Forum Discussion

leggy's avatar
leggy
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013

fiberglass cracks

I am hoping for some experienced answers/help with this issue. I have two cracks starting at the corners of two different slide openings on my 2012 bighorn silverado. The slides are opposite each other and in the very rear of the 5th wheel. When I had it at the dealer, Wilkins RV (Bath, NY), last month there was only one and no real answer as to why it was happening. 2 estimates, one to fix (600) and one to tear appart find cause and repair (2200). Now I noticed a new one on opposite side of camper after about 300 miles of travel.
Dealer said that Heartland will not help offset cost due to out of warranty, but I should call on my own, which I did and same answer. Heartland also said that it isn't a warranty claim anyway due to most are caused by slide being out of adjustment. So, I suggested that dealer check adjustment, after a $129 labor charge, slide is back in adjustment, out about 1/4", tech said he thought it was out from the factory.
Anyway, how serious is this and any suggestions on repair? Any feedback will be helpful from all of you experienced RVers.

2 Replies

  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:
    You can "stop drill" at the end of the cracks and repair with epoxy. Old aircraft metal smiths trick of which I was not, but a good buddy was.
    Retired from an aircraft company after 30 years this is good advice for aluminum skins. In addition to drilling a hole several layers of fiber glass cloth and epoxy on the backside or front side will reinforce the area to prevent further cracking. Square corners produce stress risers or areas to concentrate stress that is in the outside skin and causes these cracks.
  • You can "stop drill" at the end of the cracks and repair with epoxy. Old aircraft metal smiths trick of which I was not, but a good buddy was.