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Fiberglass crack questions

August 06, 2013, 09:18:37 am

My wife and I are considering buying a used Foretravel.  This would be our first motorcoach.

We are looking at coaches that are around 10 years old.  I have read some of the earlier threads about the potential for cracks developing in the fiberglass around the front or rear end caps in Foretravels from that time period.

We looked at a coach at a dealer yesterday and noticed cracks at three corners of the coach: the two top rear corners and the front top driver's side corner.  I have posted some pictures below.  The cracks are about 6 inches long and run horizontally right under the small overhang near the roof, where I assume the sidewalls meet the roof cap.

The dealer says that these cracks are cosmetic, and not related to the more serious cracking problems that have happened with some coaches of this vintage.  They implied that these are minor and can be easily repaired -- I assume with resin and paint.

Can anyone comment on whether these are or are not related to the fabrication issues that happened at that time?  Has anyone had similar cracks, and how have you dealt with them?  Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ken

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Re: Fiberglass crack questions

Reply #1 – August 06, 2013, 09:36:16 am

Welcome to ForeForums!

Interesting photos.  Those don't look like the end cap cracking that was a manufacturing issue in 2002/2003 (and most of those coaches would have been repaired by now).  I do wonder if it reflects issues with an end cap repair job, though.  If you have the build number of the coach, Foretravel may be able to tell you if they had done a repair on it in the past (although since you don't own the coach, they may not be able to release that info).  The original end cap cracking usually shows up (from what I've seen) as vertical cracks where the end cap meets the sidewall.

Any crack in the fiberglass is an opportunity for water penetration and delamination - they are not just a cosmetic issue (I would never take a dealer's word, unless they are willing to put it in writing and warranty it at their expense).  Delam can run into a much higher unanticipated expense.

The best situation would be to have someone at FT's paint shop or Xtreme inspect it in person and quote proper repair, but you'd need to be close to Nac for that. 

Michelle

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Re: Fiberglass crack questions

Reply #2 – August 06, 2013, 09:52:59 am

Ask them if they are prepared to put that in writing and stand by that statement in the event repairs are needed. Is this coach on consignment?

I would never consider a 6" long crack to be cosmetic.

Can I assume this is a dealer that is not affiliated with Foretravel in any way?

I believe there was only one specific year that had the cap issue. If I was serious about the coach I would take detailed pictures, call James Stallings at Xtreme and ask his opinion after reviewing the pictures and the coach info. I would then contact the factory with the coach number and ask them if this coach fell into the 'front/rear cap' repair issue, and if so whether a repair had ever been done. I would also ask to speak to the previous owners about it.

If you plan on dropping 100K plus on something, make certain to do your due diligence. Sadly, to most (not all) dealers its just another sale.

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Reply #3 – August 06, 2013, 10:15:59 am

Dave and Michelle have great advice for you. @003 was a problematic year for end caps. You have taken pretty good pictures, give Xtreme paint and graphics in Nacogdoches a call, ask to talk to James Stallings, send him these pictures and see what he has to offer. Suspect he can give you an idea of the gravity of the issue, and make suggestions and guestimates to repair.

James is a great guy and as honest as they come.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

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Reply #4 – August 06, 2013, 04:43:13 pm

I second calling James. They do not look likethe endcap issue though. I think Michelle might be on a interesting track though I have not seen fixed coaches doing that type of crack either.

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Reply #5 – August 06, 2013, 04:53:23 pm

I agree, it doesn't look like the end cap repair issue.  Ours was repaired by FOT way back when and I believe the cracks would show up as vertical. 

Are the cracks all the way to the fiberglass OR is it just the paint cracking?  Bad paint? bad prep job? Just a thought!

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Reply #6 – August 06, 2013, 08:37:38 pm

unless it is just a not too clear picture I would say that it looks like there has been work done there before and that is what is cracking!!
IMHO
John H

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Reply #7 – August 06, 2013, 10:43:41 pm

My repaired end-cap issue was also vertical.  Looks like a zipper effect.  I didn't have anything horizontal like that.

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Reply #8 – August 10, 2013, 10:42:16 am

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.  I spoke with Foretravel and sent them the pictures.  This coach apparently had the end cap repair done in 2005 at FOT.

Their advice is that the cracks should be repaired but are not a major structural problem.  They quoted a price (from seeing the photos only) of $1700 to $2000.

We have not made a final decision about this coach yet and are a looking at two others of similar vintage.

Thanks again, Ken

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Reply #9 – August 10, 2013, 09:10:07 pm

If you decide to go a head with the purchase, go see James at Extreme to do some comparison shopping.  Ask FT how long they are going to warrant their work. Good Luck!


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Re: Fiberglass crack questions

Reply #10 – August 26, 2013, 09:58:22 am

To close out this thread, I am happy to report that we have purchased the coach in question.  It is a 2002 U295 36' with two slides.  In making the decision we were helped enormously by a master class from Brett Wolfe in how to inspect a motorcoach. 

On the test drive we were able to stop at Xtreme and get an expert opinion first-hand.  Their evaluation is that the cracks are minor.  They advised sealing them with silicone (which is now done) and monitoring them for spreading or rust.  At some point they may need more extensive repairs, but we will deal with that when and if necessary.  The bulkheads appear to be in excellent condition.

The coach is currently occupying our entire driveway while take care of minor maintenance items and prepare for a weekend shakedown cruise in a few weeks.

Cheers, Ken

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Reply #11 – August 26, 2013, 10:05:24 am

Welcome to the firm.......

Congratulations!

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Re: Fiberglass crack questions

Reply #12 – August 26, 2013, 11:54:34 am

Congrats Ken, and glad you got the heads up for Xtreme.

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