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Topic: Fiberglass? (Read 900 times) previous topic - next topic

Fiberglass?

I am posting some photos of the 02 U270 that we have looked at. I don't know much about fiberglass and what represents purely cosmetic issues and what is more serious. My thoughts are that these are cosmetic and nothing really needs to be done. What do you think?

The images are of a fine line crack on the one slide radiating from the window further back. The other two are one each of the upper corner of the grilles on either side of the engine.

Jim

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #1 –
The window one is disturbing, especially "137".  It doesn't really look "cosmetic" from a water penetration issue.  Might want to send 'em to James/Greg/Rance at Xtreme for their thoughts.  Hard to say without seeing it in person, though.

ETA - which window is it relative to a bulkhead location?  It looks like it's in a slide.
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: Fiberglass?

Reply #2 –
Agree, lower ones are cosmetic.  The one radiating from the window is of concern.
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: Fiberglass?

Reply #3 –
The lower ones are cosmetic  but it looks like the hing s putting pressure next to it. The window one bothers me as well. It is in a slide room it seems so that eliminates a lot of the issues I could come up with relative to torquing or twisting. James at Xtreme is your best bet to send him the email and have him tell you if he has seen it before.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #4 –
The fact that you can see it is cracking paint, not gel coat would say there was an attempt to repair them and is failing.
Tom & Patty
Build# 5832
2001 U295  36'
Motorcader # 17240

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #5 –
Keep looking, Jim
There are plenty of coaches out there with no evidence of twisting/flexing or whatever.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Michelle –
The window one is disturbing, especially "137".  It doesn't really look "cosmetic" from a water penetration issue.  Might want to send 'em to James/Greg/Rance at Xtreme for their thoughts.  Hard to say without seeing it in person, though.

ETA - which window is it relative to a bulkhead location?  It looks like it's in a slide.
It is in the slide. The slide on the driver side and the window towards the rear.

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: tpboj –
The fact that you can see it is cracking paint, not gel coat would say there was an attempt to repair them and is failing.

I couldn't see anything that looked like a repair attempt.

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #8 –
While not indicating eminent failure, the radial cracks look deeper than just the paint.  The gelcoat is damaged down to at least the first layers of glass.  There is definitely an indication of stress.  My concern with pic "137" is that the paint stripes at the bottom no longer align. It appears the slide has shifted as if there has been support degradation of some sort.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #9 –
Sorry I was not clear on my comment. The white area should be just gel coat not painted, the photos show paint masking edges from the white being repainted this to me would indicate there was a previous repair that has now failed. Now show paint cracks as well as gel.
Tom & Patty
Build# 5832
2001 U295  36'
Motorcader # 17240

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #10 –
Just remember, gelcoat is not structural. So don't panic too much if you see gelcoat cracks.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Fiberglass?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: krush –
Just remember, gelcoat is not structural. So don't panic too much if you see gelcoat cracks.

I would modify that statement to: "Just remember, gelcoat is not structural. So NECESSARILY don't panic too much if you see gelcoat cracks."

While gel coat is much more brittle than the underlying FG and can therefore crack more easily, it does suggest taking a closer look to verify that it is not structural.
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: Fiberglass?

Reply #12 –
Gelcoat can crack as a result of improper catalization, and it might take years to show up.  That said, like everyone else, I think the crack on the corner of the slide warrants further attention.  Good news is, gelcoat is easy to repair and color match.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280