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Topic: delamination near closet slide out (Read 1067 times) previous topic - next topic

delamination near closet slide out

Hi All, I have concerning delaminating occurring on the main body adjacent to the closet slide out.  Is doesn't appear to have progressed much beyond about 4 inches from the edge.

First, Is this common?  Second, How concerned should I be about this. And lastly, how do I fix it?

Thank you so much.

2002 U295 3620
Dave G.

Re: delamination near closet slide out

Reply #1 –
Xtreme just had a coach in for that issue.  It's caused by the slide cut-out sealant having degraded and allowing moisture in.  To prevent further moisture intrusion, you'll need to seal the edge of the coach side wall, but if you already have delamination you might need to fix that first.

This is also something that should be included as a routine preventative maintenance check when slides are in. 
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 near closet slide out

Reply #2 –
Xtreme will tell you that it needs to be cut out and repaired.  They are the experts and have done several repairs on my coach on other delam issues.  They did all 4 side of my slideout.  There are several threads on the forum about the problem.

I had the same issue as you but caught it much sooner.  Mine had only started to delam about 2-4" deep and 14" long.  I was able to clean out the gap with a multitool, fill with 3M 5500 and then apply pressure while it cured.  It has performed well for several years.  You can give it a try.  Won't hurt anything and may work depending on how well you are able to clean, get the sealant/glue into the gap and then clamp while it cures.  You certainly should do something soon to stop water penetration.

Like Michelle said, it should be checked often around the entire perimeter of the slideout opening.  I have made minor repairs to the bottom edge as well.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: delamination near closet slide out

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –

I was able to clean out the gap with a multitool, fill with 3M 5500 and then apply pressure while it cured.  It has performed well for several years.  You can give it a try.  Won't hurt anything and may work depending on how well you are able to clean, get the sealant/glue into the gap and then clamp while it cures.  You certainly should do something soon to stop water penetration.


Rich, did you use 3m 550?  I cannot find 5500.

I just noticed it so I think it happened recently. I will try your suggestion. 
Dave G.

Re: delamination near closet slide out

Reply #4 –
Drill a1/8 inch hole back where you can't get the glue, screw a grease fitting in and get new cheap grease gun fill it with glue and start pumping.
You only have small hole to fill and touch up.
Just drill through the fiberglass.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'
 

Re: delamination near closet slide out

Reply #5 –
Sorry, I was working from memory.  It was black, 3M 5200 marine adhesive.  I have included a rough drawing of the rig I used to supply pressure while the adhesive cured.  I used bags of cat litter, but you could use salt, concrete, etc. to put pressure on the side of the coach.  You may need to screw some blocks on the long 4x4 to keep the bags from sliding down.  If you carefully position the vertical block, you will be able to access the joint and clean up any adhesive squeeze out.  Painters tape is also your friend for keeping the mess to a minimum.

After using the caulk gun to force the adhesive into the crack, I was able to use a very thin piece of aluminum to work the adhesive further back into the joint before clamping.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15