Gap in the 2nd deck moulding when hooked

alcsiobc wrote:
UPDATE :

We also measured the deflection which is 1/4 of an inch from one end to the other.
They also assured me that my pin box is solid... so nothing dangerous.

The problem is that the 1/4 inch veneer on which is the external fibreglass is, is moving causing the gap. Looks like the bond between the aluminum frame and the external is broken. So I don't think this can be fix easily. Any suggestion is welcome ! By the way the aluminum 2x2 wall frame are well supported and do not move at all !


Claude,

There are lots of ways to measure deflection, some more accurate than others. If the deflection is really just 1/4 inch, that is great. But if it is really that small, then you shouldn't be having a problem. Sounds like you understand the symptom is with the exterior skin, but bottom line is something else is causing it to move and that something else is moving as much or more than the skin moves. The best method I used was a laser beam attached to the exterior skin at one of the side basement compartments, then a long pole mounted on top of the pin box with a yard stick hanging from it.

If both sides show the same failure, it is possible that inadequate adhesive/curing was used to attach the wood veneer to the aluminum studs.

Maybe two repair options. First, make a vertical cut thru the exterior skin and veneer about where the landing legs are located, remove this section from the studs, buy replacement panels and glue them onto the studs using the same adhesive Keystone used. Second option, remove the interior veneer skin and insulation, then either push out the exterior skin enough to inject adhesive between it and the existing studs, or use adhesive on new studs next to the existing studs and then screw the two studs together. The new studs could be wood, which would bond better with the veneer. Finally replace insulation and interior skin.

Click on 'my rig photos' and check out the pics in the 'frame repair' folder.