best Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer To Purchase
As avid RVers, we have been traveling full-time in our fifth wheel since 2021, but our true love for RVs started with a little fiberglass travel trailer.
We drove across the country to pick up our hard-to-come-by 17’ fiberglass Casita and explored all over the East Coast in it. It was durable, nimble, low maintenance, and so much fun!
The best fiberglass travel trailers not only have a unique and fun design but their build quality and small footprint also make them the perfect choice for all kinds of camping adventures.
Fiberglass campers are some of the best RVs you can buy and in this article, we are breaking down the best large and small fiberglass travel trailers, both in the new and used market today, based on our experience deciding on the best model for us to purchase.
The Best Fiberglass Travel Trailers On The RV Market
There are several high-quality fiberglass travel trailers on the market, including new models and those in the used market as well. The great news is that even older models still tend to perform well, due to the high quality of the fiberglass build.
Casita Travel Trailers
Casita is a family-owned and operated fiberglass camper manufacturer that has been producing campers for over 35 years in Rice, Texas. Their lightweight and durable campers are known for their simplicity and practicality, and they offer a range of customization options to meet individual needs.
- Floor Plans: Spirit, Freedom, Liberty, Independence
- Lengths: 13’ (older models), 16’, 17’
- Dry Weight: 1500-2,500lbs (depending on the model)
- Features: Wet bath in the larger models; some models can sleep up to 4
- Website: https://casitatraveltrailers.com/
Oliver Travel Trailers
Oliver is a manufacturer that produces high-end fiberglass campers that are built to order and offer both single and tandem axle versions. Their campers are highly customizable and feature a range of amenities and features and are built for true 4 season camping.
- Models: Oliver Legacy Elite, Oliver Legacy Elite II
- Lengths: 18’5”, 23’6”
- Dry Weight: 3700lbs; 4900lbs
- Features: Enclosed plumbing and water tanks with heat; unique double-shelled fiberglass and composite hull; options for solar panels
- Website: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/
Bigfoot RV
Bigfoot is a manufacturer that produces durable and well-insulated fiberglass towable trailers that come in longer floorplans and are one of the bigger RV options in the fiberglass space. Their campers feature a range of amenities, including a full bathroom and a larger kitchen space.
- Models: Trucker Campers (1500 or 2500); Trailers (B17FB, B21, B25)
- Lengths: 17’, 21’, 25’
- GVWR: 4300-7500 lbs
- Features: Larger models have an option for a separate shower rather than a wet bathroom
- Website: https://bigfootrv.com/
Scamp Travel Trailers
Scamp is another long-standing fiberglass camper manufacturer that offers a variety of compact and lightweight camper designs. A direct competitor of Casita, Scamp trailers are also customizable and can be purchased with a range of features, including a wet bath and kitchen with a two-burner stove.
- Models: Standard & Deluxe Trailers, Deluxe Fifth Wheel
- Lengths: 13’, 16’ (trailers), 19’ (fifth-wheel)
- Dry Weight: 1,500-3,000 lbs (depending on the model)
- Features: Wet bath in the larger models; some models can sleep up to 4
- Website: https://www.scamptrailers.com/
*Scamp and Casita trailers often can be tough to choose between. Check out our article on Scamp vs. Casita for an in-depth look at these two great small fiberglass trailers
Happier Camper
Happier Camper is a manufacturer that specializes in vintage-inspired fiberglass campers. Their trailers feature a modular and customizable design that allows for multiple configurations and layouts.
- Models: Traveler; HC1; HC1 Studio; HC1 Venture
- Lengths: 10′-17′
- Dry Weight: 1100-1800 lbs
- Features: Adaptiv Interior for customization; kitchenette and bathroom options
- Website: https://happiercamper.com/
Barefoot
Barefoot is a British manufacturer that produces retro-inspired fiberglass campers. They recently teamed up with nuCamp, bringing their small fiberglass camper designs to the U.S. market. Their campers feature a unique and eye-catching design and offer a range of amenities.
- Length: Just shy of 17’
- Dry Weight: 2,000 lbs
- Features: one-piece shell; wet bathroom with cassette toilet; butcher block countertops around kitchen sink; unique Robin blue paint scheme
- Website: https://nucamprv.com/barefoot-camper/
Escape Trailer
Escape is a Canadian manufacturer that produces lightweight and high-quality hand-crafted fiberglass campers. Their campers are known for their attention to detail and come in 6 models and 10 different floor plans.
- Models: E5.0, E21C, E21NE, E19, E17A, E17B
- Lengths: 17’8”-21”
- Dry Weight: 2640lbs-3910lbs
- Features: Fifth wheels or trailers; large kitchens; full or wet bath
- Website: https://escapetrailer.com/
Snoozy Campers
Previously Lil Snoozy, Snoozy Campers produces lightweight and easy-to-tow fiberglass campers with a unique rear door aerodynamic design great for gas mileage and ample interior counter space not seen in other fiberglass campers of a similar size.
- Models: Snoozy Queen; Snoozy Twin
- Length: 14′ & 15’
- Dry Weight: 2300-2500 lbs
- Features: Large windows; wet bath; several add-on options available
- Website: https://snoozycamper.com/
Armadillo Trailers
Armadillo Trailers is a Canadian manufacturer that produces lightweight and aerodynamic fiberglass campers with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Models: Armadillo; Backpack
- Lengths: 13.5’, 14’
- Dry Weight: 1600-1800 lbs
- Features: Bed options up to king size; wet bath; outdoor shower option
- Website: https://www.armadillotrailers.ca/
Trillium (Vintage Reproduction by Outback Trailers)
Trillium is a classic fiberglass camper manufacturer in Canada that has been producing campers for over 40 years. Trillium campers are known for their timeless design, lightweight construction, and practical features. Their campers feature a compact and aerodynamic shape that makes them easy to tow by small cars and provides ample living space inside.
- Model: The Outback
- Lengths: 13’
- Dry Weight: 1450 lbs
- Features: models with and without bathrooms for customized use of space
- Website: https://trilliumtrailers.com/
Cortes Campers
Cortes Campers feature high-quality marine materials and a molded fiberglass design without wood or carpet. With options for upgrades that make it more off-road capable, the lightweight durable design makes these fiberglass campers ready for any outdoor adventure.
- Models: Cortes 17, Cortes 22, Cortes 27
- Lengths: 17′, 22′, 27′
- Dry Weight: Starting at 1800 lbs
- Features: 4 season capabilities; zero rivet construction; a multitude of exterior color options; solar and off-grid upgrades available
- Website: https://www.cortescampers.com/
Airstream Nest
For a short time, Airstream entered the fiberglass camper marker with its Nest. Available in two floor plans, it offered a light and airy interior with a sleep design. While no longer in production, these can still be found in the used market.
- Dry Weight: Under 3500 lbs
- Length: 16 ft
- Features: Wet bath, kitchen with two-burner stove, awning, sleeps 2, single axle
- Floor plans: Fixed bed or U-shaped dinette that converts
Boler
Boler is a classic fiberglass camper manufacturer that began production in Canada in the 1960s. The 13-foot Boler campers are known for their iconic “egg” shape and are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. Production was stopped in 1988 and only around 10,000 units were produced. They still pop up on the used RV market from time to time though!121
- Lengths: 13’
- Dry Weight: 1,000 lbs
What should you consider a fiberglass travel trailer?`
Fiberglass trailers are a unique type of RV that are made with a complete fiberglass shell (less prone to leaks!).
They are lightweight, durable, and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, often resembling little eggs.
These trailers can include features such as kitchens, bathrooms, and comfortable sleeping areas, while also having the ability to be towed behind smaller vehicles such as mid-size SUVs and quarter-ton trucks.
With their fiberglass exterior, they are also well known for their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a popular choice for camping trips in all seasons.
Design & Construction Materials
Fiberglass campers come in a variety of designs, making it easy to find a layout that meets your camping needs.
As they are molded, it also helps them to be shaped into more aerodynamic designs great for gas mileage and to better use internal space.
They are less prone to leaks and can require less maintenance than traditionally built RVs. It is not uncommon to see 20-year-old fiberglass campers on the road looking brand new. Our 2010 was often mistaken for a 2020 model!
There are typically two designs of fiberglass campers, depending on the size:
One-piece fiberglass: A one-piece molded shell is made from a single, continuous piece of fiberglass, which results in a seamless exterior that is less likely to leak or allow water damage. This construction method is typically used in smaller fiberglass campers, such as the “egg” or “teardrop” designs, as it allows for a compact and lightweight shell.
Two-piece fiberglass: Made from two separate fiberglass pieces that are bonded together, typically along the roofline. This construction method is used in larger fiberglass campers, such as the “scamp” style, as it allows for a more spacious interior with more headroom. The two-piece design can also allow for more complex camper shapes and designs including fifth wheels.
Resale Value of Fiberglass RVs
One concern when RV shopping is the fact that most RVs depreciate quickly after purchase.
One major benefit of fiberglass trailers is their strong resale value. This is because fiberglass is a durable material that can withstand the elements and maintain its appearance and functionality over many years of use.
Additionally, fiberglass trailers are often designed with timeless, classic styles that do not become outdated quickly, which can also contribute to their resale value.
We bought our 2010 Casita for $13,500 in 2020 and sold it for $19,500 in 2022.
Even with the crazy things Covid did to RV prices, making a profit on an RV is rare and fiberglass trailers have great resale potential even as they age.
Furthermore, fiberglass trailers are often built by smaller, specialized manufacturers, which can limit supply and increase demand for these vehicles. This can also contribute to their higher resale value, as buyers may be willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained fiberglass trailer from a reputable manufacturer.
Maintenance
Fiberglass campers typically have more ease of maintenance compared to other types of RVs. One of the benefits of fiberglass is that it is a non-porous material that is resistant to moisture, rot, and corrosion.
This means that fiberglass campers do not require regular sealing or painting, unlike other types of campers. Our fifth wheel requires frequent sealing of seams and caulking that our Casita did not require.
Here are the important maintenance tasks suggested to ensure the longevity and functionality of a fiberglass camper:
- Washing the exterior of the camper regularly to remove dirt and debris
- Inspecting the roof and seams for cracks or leaks; checking rivets
- Protect exterior from UV damage with covers
- Keeping the interior clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew growth
READ MORE: Complete Year-Long RV Maintenance Checklist
Performance in cold and hot weather
In hot weather, fiberglass campers can provide a comfortable and cool interior space, thanks to their insulating properties.
Fiberglass is a non-conductive material, which means it does not transfer heat quickly, so it can help keep the interior of the camper cooler on hot days.
Additionally, many fiberglass campers are designed with ventilation systems, including windows and roof vents, that can be opened to allow for airflow and further cooling. Our Casita also had an A/C with a thermostat that kept the climate controlled easily even on the hottest days.
In cold weather, fiberglass campers can also provide a warm and cozy interior space. While fiberglass is not a particularly good insulator in terms of blocking heat transfer, the molded design can help prevent drafts and heat loss when properly sealed and insulated.
Additionally, many fiberglass campers are designed with heating systems, such as propane furnaces or electric heaters, that can be used to keep the interior warm and comfortable easily.
In our egg camper, the furnace only needed to run for a short time before bringing the inside temperature up to a comfortable level.
How To Choose The Best Fiberglass Camper For You
Purchasing a fiberglass trailer is a great way to secure carefree camping adventures for years to come, without the typical maintenance requirements of traditional RVs.
One of our top recommendations for anyone looking to purchase a fiberglass RV is to start by renting one first. Try out different layouts to see what will actually work for you in reality when you head out camping.
Our second best tip is to be patient and be willing to travel. Especially if you are looking for a used fiberglass travel trailer, these can be harder to come by. We drove from North Carolina to Oklahoma to purchase ours and we don’t regret it one bit!
While they may be a bit pricier for their size, these small RVs’ resale value is strong, making it another attractive feature of these unique campers.
In addition, purchasing a fiberglass trailer or fifth wheel is an automatic invitation to the vibrant fiberglass camper community. We loved attending fiberglass camper rallies, learning about all the different fiberglass campers throughout the years, and meeting passionate campers!
Our Casita got us hooked on camping in state parks and even boondocking so much so that we decided to make RVing our lifestyle!
Fiberglass camper trailers are a great option for people looking for lower-maintenance camping with more amenities. They do well in cold and warm weather and have excellent options to design the camper that works best for you.
Looking for something bigger? Check out these 4 season fifth wheels for comparison!
