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Delamination

Thinking about looking at 07 Nimbus. When was the delam issue resolved?  I think I'd heard that later production of 2007 models were using newer adhesives. If one hasn't delammed by now is it safe to assume it wont? Is it easily identified? What kind of cost is involved to fix? What areas are most prone? Considering 07 Nimbus that may go look at next week. Wife wants slides. Whatever wife wants..... surprised it only has 8k generator. Any other areas of concern on these coaches?
2001 4010 U320
Build 5875

Re: Delamination

Reply #1 –
You will get the baby Aqua Hot instead of the big one you have now.  My 03 U320 has one salon slide and big AH.  There are other early 2000 Foretravels with a salon slide and bedroom slide. and always big AH.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Delamination

Reply #2 –
I think you're talking about the endcap cracking (adhesive mismatch) of the 2002-2004 coaches.  Or maybe the slide delamination of 2000-2001 also due to adhesive issues with the foam insulation to the metal framing of the slide.  Both would likely have been addressed long ago at this point.

2007-2010 have their own set of serious delamination issues, particularly in the sidewall around the slide cut-outs.

While we were at Xtreme last month, Rance was working on a Nimbus the entire time, and apparently had already been on that one for the previous 3 weeks.  So that's 7 weeks at minimum.  Waiting in the wings was another Nimbus, this one had issues with delamination in one of the slides itself, and is apparently the 3rd slide on that coach to need repair. 

Part of the problem was that FT changed the slides and they have a "dam" on top that collects water.  That can cause delamination of the slide itself.  The more prevalent issue is lack of sealing where the sidewall is cut out for the slide.  Moisture penetrates the sidewall all around the slide and migrates out from there.

To properly repair, you're easily looking at $30K+ (that was the number about 10 years ago) in cost if it has that delamination.  Check it very, very closely, especially around the slide openings and endcap seams.

2 other potential things to look at - in 2007 the retarder was an option, not standard, for early units.  Also, there are reports from previous 2007 owners that the dash air was a one-year version and there may not be parts available if it isn't working.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Delamination

Reply #3 –
Some Nimbus's are prone to delam around the slide openings and also along the seam where the roofline meets the sides. Also around the end caps. Also look for rust jacking along the belt line. My 08 had an Oasis unit, not an Aquahot. Mine had a retardar, not all do.
Keith and Dawn Hudson #18766
Current- 1999 U295 DFGE 40ft. - Build #5405
Coach Name: 4BUS4US
Previous- 2008 Nimbus CE338: 40th Anniversary Edition- Build #6486. 
Toad: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

 "I know something about a lot of things..a lot about something's..and everything about nothing "

Re: Delamination

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Spiderhitch –
When was the delam issue resolved?  I think I'd heard that later production of 2007 models were using newer adhesives. If one hasn't delammed by now is it safe to assume it wont? Is it easily identified? What kind of cost is involved to fix? What areas are most prone? Considering 07 Nimbus that may go look at next week. Wife wants slides. Whatever wife wants..... surprised it only has 8k generator. Any other areas of concern on these coaches?

What size, model Nimbus are you looking at? If only 8K is it a smaller one? ISL instead of ISM engine? Would also have 3000 series transmission. 2008 has some significant changes. Engine door and chassis batteries moved to outside. AC Condenser moved in front radiator pack. Mine had house battery compartment in center. I have the 12.5K genny with 3 roof airs/heat pumps. Oasis heat.
As for being safe for avoiding Dleam that will depend on how it was used and stored before and what the future will bring. Mine is now stored outside, NY winters! probably doomed.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Delamination

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
What size, model Nimbus are you looking at? If only 8K is it a smaller one? ISL instead of ISM engine? Would also have 3000 series transmission. 2008 has some significant changes. Engine door and chassis batteries moved to outside. AC Condenser moved in front radiator pack. Mine had house battery compartment in center. I have the 12.5K genny with 3 roof airs/heat pumps. Oasis heat.
As for being safe for avoiding Dleam that will depend on how it was used and stored before and what the future will bring. Mine is now stored outside, NY winters! probably doomed.
500 Cummins ISM, 40', need to ask about trans would be 4000 series transmission with the ISM i thought, not sure about Retarder.  2 roof A/C units. Trying to decide if interested enough to invest $600 to go look at it. will have to go back second time and have inspection. It's a bit away from  me. Was surprised genny wasn't at least 10K, but not that familiar with Nimbus And Phenix models.
2001 4010 U320
Build 5875

Re: Delamination

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Also, there are reports from previous 2007 owners that the dash air was a one-year version and there may not be parts available if it isn't working.
I think the dash AC issue was only limited to 3 units - #6384, 85, and 86 according to bobnkathy on this thread
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Delamination

Reply #7 –
Quote from: stevej –
I think the dash AC issue was only limited to 3 units - #6384, 85, and 86 according to bobnkathy on this thread

Great details - thanks!
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Delamination

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Spiderhitch –
500 Cummins ISM, 40', need to ask about trans would be 4000 series transmission with the ISM i thought, not sure about Retarder.  2 roof A/C units. Trying to decide if interested enough to invest $600 to go look at it. will have to go back second time and have inspection. It's a bit away from me. Was surprised genny wasn't at least 10K, but not that familiar with Nimbus And Phenix models.

ISM will have the 4000 and that year should have the retarder. Is this a tag? Only 2 AC the 8K will do the job. Onan or Powertech? Both good. I prefer the Onan mostly due to familiarity and not losing a compartment for the radiator. Any chance you are looking at a coach from MOT? I am very familiar with their offerings. Even though I have had mine almost a year I'm still browsing. A lot of the stuff on their lot was there when I purchased mine. I may know it.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Delamination

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
ISM will have the 4000 and that year should have the retarder. Is this a tag? Only 2 AC the 8K will do the job. Onan or Powertech? Both good. I prefer the Onan mostly due to familiarity and not losing a compartment for the radiator. Any chance you are looking at a coach from MOT? I am very familiar with their  offerings. Even though I have had mine almost a year I'm still browsing. A lot of the stuff on their lot was there when I purchased mine. I may know it.
It is private seller. Research shows retarder was paired with ISM and 4000 Allison. Tag axle.  Onan genny. Aquahot not sure of model but it is not Oasis. My biggest concern is delam issues.
2001 4010 U320
Build 5875

Re: Delamination

Reply #10 –
One of the things with delam  is it can happen quickly. I almost purchased a rig at MOT last year. Financing and everything in place. Decided to go for a 3rd extended test drive. When we returned salesman noticed and pointed out the Delam on left front slide room. This was a consignment rig. I cancelled the deal and flew back home.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Delamination

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Spiderhitch –
500 Cummins ISM, 40', need to ask about trans would be 4000 series transmission with the ISM i thought, not sure about Retarder.  2 roof A/C units. Trying to decide if interested enough to invest $600 to go look at it. will have to go back second time and have inspection. It's a bit away from  me. Was surprised genny wasn't at least 10K, but not that familiar with Nimbus And Phenix models.

2007 and 2008 were sort of transition years. I think that is when ownership changed and there were a lot of changes for 2008 model. The 2008 grew up! The Nimbus is the lower line with the Phenix being the better unit. Mostly Phenix got independent front suspension and often the larger 600HP engines. Most Phenix 42 or 45 feet. 2008 and later some Nimbus offered with the independent front suspension.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148
 

Re: Delamination

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
2007 and 2008 were sort of transition years. I think that is when ownership changed

2005 was when Reed and company bought Foretravel. 

2006 brought the first coach called Nimbus, which was basically a rebadged U295/U320, and the Phenix, an all-new model.

2007 brought a completely new Nimbus.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320