Making the Case for the Longevity of Stick-and-Tin Trailers
There are a number of ways of building a travel trailer but by far the most traditional is something the industry refers to as “stick and tin.” The structure of this type of RV is generally wooden with the exterior surface being metal, typically corrugated aluminum, and the interior wall surface being a decorated lauan plywood.
There are a lot of people who assume that laminated construction, the smooth-sided build, is better; but that’s not completely true. Did you know that you can buy a trailer built like a stick-and-tin but with fiberglass exterior walls instead of the corrugated aluminum?
Advantages of a Stick-and-Tin trailer
There are actually some big advantages that stick-and-tin trailers have, not the least of which is that they’re simply less expensive to build.
There’s no need to invest in huge, specialized tooling to build the walls of a stick-and-tin trailer; they use standard building tools that any RV builder has on hand. Because of this, designs can be created and implemented in a very short period of time. It also means that if a manufacturer sees a change that needs to be implemented, it can be done from one trailer to the next, greatly simplifying processes and making it possible to make improvements on the fly.
Since stick-and-tin trailers are built with standard tools, that means they can also be repaired with standard tools. Just about any local builder who understands elementary construction techniques can make a repair to a stick-and-tin trailer. This simplified repair process means that any repairs needed can be done quickly and relatively inexpensively.
I once experienced a hole in a laminated wall on my own travel trailer, thanks to a tree being cut overhead at the RV park. Even though the hole was relatively small, a proper repair meant replacing the entire side wall. This was the wall with the slide out (of course), so the slide box had to be removed first and then the wall removed and replaced.
Had the damage happened to a stick-and-tin trailer, it likely would have only needed a single aluminum panel replaced and, maybe, a wall stud. Instead of having to take it back to Indiana, a local craftsperson could have easily done the repair.
Disadvantages of a Stick-and-Tin Trailer
If they’re less expensive to build and easier to repair, what are the disadvantages of a stick-and-tin trailer?
First, manufacturers will naturally choose the least expensive building method for their least expensive offerings. Likewise, some of the components – especially things like tires, suspension, and appliances – may also be the most affordable available. Even though the structure is sound, the overall impression suffers by association.
For builders and owners alike, a stick-and-tin trailer is tricky to effectively seal; the corrugated walls result in uneven surfaces around windows, doors, and other breaches to the sidewall. While factories will take care to ensure that there is no water intrusion, it’s just as important for owners to be aware of the condition of these seals and make sure they are in good shape. (Most RV manufacturers recommend that owners routinely inspect these seals every 90 days or so.)
A laminated, smooth-sided RV presents fewer ways for water to get into the wall; however, if water intrusion does occur, it’s easier to make the necessary repairs to a stick-and-tin trailer than to a laminated trailer.
Not All Stick-and-Tin Trailers Are Alike
As with so many things in life, stick-and-tin trailers are not all alike. There are various grades of aluminum siding, various wall thicknesses, and a seemingly unlimited way to bond corners and roof systems.
As with all RVs, the big goal is to keep water outside and from getting into the walls. Companies that take extra measures in this regard will typically boast about their technologies and techniques in their marketing materials. As with any new RV purchase, I always recommend starting at the road and looking at the build of a rig before ever stepping inside to judge the interior. Look for clean construction that holds up to a close inspection rather than a flashy kitchen.
Considering that stick-and-tin trailers have been in production for close to 100 years, are easily repairable, and can be quite affordable, they are a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned RVers.
Tony Barthel
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