Forum Discussion

ladyhawk2's avatar
ladyhawk2
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016

Repair of crack under slide out

We are looking to buy a used travel trailer and found a 2015 Econ 18RBS Pacific Coachworks. There was a 3" crack coming from the bottom corner of the slideout that had been repaired but drilling a small hole to stop the crack. The crack was not filled in. Is this a normal way of repairing a crack? Should we move on and avoid this altogether? It was perfect in every other way.

7 Replies

  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    If the crack starts at a 90 degree corner with no radius this is common. Is the crack 3 ins or less? If that is the only issue and you like the trailer I would not let that be a show stopper. When I worked on air frame structures that was how we fixed cracks from growing. Is the structure fiberglass or Aluminum? If FG you can always repair it with cloth and resin. If Al a small strip of Al can be riveted or bonded on over the crack. If the PO has driven the trailer for a while after the crack stop was drilled and it hasn't progressed passed the hole I would not worry about it.
  • It cracked because there are other underlying problems....maybe frame flex.

    Like others said..there are lots of used trailers out there for sale...LOTS. Keep looking.
  • Yes a small drilled hole csn stop some cracks. The cause of the crack needs to be adressed. As others said "move on" Often hurried asembly line workers have no time for detail and things are left unattached or not installed. That is a new rig to have a crack.
  • Have someone knowledgable look at the crack and determine the extent of the problem.
  • I'd look for something else. A crack is sometimes indicative of an underlying structural issue.