Frequently asked questions FAQs-have a question not answered here? Drop us a line and find out why fiberglass travel trailers are setting the bar!
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs-why fiberglass campers?
Please reach us at sales@cortescampersca.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Fiberglass campers are travel trailers that are made with production molds. Commonly, the top and bottom are each molded separately and then sealed together. The process creates an extremely lightweight, yet strong RV with very few seams. The reduced number of seams is important because fiberglass travel trailers are less prone to water damage, and therefore longer-lasting than other travel trailers. They are also sturdier because rather than the traditional “stick-built” trailers, they are more like boats than traditional RV’s. This means they can handle lumpy, bumpy roads without having to worry about points of failure. So, right off the bat, fiberglass campers are lighter, stronger and more durable that traditionally built campers.
Durable and long-lasting is one of the biggest benefits of molded fiberglass campers and is due to their high-quality construction. Ask any RV owner and they will tell you that leaks and water damage are one of their biggest headaches. Since fiberglass campers have rounded corners and few exterior seams, they are much less likely to face leaks and water damage. Furthermore, the fiberglass frames also hold up better during travel. Cortes Campers have a double-hulled design with only one seam around the middle. They are sealed with the same adhesive used on high-performance boats and airplanes. They are virtually no pieces to fall off or get damaged on bumpy roads.
It is important to note that most fiberglass trailers, regardless of their quality are almost always superior to a stick-built camper with regard to strength and durability but they are not created equal. Cortes Campers have a double-hulled design with carbon core honeycomb engineered panels between the hull pieces to add more shear strength and better insulation than other trailers that have just a single hull design. In addition to shear strength, this design makes Cortes Campers true four-season campers that provide comfortable temperatures inside regardless of the weather outside.
In this case, not all fiberglass campers are created equal. Only a couple of manufacturers, and yes, Cortes Campers is one of them, can say that they are true four-season campers. Our double hull design is the difference and provides the extra comfort needed in colder seasons and warmer climates. There are some hardy individuals that will set up a tent in the snow and we love their Instagram feeds, which we watch from our cozy interior of our warm Cortes Camper.
In this case, not all fiberglass campers are created equal. Only a couple of manufacturers, and yes, Cortes Campers is one of them, can say that they are true four-season campers. Our double hull design is the difference and provides the extra comfort needed in colder seasons and warmer climates. There are some hardy individuals that will set up a tent in the snow and we love their Instagram feeds, which we watch from our cozy interior of our warm Cortes Camper.
Without getting into the details of physics or geometry, the short answer is no. Fiberglass campers are plenty strong with Cortes Campers incorporating carbon core honeycomb plastic panels into the design. Imagine the strength of a boat getting tossed around on an angry ocean then try to envision the same scenario with a traditionally made camper. While these core materials are lightweight, they add extra strength to areas of the hull that are under stress, which are generally the flatter areas, such as the sides, and floor. The shear strength of carbon core honeycomb panels is significant, in fact, this same material is used in the manufacture of large wind turbines.
The curved areas of the hull are quite strong naturally, so when it comes to fiberglass, it’s a matter of geometry (now you’ve got us geeking out).
Another takeaway on the strength of a fiberglass hull; traditionally made campers have a couple of thousand screws and fasteners and each one of those is a point of failure, a weak point, susceptible to splitting, failing, or leaking. Because Cortes fiberglass hulls are not made up of individual pieces, they are strong, solid, durable, and quite frankly built to handle almost anything you can dish up.
Since our molded fiberglass campers are not prone to leaking by design, they are also not prone to mold, mildew, corrosion, and deterioration that is inherent in stick-built products that have wood and metal products throughout. However, in a nod to tradition, Cortes Campers did opt to include wood in one aspect of the design, the cutting board in the kitchen (we couldn’t help it and by the way, it makes an excellent charcuterie board if you are so inclined).
Cortes Campers are built on a Norco frame. Norco produces a low alloy, high strength e-coated (means dipped in a bath coating to cover and protect all parts of the frame) and then powder coated. This is superior to the aluminum frame used by other manufacturers and does not add a lot of weight to the camper.
How comfortable is the interior? Is this really a home away from home?
Not only is Cortes Campers a comfortable home away from home but now a great many people have taken to the road to living, working, and exploring. We kept this in mind when designing the interior of the camper so that whether you are unplugging for the weekend, the summer, or the rest of your life (or some part of it) you’ll have what you need to live in comfort. Think of it as glamping on wheels, or you own a little fiberglass tiny home on wheels, or just…awesome.
Our freshwater tanks are 42 gallons. More fresh water is more time out in nature for our BoonDockers, longer showers (not too long-be reasonable), or water for your homemade fettuccini alfredo.
Speaking of our freshwater tank and our Norco frame (see above); our freshwater, greywater, and blackwater tanks are built underneath the cabin and into our steel frame. They are well supported by metal fasteners built into the steel frame.
Also, this may seem like a small detail (we are all about details) but, we opted for stainless steel fasteners and bolts to secure our tanks and wiring harness hose to the Norco frame. In addition, any appliance, cabinetry, or power systems in the cabin area requiring fasteners use stainless steel. We could have taken the easy way out and taken up vital storage space in the cabin, but you’ll be glad we didn’t with all the extra storage space this design freed up.
Cortes Campers come standard with a full kitchen with top-of-the-line Furrion appliances. Every Cortes Camper has a 3-burner stove, an oven (yes, an oven), a refrigerator and separate freezer, and a microwave. Since we are talking about life’s little luxuries then we’ll mention that each Cortes Campers comes standard with a full wet bath that includes a porcelain toilet, shower, and stainless-steel sink. Also includes a 19-inch TV and Dual marine-grade radio.
Thinking about going off-grid for a bit with your camper? This is the beauty of the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System. Your camper will maintain the same ground clearance as your tow vehicle but no longer must deal with axle hang-ups and damage from towing your overland camper over rocks and logs. The precision-cut hanger assembly is incredibly durable and allows for easy, bolt-on installation. We loved Timbren’s design with two Aeon® rubber springs and a metal control arm that provide a quiet ride for any off-road trailer… So quiet that you’re going to wonder if the trailer is still there. And, while other manufacturers may give you a spare tire (we do too), we also give you a spare spindle and bearings. Things happen and if something happens on the vacation that you’ve worked long and hard for, we don’t want you on the side of the road waiting for parts or costly repairs. With Timbren axle-less trailer suspension, you’ll be on the road again in no time.
Cortes Campers comes equipped with 15-inch aluminum wheels and 205/75/15 tires on the camper and the same size rim and tire for the spare.
We know how much storage means to you, so we designed plenty into our Cortes Camper with 54 sq ft of interior storage in the compartments above and below under the seats in the dining area.
Being small has many benefits, such as easy towing and access to the best boondocking spots. Cortes Campers understood that the rounded corners create a great exterior aesthetic, but they didn’t want to sacrifice functional space. This is why Cortes Campers builds fresh water, grey water & black water tanks into the trailer, freeing up precious storage space in the interior and having a patent pending design mohawk that extends to the front of the camper creating a spacious bathroom not found in any other models.
We’ve seen the videos too. We took the time to thru bolt our storage hatches and we call them hatches because that’s exactly what they are. Just like on a boat, our storage areas are secured with latches keeping your personal items safe, so you don’t have to worry about doors or hinges failing. We know, that would bug us too.
Cortes Campers windows all open for airflow, and additionally, each window has a built-in screen for the day as well as a built-in shade for the night. It’s easy to enjoy your privacy and the cool night air too.
Our warranty is the best in the industry, we offer a 7-year warranty on the fiberglass shell, chassis, and related fiberglass assemblies against Manufacturing defects. A one (1) year bumper-to-bumper against manufacturing defects. The appliances and other components installed carry the original equipment manufacturer’s warranty.
We wanted our camper to last without fading and have a durable surface to withstand the elements, so the entire exterior and interior are finished with a marine-grade gel coat, an advanced technology developed for the ultimate UV resistance. Cortes Campers offers multiple colors including solid, two-tone, and metallic flake in silver and champagne all made from marine gel coats.
Always on the cutting edge with technology, we designed Plug and Play wiring harnesses for the trailer frame and the interior cabin. This advancement makes it so much easier to install trailer frames and exterior camper lights, electrical running to the appliances, power systems, and interior lighting. We pride ourselves in having plumbing that is easily installed, and easily accessible, and handles the filling and emptying of tanks in the frame and water usage inside the camper.
The Cortes Campers have different daytime and nighttime floor plans with different sleeping configurations.
17 ft. – 2
22 ft. – 3-4
27 ft. – 4-5
Molded fiberglass campers have a high resale value and hold their value better than other types of RVs. For buyers who may want to upgrade to a larger unit later, this is very important. Considering many folks use their campers for their long-awaited vacation time, having a reliable model is extremely important. No one wants to waste precious vacation time on the side of the road or in the repair shop. Fewer parts mean less stress and enhanced durability means more time for the things that matter most.
Cortes Campers have many practical features, but the truth is, they are also a huge nod to those vintage campers of yesteryear and give campers a vintage feel without the vintage problems, the vintage weight, and these days, the vintage costs. Cortes Campers come fully loaded with most of the features that make these campers a home away from home. Importantly, Cortes Campers did not scrimp on quality during the manufacturing process. Check out the fully loaded kitchenette with stove and oven, frig and freezer, and the full wet bath in every trailer.
Cortes Campers feature more modern interiors than many fiberglass brands. They have white walls, white cabinets, and neutral furniture that help make the interior feel bright and spacious. The Cortes Camper 17 ft layout includes a large dinette that converts into a bed for two, a single-seat desk in the front, a fully functional kitchenette, and a full wet bath with shower, stainless steel sink, and porcelain toilet. The interior is entirely fiberglass (except for cushions and appliances). There is absolutely no wood in the manufacturing of a Cortes Camper which means no mildew, no mold, easy clean up, and long-lasting. Should you decide to part with your Cortes Camper, sprucing it up is as easy as some dish detergent, a sponge, and hosing it out.
Cortes Campers is the only molded fiberglass travel trailer company with a national dealer network that offers sales and service. We build our campers to last a lifetime but we also know how important it is to have access to local service facilities for maintenance and any service needs you may have. Our dealers are authorized to provide any repairs and/or services that you may need for the duration of the time you own your Cortes Camper.
Cortes campers innovative molded fiberglass design- built to last a lifetime-
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