spotrot
Dec 21, 2014Explorer
Itasca/Winnie side panels cracking - Vetrolite option
When we ordered or Itasca 30B new, we selected the option of "Premium High-Gloss Vetrolite" sides for $1,218.
The (white)sides now have thousands of fine cracks all over, some 1/2 inch long some several inches, crisscrossing in no particular pattern. The cracks are too deep to be sanded out.
The side areas that were painted (Paint Catalina Metallic Blue a $1,750 option) and the areas that were covered with decals (where the decals are peeling) are fine: glossy and no cracks. So it appears to be a UV degradation issue.
It's frustrating to pay more for a 'premium" exterior finish and get one that cracks after 5 years.
I heard that Vetrolite refused to stand by their product, Winnebago dropped them as a suppler, and Winnebago will not assist in any way with the defective material.
If you have the Vetrolite option, I'd suggest storing your RV indoors or covering it.
If anyone has found a good way to paint or otherwise refinish the Vetrolite, I'd appreciate hearing how well it worked.
The (white)sides now have thousands of fine cracks all over, some 1/2 inch long some several inches, crisscrossing in no particular pattern. The cracks are too deep to be sanded out.
The side areas that were painted (Paint Catalina Metallic Blue a $1,750 option) and the areas that were covered with decals (where the decals are peeling) are fine: glossy and no cracks. So it appears to be a UV degradation issue.
It's frustrating to pay more for a 'premium" exterior finish and get one that cracks after 5 years.
I heard that Vetrolite refused to stand by their product, Winnebago dropped them as a suppler, and Winnebago will not assist in any way with the defective material.
If you have the Vetrolite option, I'd suggest storing your RV indoors or covering it.
If anyone has found a good way to paint or otherwise refinish the Vetrolite, I'd appreciate hearing how well it worked.