The biggest issue in the RV and camping trailer industry is water intrusion and rot. This is especially true when you are looking at an off-road capable overland camping teardrop, square drop, or adventure trailer.
When overlanding it is not uncommon to cross a rushing river, spend days in rain or snow, as well as time in hot and dry deserts, even all on the same trip. When traversing rough terrain sub-par materials such as wood and fiberglass tend to warp, stretch, or crack which can allow moisture to enter the substrates.
When moisture meets wood, you are bound to develop mold, mildew, and rot which can completely ruin a trailer. When you are looking at such a confined space, as in a small teardrop camping trailer, developing mold and mildew can become quite dangerous to be around and cause long-lasting health effects if not treated or removed.
Wood, as a naturally occurring substance, is prone to decay, rot is the first sign that your wooden camping trailer is decaying and becoming structurally unsound. When you compare fiberglass and wood construction methods to that of an all-metal camping trailer, it is easy to see why the all-aluminum option will hold its value better. With an aluminum body, there is no lifespan to worry about as the aluminum will last indefinitely if maintained properly.