Hi everyone, first post. I am looking at purchasing a 2008 KZ Sportsmen 280RL from a good family friend. They used it to go to Texas every winter and spend 3-4 months living in, and then it was stored the rest of the year. The interior is in excellent condition, and it has been regularly serviced and maintained. My question is in regards to the front fiberglass - it has some delamination/bubbling in the front panel. The owner said it just happened over time and the camper has never leaked (the bubbles look to be in the middle of the panel, and there's no windows on the front, so I'm inclined to believe him that it isn't a water intrusion issue but maybe more of a failed glue issue). How big of a deal is this on the front, if there are no leaks? Can it be left, or does it need to be repaired? My dad looked the camper over top to bottom and said it looked great, but he's not an RV expert as much as just a generally mechanically inclined person, as I am. It has been looked at by an RV shop for mechanicals, and all is perfect. New axle bearings, slide lubed, and other miscellaneous things. Basically, I'd like to get some feedback on the front delamination issue, and overall thoughts on the camper. I can get this for $8,000, which seems to be quite a bit lower than most used TT of its size and age I've found. And I know the original owners, and I know it's been maintained. I tried to attach some pictures to help show the delamination and overall condition of the camper. Thanks in advance for any help!

No doubt about the delam...but, I'm thinking that it did or still does leak. Looking at the picture, my bet is that the amber running light is leaking into the wall.Nice looking rig, and I really like the rear lounge floor plan...but...

After looking at it more, I'm inclined to agree with you that the culprit might be the running light as well. You can make out a trail the water would have run down. Let me ask you this then - if I seal everything up well around all the lights,windows, seals, etc...will the fiberglass be OK for a few years? Or am I definitely going to have to replace it? I guess one perk I see is that it does have an aluminum frame, so no wood to rot.

There is no predicting when or if any unit will leak. Delams do not help of course.Some people fret over cosmetics and the potential for problems, other just assume it is normal wear and tear and will fix it when and if it breaks.It also makes a difference if you are camping in a hot dry dessert environment with little or no rain or a more temperate climate.

rbpru wrote:There is no predicting when or if any unit will leak. Delams do not help of course.Some people fret over cosmetics and the potential for problems, other just assume it is normal wear and tear and will fix it when and if it breaks.It also makes a difference if you are camping in a hot dry dessert environment with little or no rain or a more temperate climate.X2... I'm not one who frets. I would assess if it is water intrusion and if so fix the leak and monitor it. If it is more cosmetic, I would again check it often for structural integrity. I know some who've enjoyed many years of good use as long as water intrusion was stopped. Keep in mind I live in a warm/wet climate. I have no idea how cold would affect the situation.

Potential TT Purchase | Good Sam Community

2edgesword
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015
Probably a good decision on your part. If it's a minor issue your friend should have it repaired and then sell it.

Btw, that's the same floorplan my wife and I plan to purchase our next go around. We currently are in our 4th season with a KZ Spree. It's been very reliable but my wife is tired of me climbing over her in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. :)
westend
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015
Pretty good resolution to a somewhat sticky situation, IMO.

There are a good number of used TT's around, at least in my area. Good luck with your search.
pb65stang
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015
Just thought I'd update this to say we passed on the trailer. We decided it was a little too risky, especially for a first camper. We also decided it wasn't worth the potential stress on a friendship if we did buy it and incur major issues down the road, as the sellers would feel horrible.
jmcgsd
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
Understand he's your friend. On the other hand you're taking a bit of a **** shoot. I'd offer him less.
mdprowash
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
I'd probably go for it. Looks nice and has an great layout.. good luck with your decision and if you do.. enjoy!
pb65stang
Explorer
Aug 20, 2015
Seems like about half would stay away, and half would make sure it's nothing structural, seal it up good, and enjoy it. It is a very nice trailer and perfect for what we need. I'm going to be home for Labor Day, so I'm going to look it over then. I'm pretty handy generally, so fixing the problem doesn't necessarily intimidate me as long as it's straight forward and not too expensive.
Ozlander
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
I would remove the light, Connect a vacuum hose to the opening and let it run for a couple of days or more. Like you do with a Freon system. Best on hot sunny days.
This would remove some/all of the moisture.
Then do a good job of sealing both of the lights.
Damage probably happened when the water inside froze.

Or sc*rap the trailer and I'll come and take it to the sc*rap yard for you.
Nice rig.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
The leak might be where the roof joins the front cap. Am I seeing a bit of delam on the opposite side just above the diamond plate?

You need to know how the front was constructed. If the "fiberglass" can be removed, and repairs made, only then would I consider the purchase.
pb65stang
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
Thanks everyone for the comments. The seller is a good friend, and a very trustworthy person, but probably not the most mechanically inclined (hence why all maintenance was performed at a shop), and probably didn't notice a water leak if it started at the running light.

However, I am under no pressure to purchase the trailer. He totally understands if I decide to pass, as he acknowledges the potential for water damage. Since it's an aluminum frame, I'd assume my risk for heavy rot and such would be less than a wood-framed trailer?

The big issue here is my girlfriend/soon-to-be fiance grew up with a TT and camping has always been a big part of her life. Her dream is to own a TT, and this would be a very low-cost way of doing so. So if anyone is pressuring me to proceed, it's her. And obviously while I don't want to disappoint her, I don't want to set us up for failure down the road.
downtheroad
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015
You are in a tough position here. The seller is a, "good friend."
The obvious delam. to me is a big deal. If it was caused by a leak (which I think it was) there very could be rotted wood and mold between the walls.

Since you asked, I would not buy it. Generally delam means - run.