RV delamination
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URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=43044
Printed Date: December-23-2024 at 10:05am
Topic: RV delamination
Posted By: Orlando76
Subject: RV delamination
Date Posted: June-26-2018 at 10:46pm
In May of ‘17 I bought a ‘16 Rockwood travel trailer with the fiberglass laminated sides common these days. It was slept in 4 times and the toilet was still wrapped in plastic, and never cooked in etc. In February of this year I was cleaning the gutters on it as the leaves fill them up in about 10 days and I noticed where a squirrel had freshly chewed the dicor caulk on the front corner but didn’t appear to damage the TPO roof. Man I jumped in the truck and got some patch tape and dicor sealant to put on that area and immediately made an appointment at the dealer to have the entire roof re sealed. When I picked up the camper I was disappointed in the new seal job, it just seemed like they got in a hurry and it was the wrong color entirely. I figured as long as it didn’t leak I wouldn’t complain. 90 days later that same area where the squirrel gnawed I found some water inside after a hard storm. We just got back from a long trip and didn’t level camper off yet because the storm moved in and the front was a little low. Nearly every time it rains I thoroughly inspect the camper inside for water because I’m incredibly anal and paranoid of leaks and never found anything until Sunday night. Monday morning was back at the dealer with my camper. Having the roof resealed again on their expense.
Now I’m freaking out and stressed to the point where I hadn’t slept in two nights thinking how that corner of the camper will probably delaminate now. Is delamination imminent even after what appears to be a one day leak? Or is delamination a result of a long term neglected leak? Anybody have any experience?
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1976 Ski Nautique 351 Escort
1993 Ski Nautique purple and black 351 HO PCM
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Replies:
Posted By: DayTony
Date Posted: June-27-2018 at 1:49am
Campers and RVs are to leaking as a motorcycle is to crashing.
Its not a matter of IF, its a matter of WHEN.
any reputable camper salesman should disclose this to a new owner, but most do not.
But
Camper trailers and RVs are NOT built to seal out the weather during travel. So if its raining or snowing, postpone your travels and camp for an extra day.
Not leveling it when parked is also a bad idea in any weather.
Delamination could happen if the walls got wet enough for long enough, but one day i doubt would do it. Maybe in a localized spot. But not a whole wall.
I recently repaired a friends diesel pusher with him which had done exactly that and a whole side had delaminated. We replaced a lot of the wood from the inside not even disturbing the outside layer. Then injected west system between the layers and were able to brace it against his garage till the epoxy set up. Fixed the leaks and its good for another 5 or 10 years.
I would just stay on top of the roof sealing. Check it every season and buy quality goop. And i would rather do it myself, rather than trusting the guy that costs the dealer the least amount of money to have fix it for free for you.
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1988 Barefoot nautique-454
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Posted By: desertskier
Date Posted: June-27-2018 at 12:09pm
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I have owned 3 RVs. They all had leaks but I never had any delamination occur. Basically they build them as cheap as possible. I bought my second RV new and it stressed me out so much thinking about it I sold it and bought a well used one. Now I don't care. Consider buying a cover if it sits outside.
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