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Topic: How to look for delamination (Read 644 times) previous topic - next topic

How to look for delamination

People helped me thru worrying about service on a Foretravel and I have put a deposit down on a 2009 at the factory.  I am flying down to actually look at the coach next week and drive it.  I was told that there is a "small" area of delamination at the corner of one of the back slides.  It is scheduled to be repaired but will not be complete by the time I get there.  Can someone give me advice on looking for delamination and how to evaluate the problem?  Are there problems with delamination?  In particular the 2009 model year.  I feel like I can look at a lot of things about a MH.  Can anyone suggest where I might get an independent evalulation of the coach near the factory area?  It has 40k miles.  Should I get compression tests etc on the coach.  Any input on evaluating the coach when I'm there will be greatly appreciated.  I have always hoped to purchase a Foretravel and it is now happening.  I started out looking at a 4 slide 2010 and it appeared one would have to almost move the slides out to use the potty.  This coach has one LR slide and two BR ones.  Am I right about being hard to walk down the isle with 4 slides? 

Re: How to look for delamination

Reply #1 –
I cant tell you how to identify delam problems, there are a lot of other folks that can tell you about that.

We have 2007 with 4 slides.  No problem using most things in the coach with all the slides pulled in.  About the only thing you can't do is open some of the dresser drawers in the bedroom or the 2 closet doors in the back.  You can open a third closet door in the back, we keep foul weather gear in there just in case. 

A lot of times we stop and fix lunch, use the restroom and get back on the road.  You will be pleased.
Nathan and Marilyn
2007 Nimbus 40' Build 6408
Gonzales, TX

Re: How to look for delamination

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Delacroix –
People helped me thru worrying about service on a Foretravel and I have put a deposit down on a 2009 at the factory.  I am flying down to actually look at the coach next week and drive it.  I was told that there is a "small" area of delamination at the corner of one of the back slides.  It is scheduled to be repaired but will not be complete by the time I get there.  Can someone give me advice on looking for delamination and how to evaluate the problem?  Are there problems with delamination?  In particular the 2009 model year.  I feel like I can look at a lot of things about a MH.  Can anyone suggest where I might get an independent evalulation of the coach near the factory area?  It has 40k miles.  Should I get compression tests etc on the coach.  Any input on evaluating the coach when I'm there will be greatly appreciated.  I have always hoped to purchase a Foretravel and it is now happening.  I started out looking at a 4 slide 2010 and it appeared one would have to almost move the slides out to use the potty.  This coach has one LR slide and two BR ones.  Am I right about being hard to walk down the isle with 4 slides?

What I can tell you about delamination is that on the 2009, Foretravel corrected the problem. In the 2007 and 2008 models, where the front and rear cap meets the side body, they were relying on a small piece of trim to seal the joint. This failed on coaches and allowed water penetration. The fix was to remove these trim pieces and fiberglass the caps to the side bodies as they did in 2009 plus. Those with 2007 and 2008 models should remove the trim and have it fibreglassed but that would be on your nickel not theirs since as they say "past warranty." I had a serious delamination on my 07 and this was the cause. The panel delaminated around the drivers window. The panel stuck out almost an inch from the side.

I also will tell you that I feel the new owners by 2009 got the product tuned in. In the 2006 to 2008 years, it was like a trial period of developing a good product between the Nimbus and Phoenix. By 2009, the products lines were dialed in and the small problems were worked out.

For the engine, there is no need to worry. Have the oil changed, unit greased, fuel filters changed before leaving the plant. Remember, the plant does not have an engine mechanic but can do oil changes, etc. Look at the wheel rims for oil streak marks. This means that oil is leaking out of the wet seal. This would be seen on the tag and front wheel rims.

Finally, plan on spending at least two to three days at the plant in the rig. They have a full service area where you can plug in, have water, and live comfortably. I would take the time and check over everything. After two or three days, then close the sale if all looks good. They can do this for sure as we did that ourselves.

Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: How to look for delamination

Reply #3 –
For most things, I would recommend member/moderator Brett Wolfe for an independent inspection.  If he isn't available he might be able to suggest an alternative, perhaps someone at Motorhomes of Texas.

For independent fiberglass inspection, if Brett doesn't do this, you might try the folks at Xtreme Paint and Graphics in Nacogdoches.
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: How to look for delamination

Reply #4 –
Michelle,

Yes, for glass work, Xtreme would be a good independent inspector.
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: How to look for delamination

Reply #5 –
Contact James at Xtreme and have him come by and look at it if willing for Fiberglas delamination inspection. (Or Rance if James not available.

Hire Brett Wolfe for prepurchase inspection if available.

Best $$$ you will ever spend.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)
 

Re: How to look for delamination

Reply #6 –
Just a suggestion, ask if the factory will warranty against future all delamination for a few years.
Rick