Livin Lite VRV aluminum oxidation

[Sheza]

I'm wondering if anyone else is having an issue with the LIvin Lite VRV doors corroding? I have a 2011 8.5x16 VRV with what started out as bubbles (in year 2) on the camper door and now on the rear ramp that is now coming through the paint. I brought it to a dealer who said it was oxidation. Livin Lite sent me to deal with Challenger door directly and they both say its out of warrantee and want me to purchase new doors. It has also now been admitted by Livin lite that the rear ramp has a thin sheet of Luan that could be wicking moisture in between the skin and the aluminum and that moisture can cause oxidation. Livin lite has suddenly stopped responding to my requests to make good on this issue as a manufactures defect. Another VRV owner has contacted me with the same problem. So I am now wondering if this is a problem with this trailer. I love this trailer and it fits our needs perfectly but this is a real concern and I am very disappointed with Livin Lite's customer service! I have photos that I've sent to Livin Lite and Challenger door that I can post if anyone wants to see the damage.

[exploringcaroli]

Sheza wrote:
Kelsey, you may not want to just look the other way or have to repair in on your own. We are getting them repaired through livin lite or challenger door. Message me if you want.

PM sent!

[hvac]

This is a good discussion, I have a 21 rbs not a vrv. Airstream has or at least had a huge corrosion issue. Clearcoat on the Alcoa aluminum would peel off and the nightmare would start.

I will be towing in heavy salt conditions during the winter on trips nationally based out of Michigan. Stay tuned.

[Carrera_man]

I've had mine for 18 months and about 30K miles on it. None of these problems at all. No corrosion any where, underneath, roof, sides, anywhere. Always outside here in SE PA. My trailer is not painted, as it has a coating applied to the aluminum with color prior to assembly. For the life of me I can't remember what they call it but most aluminum trailers have it. I was unaware that Livin Light painted some of their trailers. I used to have a motorhome that had painted aluminum sides. I did have a few small problem's with electrolysis. The "secrete is to treat those area's as soon as you see them develop by sanding, primer, and paint. Once I did that ( biggest area the size of a dime), I never had a problem.

[aluminumdonerig]

I don't know what is worse; fiberglass delamination or aluminum corrosion? I think delamination is more widespread.

[aluminumdonerig]

Good Evening. The problem with the Challenger Doors used by LivinLite and now ATC on the VRV is that the composite material Challenger used to use on their inside panels has been bought up by the Auotmotive Industry. Before Azdel, and now until the RV Industry finds a new product, Luan was and will be used as the inside panel of the Ramps and Bunk Doors. The Luan will more readily hold moisture if it is exposed to it than the composite Azdel would. So it is best to try to keep the doors as dry and sealed as possible around the doors trim.
Challenger makes their ramp doors for many RV Brands so the issue is not applicable to just VRVs. I have only heard of maybe 10 doors out of a thousand or so units corroding, so the issue is not too widespread. If an issue were to arise with the new VRV XTRs doors I know that it would covered under the 3 Year Bumper to Bumper Warranty on those units. I don't think the LivinLite Warranty is that long.

[09KZMXT266]

BigDog235 wrote:

09KZMXT266 wrote:
I would love to see pics of the damage you speak of. I have a VRV (not livin lite), but still mines is probably made similarly with like materials.

Having owned a VRV made by both livin lite, and ATC, let me say the difference is considerable! Much better all around, the attention to detail and quality out the door is just there. The frame is much stouter on my 26, than on the 22. I've just been readying my 26FB for our first trip, three weeks from Florida to Vermont, starting Friday. Will have a better report at the completion of that trip.

Take and post some pics! I would love a front bedroom model, but my too much TW for my 1/2 ton.
Yes, ATC builds a heck of a trailer. Not only that, they stand behind their stuff. I recently had some warranty work done and ATC was nothing less than pleasurable to deal with. I love my VRV XTR, but want something a bit larger, so I'm selling her.

[BigDog235]

09KZMXT266 wrote:
I would love to see pics of the damage you speak of. I have a VRV (not livin lite), but still mines is probably made similarly with like materials.

Having owned a VRV made by both livin lite, and ATC, let me say the difference is considerable! Much better all around, the attention to detail and quality out the door is just there. The frame is much stouter on my 26, than on the 22. I've just been readying my 26FB for our first trip, three weeks from Florida to Vermont, starting Friday. Will have a better report at the completion of that trip.

[09KZMXT266]

I would love to see pics of the damage you speak of. I have a VRV (not livin lite), but still mines is probably made similarly with like materials.

[4monkeys]

We have a Livin Lite VRV, a few years old and have not had this problem. We store it outside all the time. We live in the midwest.
That would suck! I hope you are able to get it resolved to your satisfaction. But I can only imagine what a hassle and stress!
I'll have to keep an eye on ours.

[Sheza]

Kelsey, you may not want to just look the other way or have to repair in on your own. We are getting them repaired through livin lite or challenger door. Message me if you want.

[keysy]

Its a vrv 7x16, silver color. I think its a 2010. My repair plan for now is to look the other way. I don't know if you can stop the corrosion once it starts. Eventually I guess I'll have to order from livinlite the flat sheets of the same color and take the doors apart to replace them.

If not I could source sheets locally in a contrasting color but I don't think that would look too good. If its going to look different anyway, maybe a fiberglass skin would be better to avoid having the same problem develop again.

[Sheza]

Keysey, what trailer do you have and what year? Are you repairing or replacing damaged areas? And I do believe it is moisture getting in causing the damage. We have chaulked the windows but damage is already done.
My reasons for choosing this trailer is the same as your, light weight and corrosion resistantance. I also pulled with a jeep (until it died). Now I use a gmc Sierra pickup.
As you say, these trailers aren't cheap and they should last longer than 2 to 3 yrs!

[keysy]

We have a small side door that accesses the front storage area really corroded. We are also starting to see one of the queen bed doors bubble up under the paint approximately 1 sq ft. Also the big back door is having the same problem around the hardware.

The two big selling points for me was the light weight and the corrosion resistant aluminum construction because we tow with a a jeep and live 1/8 mile from saltwater. First thing we learned is wind resistance is a killer more than weight and now we have the corrosion popping up everywhere.

I'm in construction. In coastal areas (within 1/2 mile of salt or brackish water) metal material manufacturers do not warranty the galvanized metal roof panels whether they are painted or mill finish. But in painted aluminum, they offer standard warranties between 25 and 35 years. Therefore, I figured I was good with this trailer.

Maybe its moisture getting trapped between the aluminum and whatever coring is behind there or incompatible metallic shavings than weren't blown out before assembly. Anyway, it's very disapointing. Size for size,these things aren't cheap.

[lap527]

We had the same problem with our TC door. We had to take pictures and send them to Livin Lite. At the time our camper was less than a year old and they replaced the door under warranty. We have had other issues also. Good luck because stuff like this is a big PITA!