Delamination

[mark1974]

2004 Cruiser CF29RK. I have top layer separation going on at the top right front corner. It extends down about 4 feet and is about 12" wide at the worse spot. In the heat of the day it bows out a little from the expansion. My guess is that water has gotten under there and caused this.I know the front cap had a leak a little bit right of center when I got the trailer used in Jan.'08 (Columbus, OH). I found the leak when I saw water running down the inside of the closet. No internal damage is visible to speak of. I'm wondering if some of this water ran over and down the side to cause this.

Okay now for the question. Is there any way to fix this short of removing the cap and getting some sort of glue back in there? I feel the separation is growing slowly and I'm afraid of how bad it might get. I'm not much into removing the front cap but might have too it looks like. I'm guessing that's pretty straight forward (remove all screws and trim strips and pull off?). I'm a DIY type and I'm parked and living in the trailer with skirting so taking to a dealer is not really an option. Just wondered if anyone had any ideas.


Edited by: mark1974

[mwebber78]

Hi Mark, sounds like the previous owner didn't keep up on the annual caulking regimine required on all RV's. Sounds like you are a pretty knowledgable guy - so you CAN do this yourself. The cap is kept on with the metal band and screws that wraps around the entire cap perimiter. Once removed you may be able to get a expoxy or fiberglass specifc glue in there to stop the delamination.



You may also want to see the advice of a body shop that specializes in fiberglass to get their take on this project.

[Hunter11]

As far as removing the front cap it is fairly easy to do as Mike said but you are going to need help. I have had the bottom of ours off and it would have been next to impossible for me to get everything lined back up and fastened down by myself.





I agree with Mike, seek the advise of a good body shop or RV dealer that knows how to do these repairs. I might even call Randy @ Crossroads and just see if he can offer any advise on repairs of this type.

[mark1974]

I just thought of something that would be a lot easier once I figure out what type of glue to use. I'm thinking I might be able to fix it from the inside. I was just looking at the closet and there is a small section of wall paneling right at the front that should be pretty easy to remove (looks like its stapled on) once the shelf is out of the way. With that removed I could carefully drill holes in the luan board backing and hopefully get some glue in there. Then I would have to rig up something outside to hold the side in tight while it cured. I sure don't want to have to pull the cap off.