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presh223's avatar
presh223
Explorer
Oct 06, 2018

How do I repair delamination filon? Arctic Fox 990

Hi all,

New to the forum. I purchased a 2002 Arctic Fox 990 from my parents recently (they were first owners) and there is front delamination. The camper was covered by like 1,000 tarps because dads like tarps. After I purchased it I discovered the delam issues. It's not a pretty sight, but I am confident it isn't a result of prolonged water intrusion because it was always covered. We renegotiated the deal after I discovered the issue to our mutual satisfaction.
Where so I purchase the filon material, and is there a cheaper alternative? Should I cut a new seam or put on a front sheet to the base of the camper? Minimally invasive is what I am hoping for. I used to enjoy projects like this, but this doesn't look super fun. I am preparing to do an off-grid year exploring America and possibly doing the whole Youtube thing, so I would like it to be sound and aesthetic for when I depart.
Thanks in advance for your feedback, I appreciate it.
  • I was able to repair lot of delamination on my Fleetwood, but it is not easy job and takes lot of time.
    My work was either pulling part of the panel away, or completely remove it for frame repair and then I used the best "liquid nails" I could find at Home Depot.
    The hardest part was applying pressure to the panel.
    On sides I park between the house and fence wall, so after putting wide plank against the siding, I put lot of sticks between the plank and house wall.
    The repair done this way will leave uneven marks, so it is not going to be perfect.
    I've got lot of inspiration on Lance forum, where you will find couple of topics with hundreds of pictures how professional RV shop rebuilds the camper.
  • Wow, never expected these many responses so quickly. The picture function dictates that we host the on another site like photobucket? is this for real? '98 internet called.lol
    My father had his truck bed damaged and shifted minor in an accident and he thinks the bed is warped which is what allowed the camper to leak, even though he only mounted it 5-6 times and used it that much. It's like brand new everywhere else.
  • Two thoughts. First delam can also occur when things are tarped too heavily and that is one of the reasons the covers you purchase are vented. They really are not supposed to be air tight. When I tarp our truck camper, I only bring the tarp part way down the sides and we don't wrap it. On our fifth wheel we use a vented cover for that purpose. Ideally they have to breathe.

    Working professionally on RVs for decades I can tell you delam repair borders on the impossible. There is an adhesive specifically designed to adhere it back into place, but you have to be able to pour it into between the filon and the backer and then you have to be able to clamp it for 24 hours. For small bubbles you can drill a small hole and shoot the glue in ( I used a large hypodermic needle, but again it is a total B and not for the faint of heart.
  • When I was looking for a newer truck camper I came across tons of campers that I liked except for the fact that about 90% had delamination problems. One of the campers was exactly what we wanted but had front delam around the over hang window. I went to the local RV repair shop and started asking about how you fix and since it was a small area around the window, what would it cost to have them repair it. The guy in charge of the repair area said, if it has delamination, we charge $2000.00 just to start and then its hourly after that.
    He said they would fix it but its expensive and if any water get in its gonna just delaminate again, he suggested to me, if its not horrible live with it and just use the camper and enjoy it....
    That was my experience with delamination and I passed.
    You tube has some vids on repairing delamination thats where I would check first if i was determined to try to fix it.
    Keeping all the seams and around windows sealed is really important to keep delamination at bay
  • So much depends on what you find if and when you actually take the existing filon off. Sometimes the delam occurs from the overhead seam leaking. Water comes in and wets the surface, then the filon separates from the plywood.

    On the other hand, you could seal it up as best you can, and not attempt long and difficult repairs.
  • Delam is almost always caused by water intrusion of some sort. Pictures of the situation will helps us comment.

    I had to perform extensive repairs to a filon sided camper years ago and as you allude, it is not fun. It is not that it can't be done, but it might end up to be more than you think.

    I am not trying to sound pessimistic but there are folks here who do as a hobby of sorts and anticipate it as a challenge. If you opt to take on this repair, my advice is to see it through, keep a positive attitude, it can get discouraging if new surprises appear. In the end it will be something to be proud of. I did similar on a previous TC and almost gave up but I got 'er done. I will not do it again.