Forum Discussion

WCMLSX's avatar
WCMLSX
Explorer
Jun 02, 2017

Is de-lamination a big problem? Can Azdel help?

I am researching to buy my first travel trailer. I have looked at the pros and cons of aluminum vs fiberglass and have decided I would prefer to go with a fiberglass exterior. Now I have questions and concerns about the de-lamination issue.

First, is it a problem that happens a lot? I understand that the underlying cause would be water leaks, so if you prevent leaks, then no problem. However I am aware that water will usually find a way.

Second, Coachmen is producing TTs with a product called Azdel. Instead of using wood in the sides to attach the fiberglass laminate, they use Azdel. As explained to me by the salesman, with a wood backing, if water gets in, the wood absorbs the water, expands, and presto you get de-lamination. Azdel does not absorb water, thus it will not expand and de-lamination is less likely to occur.

It sounds reasonable to me, however I am not an expert. The salesman could be just "selling" his TT and feeding me some, well you know what. (On another issue, I am amazed by the number of sales people I have run into that do not seem to know their "stuff". This guy seemed pretty knowledgeable.)

So any experience out there with the de-lamination issue and the pros-cons of Azdel? Thanks!
  • The benefits of Azdel are that they don't rot. If you get water intrusion, it could still cause delamination in theory, but the structure behind the fiberglass wouldn't rot.
  • Our 2014 Coachmen has Azdel sidewalls and I did have a rather serious leak not long after delivery due to a gap in the Proflex sealant but no harm, no foul because of the Azdel. Note though that just the sidewalls are Azdel on the Coachmen Freedom Express series, the front and back walls are luan.

  • One would have to know how any water that leaks inside the layers affects the adhesive bond. Azdel is not going to save your bacon if water leaks inside the bonded wall composite.

    Delamination, although not rare, is not a given occurrence. There are many filon sided trailers that suffer no delamination. The trick is to keep up with sealant maintenance or upgrade to a sealant that doesn't need constant upkeep, like Eternabond tapes.