Forum Discussion

Mote's avatar
Mote
Explorer
Apr 02, 2019

Repairing the cargo door

Our Cougar has a large cargo door on the side for the pass thru storage like most 5th wheels. The one on the curb side has been had a bubble in it for a couple years. I took the door out yesterday and pulled the panel out of the frame. Looks like the fiberglass (I assume it is) skin has separated from the foam core. Not all of it separated but a 1/3 of it has. I pulled the rest of the panel off the foam board. Looks like water leaked in around the lock area.
Once I get things dried out and cleaned up I'm going to glue the panel back on. Does anyone have a glue they recommend ? I've emailed West Marine to get their ideas as I've used them before when I had to fix some delamination on a previous camper.
  • bingford's avatar
    bingford
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2019
    The people you need to talk with about repairing your delaminated door are
    www.delamrepair.com
    They know what you are talking about
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2019
    Find some construction adhesive that is safe for foam at your big box store. No all adhesives will work as many will dissolve the foam.

    B.O.
  • Mote's avatar
    Mote
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2019
    ksbowman wrote:
    I have 2 new cargo doors w/ frames I ordered for my Keystone Outback just before we sold it. If you PM me I'll give you the dimensions of them if your interested. Never got to put them on.


    Cool, I'll measure the door tonight after work and let you know.
  • ksbowman's avatar
    ksbowman
    Explorer II
    Apr 03, 2019
    I have 2 new cargo doors w/ frames I ordered for my Keystone Outback just before we sold it. If you PM me I'll give you the dimensions of them if your interested. Never got to put them on.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2019
    Liquid Nails works fine on foam board as probably do any of the construction cements.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2019
    I was thinking contact cement but very unforgiving. Exterior flooring glue is my other thought. Trowel on and gives a little set time to get it lined up right.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Apr 02, 2019
    The consideration is the foam. What types of adhesive bond to it & don't react with it.

    My first thought would be a contact cement, however offhand I don't know how that would react, if at all, with the foam. Need to read up on that one.

    If West Marine comes back recommending 3M 5200, for Gods sake don't use it. That stuff is plain old nasty for a bunch of reasons. 3M 4200 is much more civilised & bonds well with most material.
  • troubledwaters's avatar
    troubledwaters
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2019
    New baggage doors are readily available. The decals and paint schemes running across the doors not so much.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 02, 2019
    I have used PowerGrab by Loctite to bond hard foam board insulation to aluminum, with great results. I would think it would bond fiberglass and foam also.

    Another option may be a new baggage door, if yours is not something unique. I'm sure a vendor could make one, custom fit, but likely more expensive.

    Jerry

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