Forum Discussion

docnascar's avatar
docnascar
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014

Protruding items....

Last spring I noticed these spots high on the front of my 2012 Coachmen 18BH camper. I thought it was bug guts. I tried to clean them off, but wasn't trying to kill myself to make it pristine, so I didn't pay too much attention to it when they didn't come off. Come Fall of last year, I tried to wash it again and noticed it was solid so I thought it must have been rocks that chipped it.

This fall.... Well its not chips and its something (either staples or screws) protruding through and it cracked the coating. I'm a little concerned about water getting in there and not sure what to do. Should I fill it with epoxy or something? (I temporarily put duct tape over it :) )

There is nothing inside the camper that I can see mounted with screws/staples that would be pushing through the front cap. Its actually in the same spot as a smooth wall. At first, I thought it was the inside wood paneling but these defects are higher up on the wall.



OUTSIDE FRONT CAP - In 2 places.


OUTSIDE Zoomed in. (Staples?)


Inside

Little bummed. :( I was really trying to love Coachmen. I've had Brake issues, HW tank issues, molding falling off the wall, and now this.... I guess it can happen to anyone. Just happens to be me.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Sep 29, 2014
    Wow, how odd.

    While I don't have anything to help you, I am as astonished as you are. It does look like a screwpoint, and I, too, would be concerned about water getting in there, as well as how far out they'll poke if left to their own devices.

    I think at least temporarily I'd put a piece of clear waterproof tape over them to keep water out until a more permanent solution can be found. Clear tape would make it easier to watch; into the bargain, duct tape is very susceptible to sun damage, so won't last long.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Sep 29, 2014
    Wow have you tried calling Coachman and asking what might be in that area.
  • docnascar's avatar
    docnascar
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2014
    darsben wrote:
    Wow have you tried calling Coachman and asking what might be in that area.


    I have not but, as I was typing this up I was wondering if it would do any good to call them.
  • daystrom's avatar
    daystrom
    Explorer
    Sep 29, 2014
    Probably staple heads. I had a Jayco popup many years ago that had a staple head poking through the roof. Looked just like your photo. Jayco ended up replacing the roof after many calls.

    Not sure what I would do with yours except caulk it.
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Sep 29, 2014
    A classic thing that happens in our wonderful production line RV's, regardless of brand or make, is when the guys on the line are stapling the sheeting or something onto the outside and they miss a stud. Or I will be more general, they miss a fastener going into something solid, like a stud.
    When this happens, the fastener "floats" in whatever it is they were using it to attach. The fastener moves around and wiggles with movement, such as when we run down the highway with our rigs, and eventually it wears through the finish coat of siding, fiberglass or whatever material the unit is finished with. The constant wiggling of a loose fastener causes it to eventually abrade a hole in the surrounding area, resulting in the pictures you show.
    I have seen this happen many times over the years.

    I am not saying for sure this is what has happened in your case but it is indeed a good possibility.
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Sep 30, 2014
    It's hard to tell without more pics but if it were me, I think I would consider pulling the luan off the wall on the inside to try and see what's going on. It looks like the luan on the nose of the TT was installed after the sides. Not sure what the wall looks like around the bed and if you can peel it off down to the floor? If not, maybe you could cut the luan and put a piece of trim back on to cover the joint. Luan can be cut in a nice clean line by using a utility knife with a fresh blade and it's only stapled on with very light gauge staples which pull out relatively easily.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2014
    Like BYU said, it's probably a loose fastener. You could try driving it back through to the inside with a drift. Alternatively, grind with a carbide burr through the fiberglass. The fix is the same, glass with resin and apply similar colored gel coat over the repair. A marine glass expert can make the repair invisible.

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