We are currently on a month long trip in the western states. I noticed the other day when leaving Yellowstone that a small 2" hairline crack has appeared in the side wall starting at the lower front corner of the bedroom slide. This sucks!! Looks like another trip to the dealer when we get home. Have driven about 500 miles since finding the crack and there has been no change so I will keep an eye on it and continue with our trip. Wish me luck.Steve

Yikes!One thing you could also do right now is compare the crack size when hooked versus unhooked. Hopefully, no change. If they do change, not a good sign.

A small hole drilled at the end of the crack might keep it from becoming longer. I would buy some clear silicon caulk and apply it every time it reopens.This shouldn't be happening on such a new rig. Hope it's still in warranty. Good Luck

Texas Two Steppers wrote:A small hole drilled at the end of the crack might keep it from becoming longer. I would buy some clear silicon caulk and apply it every time it reopens.This shouldn't be happening on such a new rig. Hope it's still in warranty. Good LuckI would not use silicon and certainly not put it into a crack that opens and shuts,you will never get anything that will seal it to stick on that location.Until you get it repaired ask an RV dealer for a temporary non silicon caulk that will expand and move with the flexing.What does Jayco say,how long have you had the unit?

I have noticed this on many lippert framed fifthwheels. I also have noticed some new lippert framed fifthwheel with a control crack cut and a T-shaped molding installed this can be done for your problem. If it doesn't have a big problem that isn't known of course and my guess is you might not. The corner is a weak spot. If you notice when concrete is poured around an existing concrete slab the sharp corner will crack the new concrete and rebar is added to maybe stop it from the stress of the old corner. Enjoy your fifth and let us know the fix.chevman

Very common in the late '90s and early to mid '00s.I've noticed some high end 5er came OEM with a piece molding under one corner of the bedroom slide.My '97 5er with the bedroom slide started cracking when it was 5 years old. Drilling a hole in filon/fiberglass won't stop a crack. I dropped by my RV dealer to find out the best fix. The service mgr gave me a 1' long piece of molding and advised slitting the crack on down to the lower molding. I used a .045 thick radaic wheel on my Dotco air grinder and slit it on down. Added 35 years caulk to the grove and on the back side and a couple of SS screws. It looks OEM. That was in '03 and no other issues.

The dreaded bedroom slide crack-----UPDATED | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

routemaster
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I had movement at the corner of the bedroom slide landed up having to have welding done to the frame work get it checked out!!!
Shepherd
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
My previous rig 08 Eagle 291 had the same crack and a rear wall separation.Dealer repared them. My current rig has joint there.
alboy
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I have seen where the lag bolts that hold the aluminum subframe to the steel main frame at that exact location have pulled through the aluminum base, the frame was fine.That being said , its quite possible that serious flex in the main frame caused it.
BlackSilver
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
My rig is 10 years old, just developed a hairline crack at the lower forward corner of the b/r slide.

Ran a router v-bit and filled with silicone putty, then fashioned a trim plate. Looks like it was built that way.
57_Panhead
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
jsr21 wrote:
I don't think that's what Jerry B meant. I believe he is saying that some manufacturers will put a plate/ trim over that area when they build them to deal with the fact it will probably crack there down the road and it won't be visible.

Oh, sorry about that. When I was at the dealership this past weekend the service manager took me out onto the lot and showed me some other brands that have a "relief joint" that runs vertical under the bottom left corner of the bedroom slide. Sort of acts like an expansion joint on a large ship I think. This "joint" has a piece of molding over it to hide it. Our Jayco does not have this.

Steve
jsr21
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I don't think that's what Jerry B meant. I believe he is saying that some manufacturers will put a plate/ trim over that area when they build them to deal with the fact it will probably crack there down the road and it won't be visible.
57_Panhead
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
They aren't paying to haul it all the way from California to Indiana to put a plate over the crack. The person I spoke with said they take the sheet metal under the overhang off and add some bracing to the frame then fix the crack. How they fix it I don't know but others that have had the same issue with this model said they couldn't tell there was ever a crack there after the repair.

Steve
Jerry_B
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
Some manufacturers put a plate over that area to hide the enviable crack. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
57_Panhead
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
Just heard back from the dealer this morning. Jayco wants the trailer back at the factory to do the repair. We are going to make a trip out of it and take it back ourselves. Made the arrangements with Jayco already for the 30th of sept and they say it will take a week. Actually looking forward to the trip. Will get to tour the plant and see parts of the country we have never seen. I must say even though I hate having the issues we have had with this unit, Jayco has stepped up each time. Though I was skeptical at first I'm glad now that we chose Jayco.

Steve
WishUponanRVSta
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
We had/have a similar situation, except ours is a Keystone Cougar (2011). Our first crack appeared last fall, passenger side top of living room slide to the roof. Keystone had us return it to Goshen IN this past winter, and the entire side wall was replaced. Examination showed welds had either broken or not been done correctly in the headings over the slide and flexing caused the crack. We now also have the lower bedroom slide hairline crack, and are scheduled to return it to the factory again in January at which time they plan on replacing that side wall as well. I have nothing but good things to say about the customer service reps there, they have fixed everything and more and stayed in good communication with us throughout he whole situation.