The dreaded bedroom slide crack-----UPDATED

CKNSLS wrote:

larry barnhart wrote:
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

Have you noticed this on other frame manufacturers? There are more Lippert frames out there than others.

Mine has a Dexter frame. Jayco used to use Leland frames.

57 Panhead wrote:
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

The count is up to three over on the JOF Forum.You have the distinction of being number 4.

larry barnhart wrote:
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

Have you noticed this on other frame manufacturers? There are more Lippert frames out there than others.

And just the other day there as a thread about how great slides are and how they don't have any issues....

Previous rig had a diagonal hairline crack about 3 1/2" long on the left bottom side of the bedroom slide. Drilled a small home and put a small dab of caulk to prevent water from entering. Watched it for a couple of years and 10,000+ miles with no further enlargement. Finally put a small strip of Eternabond tape on it. It would open just a tiny bit when hitched and close when unhitched. I believe my crack was a result of a screw that held the rubber seal on and close to the corner.

New rig has a strip installed vertically at the same location.

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.

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

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 Luck

I 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?

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

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.