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Topic: Good, bad bulkhead years.  (Read 536 times) previous topic - next topic

Good, bad bulkhead years.

My coach is a 2003.  I've had the bulkheads inspected in the past, and they were found good.

Recently I've heard Foretravel made a change around 2001. Maybe bulkheads are not an issue in later coaches. Can I safely forego these inspections?

I'll be at MOT next week and need to know if this should be on my list.

Thanks
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Good, bad bulkhead years.

Reply #1 –
All Foretravels with bulkheads will experience rust in that area. The amount depends on if it's been driven in the rain, on treated/snow roads or has had a wet bay leak. I don't know of any Foretravels with bulkheads with steel treated with any kind of rust proofing or any fasteners with a coating. Roloks have none and were never intended by the manufacturer for this application.

So, it's like your yearly physical. Get it done and be aware. It's called preventive maintenance.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Good, bad bulkhead years.

Reply #2 –
Barry Brideau's 2003 experienced severe rust because of a prolonged fresh water leak.
Another Bulkhead Separation Story Part II - Page 2
No reason to be paranoid, but know that you do need to be vigilant about water from any source getting between the skin and the framing.
Don
Quote from: Tom Lang –
My coach is a 2003.  I've had the bulkheads inspected in the past, and they were found good.

Recently I've heard Foretravel made a change around 2001. Maybe bulkheads are not an issue in later coaches. Can I safely forego these inspections?

I'll be at MOT next week and need to know if this should be on my list.

Thanks
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Good, bad bulkhead years.

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Don & Tys –
No reason to be paranoid, but know that you do need to be vigilant about water from any source getting between the skin and the framing.
Don

I don't need a reason to be paranoid.  But am I paranoid enough?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Good, bad bulkhead years.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
I don't need a reason to be paranoid.  But am I paranoid enough?

That's always the trick isn't it. Moderation is hard for us humans to attain. We seem to be better at either blowing stuff off or worried about stuff to the point of being sick.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Good, bad bulkhead years.

Reply #5 –
Been there, done that.

Can you say OCD??

But in 1/4 million DP miles, zero breakdowns.

What was the question again???
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