Forum Discussion

EverFly's avatar
EverFly
Explorer
Sep 22, 2017

Small crack in fiberglass - how serious?

I just purchased a new HTT, and discovered a small crack in the fiberglass shell. Unfortunately, I didn't discover the crack during the final walk-through, I found it after I brought the camper home. Here is a photo:



If you run your finger over the crack, it is dimpled outward very slightly, and I can't determine an obvious cause. I left a message with my contact at the dealer and I'm waiting for a call back. I have another minor warranty issue that they are taking care of, and I'm hoping they will fix this at that time.

Can anyone offer me some advice on how serious this issue might be, and what the proper repair is? I want to make sure it doesn't spread or lead to water damage. Thanks very much!
  • EverFly's avatar
    EverFly
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2017
    It is a hybrid, a Jayco Jay Feather X23F, and this crack is in the front, not far from the corner of the bed. I looked again, and I can get to it through the front storage compartment, I just have to uncover it. I should have some time on Sunday afternoon, so I'll see what I can find.

    If replacing the whole front is really the right way to fix it, I'm not looking forward to making that phone call.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Sep 23, 2017
    EverFly wrote:
    It is a hybrid, a Jayco Jay Feather X23F, and this crack is in the front, not far from the corner of the bed. I looked again, and I can get to it through the front storage compartment, I just have to uncover it. I should have some time on Sunday afternoon, so I'll see what I can find.

    If replacing the whole front is really the right way to fix it, I'm not looking forward to making that phone call.


    If this is the top wall with the fold out bunk, Jayco will replace the FILON wall under warranty. They will not fix/patch it. Replacing the Filon wall panel is easy to do. I have probably done 10 of them over the years on Jayco's. It takes about 6 to 8 hours to do. NOT that difficult. It is NOT a rigid fiberglas cap but a Filon fiberglass panel. You will note it rolls around the top to the roof line. Doug

    https://www.rvpartsnation.com/exterior/rv-fiberglass-siding/arctic-white-rv-fiberglass-filon-siding/
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Sep 23, 2017
    dougrainer wrote:
    The BEST repair on this type crack is to have the Body Shop sand it down and then fiberglass the area sand it and then paint the complete area. Replacing a Cap either front or rear is not the best way to do it for this type of problem. The dealer can only do what the manufacturer of the RV will allow them to do. Doug


    Unless of course you have that skill.

    If you are worried about leaks etc till you get to the shop.. GOOP. Good temp fix for just about anything,
  • EverFly's avatar
    EverFly
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2017
    I took a better look today. Here's another photo of the outside:



    And here are photos of the inside of the front storage compartment:





    (For reference, note the location of the staple in the first photo, and then the staple holes in the second photo.)



    The crack is located just above where the vertical plywood support meets the upper horizontal support. At first I thought it was the corner of the vertical support that caused the crack, but I'm pretty sure it's just above that. So, I can't really tell what's going on. It doesn't look like a fastener, but maybe it's a splinter of wood?
  • EverFly's avatar
    EverFly
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    I found out yesterday that Jayco has agreed to replace the front wall. I am very relieved. Thank you everyone for the help and advice, it is appreciated.
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    Oct 17, 2017
    BB_TX wrote:
    Sanding smooth and patching is not a good option.


    If done right, I cant really see why not??..... I fixed mine using a FG repair kit from West Marine using real fiberglass epoxy - now like new....

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