I am having a dialogue with my coach maker (Thor) about the paint degradation on my 2005 Mandalay caused by deficient sidewalls. I am looking for some financial accomodation for the "disappearing" suface paint (clearcoat). This problem has been discussed in various threads here and elsewhere. One of the tech reps is asking me who made the defective sidewalls (I would have thought they knew that..). I have always been told/read online it was Owens Corning. But I recall another company name being mentioned. Can anyone confirm what company actually supplied the sidewalls in the time frame 2005-?2008? that causes this problem..especially to the darker paint areas?Thanks,Hank2005 Mandalay 40B Diesel PusherCurrently in Apache Junction AZ

My understanding it was a division of Owens Corning that went out of business. The sidewalls were placed on RVs from about 2002 to 2008.

Azdel and Crane Composites both supplied exterior panels to the RV industry. I am sure that there are others.

The Thor tech rep is asking 'you' who made the sidewalls? I think you are in for a long road of disappointment from Thor if this is what they are asking.Good luck,MM.

hanknjoyce wrote:I am having a dialogue with my coach maker (Thor) about the paint degradation on my 2005 Mandalay caused by deficient sidewalls. I am looking for some financial accomodation for the "disappearing" suface paint (clearcoat). This problem has been discussed in various threads here and elsewhere. One of the tech reps is asking me who made the defective sidewalls (I would have thought they knew that..). I have always been told/read online it was Owens Corning. But I recall another company name being mentioned. Can anyone confirm what company actually supplied the sidewalls in the time frame 2005-?2008? that causes this problem..especially to the darker paint areas?Thanks,Hank2005 Mandalay 40B Diesel PusherCurrently in Apache Junction AZAfter 10 years? Is that reasonable?

It's 10 years old I don't think you are going to get any kind of comp. to me when he asked you who made the side walls it was he's way of saying yer out of luck.

Sidewall Problems/"Gassing"/Checking of Paint | Good Sam Community

ncrowley
Explorer II
Nov 24, 2015
My understanding it was a division of Owens Corning that went out of business. The sidewalls were placed on RVs from about 2002 to 2008.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2015
Azdel and Crane Composites both supplied exterior panels to the RV industry. I am sure that there are others.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
The Thor tech rep is asking 'you' who made the sidewalls? I think you are in for a long road of disappointment from Thor if this is what they are asking.

Good luck,
MM.
2bzy2c
Explorer II
Nov 25, 2015
hanknjoyce wrote:
I am having a dialogue with my coach maker (Thor) about the paint degradation on my 2005 Mandalay caused by deficient sidewalls. I am looking for some financial accomodation for the "disappearing" suface paint (clearcoat). This problem has been discussed in various threads here and elsewhere. One of the tech reps is asking me who made the defective sidewalls (I would have thought they knew that..). I have always been told/read online it was Owens Corning. But I recall another company name being mentioned.

Can anyone confirm what company actually supplied the sidewalls in the time frame 2005-?2008? that causes this problem..especially to the darker paint areas?

Thanks,

Hank

2005 Mandalay 40B Diesel Pusher
Currently in Apache Junction AZ

After 10 years? Is that reasonable?
mike_brez
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
It's 10 years old I don't think you are going to get any kind of comp. to me when he asked you who made the side walls it was he's way of saying yer out of luck.
2bzy2c
Explorer II
Nov 25, 2015
^ X's 2
BobGed
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
They are most likely Owens Corning. My 2009 was built in 2008 with Owens Corning fiberglass.

Tiffin replaced all of my sidewalls in 2014 at no charge to me other than getting to and from Red Bay from NV.
Executive45
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2015
BobGed wrote:
They are most likely Owens Corning. My 2009 was built in 2008 with Owens Corning fiberglass.

Tiffin replaced all of my sidewalls in 2014 at no charge to me other than getting to and from Red Bay from NV.

IMO, Thor and Tiffin are worlds apart...plus his coach is twice as old as yours....Dennis
BobGed
Explorer
Nov 25, 2015
Executive wrote:

IMO, Thor and Tiffin are worlds apart...plus his coach is twice as old as yours....Dennis

In 2008 Mandalay was a separate division of Thor with an excellent reputation. I believe they even offered a two year warranty on their coaches. I was down to choosing between a Mandalay or a Tiffin and, for a variety of reasons, went with the Tiffin.

My second statement was simply a shameless plug for Tiffin's legendary coverage well beyond the stated warranty period. ;)
Gjac
Explorer III
Nov 25, 2015
Crane composites makes composite panels using FG probably from a company like Owens Corning and resin from another supplier. The prime contractor (Thor) should be the one responsible to the customer. All the Thor Tech is saying is he didn't do anything wrong but someone in top mgt is responsible to chase the problem down through their supply chain, kind of like Workhorse was with the Bosh brake problem. The problem could be traced back to a bad batch of resin that had multiple suppliers during those years. Having said all that unless it it a well known issue like the brake problem Thor can just say it out of warranty.