Why Does Delamination Bother So Many People?

This may sound like it's either real dumb, or making sense ... in order to save a $$$ RV from the scrap heap:

Why can't one put small screws, spaced out within the delaminated area, all the way through the walls with washers on both sides and a nut in the inner side. Seal carefully around the screw head/washer on the outside as you're tightening it down and then paint the screw head/washer to blend in with the outside coach walls. Paint the screw head/washer on the inside to best you can to blend in with the interior wall surface (some may even be inside cabinets) where the washers and nut are on the inside after cutting off the excess screw length to be flush with the nut.

It seems like this could be carefully done so as to not look too klugey ... better than throwing away an otherwise good RV. After all, some RVs have an aluminum skin with rivet heads every few inches all along the outside seams and we think it's cool. Some expedition RVs have all kinds of stuff bolted/attached to the outside walls and we think it's cool.

See ... I said it might be a real dumb idea. :(

newman fulltimer wrote:
who can name what manf has had the most post about delam

Keystone. At least that's what I've gotten from these boards over the last few years. That is one brand I would never own.

kvangil wrote:
I see quite a few delaminated campers at the campgrounds around here. Mine does have some delamination too. it's about 12" wide at the back left side of the TT. Previous roof leak caused the delam; the roof leak has since been repaired, and I've kept an eye on the delaminated area and it has not spread. Otherwise the TT is solid all around. The way I see it, I bought a 9-year-old camper for $6K, so if it holds up and my family can enjoy camping in it for the next 5-7 years, I have no problem with it. You can see the delaminated part only when the light shines on it from a certain angle, and it's otherwise water-tight.

X2 on this post; I'm with you here, and probally got our $$ worth
already. Delam on a camper is like concrete waiting to crack...
they all do it sooner or later.

Brian

We had delamination on our last fifth wheel because of a couple of leaking window seals in the bedroom. Yes, it can be repaired structurally an the leaks can be fixed, we kept the unit for another five years after the repair and had no more problems, but it will never look right and really does an number on resale or trade in value.

The primary cause of delamination is water intrusion..ie, leaks. On a laminated wall, part of the wall strength comes form the bonding of the skin to the frame and foam insulation. Once the delamination starts and the luan plywood backing comes apart lets go, the wall is no longer a strong structural member.

Another part of the issue with delamination, is you cannot see how extensive the damage is within the wall...the structure can be rotted or rusted.

If the OP is happy to accept an RV with delamination, he should enjoy his RV. I for one would not even look at it once I spotted delamination.

Kne

I see quite a few delaminated campers at the campgrounds around here. Mine does have some delamination too. it's about 12" wide at the back left side of the TT. Previous roof leak caused the delam; the roof leak has since been repaired, and I've kept an eye on the delaminated area and it has not spread. Otherwise the TT is solid all around. The way I see it, I bought a 9-year-old camper for $6K, so if it holds up and my family can enjoy camping in it for the next 5-7 years, I have no problem with it. You can see the delaminated part only when the light shines on it from a certain angle, and it's otherwise water-tight.

I wouldn't like my house to look like that either. Painting my fence and pulling weeds is easy compared to repairing delaminated walls. I do get your point but it would bother me and I'd sell before I couldn't get anything for a problem coach.

Delam means the structure is failing. Laminated walls are part of what holds the unit together. If the glue fails the structure will fail. It is usually accompanied by wood rot in the roof/floors from the water intrusion that caused the glue to fail. Not always is it a water leak issue - it can be just a poor lamination job but manufacturers always blame the customers lack of roof maintenance first. This is why regular touchups with dicor and/or eternabond are so critical. If it was just cosmetic it could be lived with (not by me mind you) but it is not.

Kind of like asking why people get upset when they buy a 70 grand TV and the clear coat starts peeling in a year. :R

We always buy a 2-3 year old unit.
I've always wanted a Mobil Scout. We finally found the one we both have dreamed about. But after a close look around the unit it had way too much delam issues. Delam usually indicates a leak and not knowing how much damage was done we passed on that unit.
Delam issues on a outside surface are a eye sore and will depreciate the units value.