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Topic: Cracks in my fiberglass (Read 627 times) previous topic - next topic

Cracks in my fiberglass

So over the past weeks while my unit has been parked these and more are starting.
Any one have any idea why and how to stop them. So far in the front and rear caps. This unit is a 1999 and back in 2001 Fortravel did a full body paint. Any help or ideas would be much appreciated.
James and Suzi
1999 U320  36, Cummins M11
Build 5544  Motorcade #17268
Ronan, Montana
2020 Jeep gladiator

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Gold Nugget finder –
So over the past weeks while my unit has been parked these and more are starting.
Any one have any idea why and how to stop them. So far in the front and rear caps. This unit is a 1999 and back in 2001 Fortravel did a full body paint. Any help or ideas would be much appreciated.

Are you parked in the sun where its's very hot?  Dark paint is more prone to bubble up particularly if there's an underlying repair or it wasn't properly primed.  Paint just gets so much hotter than white or a light color.  The crack seems odd unless they fixed cracks in the past. 
Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #2 –
Can you tell if the coach has Armorcoat (a thick, clear layer) over the paint on the front end?  You might see the edge of it as you look at the wrap-around.  Wondering if those might be cracks in Armorcoat, not the fiberglass (although that wouldn't be the case on the rear endcap).

BTW, are you sure that's a 2001 paint job?  I don't believe FT did any FBP in 2001 and those headlights are their Phenix-style conversion, which they started closer to 2010.
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: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #3 –
I wish there was a solution. Fiberglass resins have improved but our coached still have these issues. Dark colors are a multiplier to the problem with dark green being worse than black. I attempt to keep our coach under cover when ever it's not being used. Many have been frustrated with them and spent a small fortune to repair, just to have them reappear the same location a year later. Just like people that have spent their life in the sun it shows.I need to repaint some of the accents our coach and will probably either match what we have are change them all to a lighter color. If you have a rear roof latter there will be a black non skid on the roof. Paint it white if it haven't already cracked the roof. I filler to seal  the cracks in our coach and painted it white.

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #4 –
Well James, call Xtreme Paint and Graphics.  Talk to James Stallings or Greg.  They are experts on this issue.

What they tell me is the dark paint heats up the gelcoat and fiberglass skin.  The fiberglass out gasses through the gelcoat, splitting it.  I understand the solution is strip the dark paint off, repair the gelcoat, paint with light color paint.  $$$$$$$$$

Putting the coach inside out of the sun will keep from getting worse.  Dark color anything, paint, wrap, will cause the out gassing.  So it is not the paint failing, it is the heat it creates.
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: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #5 –
That's one reason that glass airplanes are white or at least light .

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #6 –
Likely not structural, treat with wax to help keep water out.  All the responses about dark colors, sun, etc are what others experience.    Don't need to do anything.

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #7 –
If fixing it is in your plans, I would NOT use wax on it-- makes prep for painting more difficult.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Cracks in my fiberglass

Reply #8 –
I just bought a 2003 U295 38' Foretravel with same cracking issues.  Researched and concluded it is not structural, only cosmetic.
Cracks started under the black window frames and ran, was advised by Foretravel the black metal gets hot in the sun and starts the cracking process.
I used Advantage by "GoClean.com"  with UV protection.  It shined up beautifully and from 10 feet I can' t see the cracks.  Therefore, I am not repainting.
Jack White