Older Class Cs with fiberglass roofs and end caps??

[fighterpilota]

Were there Class Cs in the mid to late 90s (1996-1999) that had fiberglass roofs and fiberglass end caps? If so, some names would be appreciated. Thanks

[fighterpilota]

How about an early model Callista Cove by Carriage with the front and rear end fiberglass caps? 1992 Vintage? Thanks

[Skid_Row_Joe]

fighterpilota wrote:
Good information. Interesting to note even the Born Free model can have issues. And I hadn't thought about the cabover clearance lights leaking. Thanks

It's not just the 2000s Born Free models as you're reading here, fighterpilot.

Certainly, if you're looking for a '90s something Born Free, you can absolutely expect ongoing issues. I've read too many testimonials from new RVers that buy these now antiquated year model Born Frees, and spend most of their time chasing down various fixes on what are many times very costly repairs on them, running into thousands of dollars. When you buy used, expect unknown repair items and issues with any use.

[fighterpilota]

Good information. Interesting to note even the Born Free model can have issues. And I hadn't thought about the cabover clearance lights leaking. Thanks

[Skid_Row_Joe]

pnichols wrote:

Skid Row Joe wrote:
The overhead window also continues to leak even though the coach was returned to the factory at great cost for a complete sealing re-do - only to have the window start leaking again in a matter of months.

Just as a heads-up on the cabover forward facing window leaking. It may not be always this window which is doing the leaking. Leaking from this area could be the cabover lights. I disconnected mine and permanently sealed the hole in behind them with Eternabond so that they will "never leak" ... of course it means I have no cabover lights lit up whenever the exterior lighting is turned on ... even though the cabover lights are still there so it looks like I at least have them on the vehicle.

Right. That is another water source intrusion point on these rigs.

But in the case of my overhead window the leak was in the 7 o'clock (lower-left) window corner. Over $1,000.000 spent, and a week to take the coach to the factory, (all for nothing) only to have the leak start in the same exact spot. I've given up on Born Free's ability to fix problems, after what I've been through with this rig.

Sorry to hear you had to go to the extreme of having no CCC lights on your rig's frontside. That would not pass the annual required State inspection in Texas, if the inspection shop ever checked the lights operation up there. I don't recall them ever looking up there, since I take my rig for it's annual inspection in the middle of a bright, blazing hot summer day.

[pnichols]

Skid Row Joe wrote:
The overhead window also continues to leak even though the coach was returned to the factory at great cost for a complete sealing re-do - only to have the window start leaking again in a matter of months.

Just as a heads-up on the cabover forward facing window leaking. It may not be always this window which is doing the leaking. Leaking from this area could be the cabover lights. I disconnected mine and permanently sealed the hole in behind them with Eternabond so that they will "never leak" ... of course it means I have no cabover lights lit up whenever the exterior lighting is turned on ... even though the cabover lights are still there so it looks like I at least have them on the vehicle.

[Handbasket]

There's a mis-named Yahoo autos group, Classic_B_Vans, that has some neat older C's in the photo files, and ost are identified by name. Try this maybe-link: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Classic_B_Vans/conversations/topics, and click on "photos". That may give you some idea of brands.

Jim, "I never finish anyth

[Skid_Row_Joe]

fighterpilota wrote:
Born free are nice looking. All fiberglass. Do you have to worry about blisters in the fiberglass developing like they do on boats? Do they have any issues with leaks or are they essentially built as just three pieces? I could get along with the 26 model with the rear corner bed even though it doesn't have the booth dinette. Thanks for the suggestion.

*Yes, you will have to worry about Born Free fiberglass blistering.

* ALL three pieces of the roof joints developed water leaks in mine.

mockturtle wrote:
Bought mine used in 2009 in AZ. There are some slight ripples on the side from heat warp but, because the sidewalls are not laminated, there is no 'delamination'. I had a leak in the front cabover window. It didn't leak to the interior walls but into the fiberglass cabover. No permanent damage and, though the fix was rather expensive, it was worth it. Also had a slight leak in an outside compartment that stained a bit of the carpet inside the compartment. Regardless of these issues, Born Free is a very well built motorhome and I would buy another one.

The Born Frees have a definite problem with rippled siding from sizing or shaping issues. Why, I have no idea. But my coach bought less than a year old has severe siding blistering problems.

About their roofs leaking? I cannot keep up with the number of roof and window/siding leaks the coach continues to develop. Just gets worse over time. There are numerous seams that will leak sooner or later. Born Free does not use one-piece fiberglass shells, and even if they did, the Fantastic Fan perimeters AND roof AC seals on 'em leak rainwater at the drop of a hat. Both areas of mine have given way to leaking. The ceiling fabric is discolored and pulling away from the roof.

The overhead window also continues to leak even though the coach was returned to the factory at great cost for a complete sealing re-do - only to have the window start leaking again in a matter of months.

Whether they're made better than other units? In deference to most Born Free owners, I can attest to the fact that if they were, then they would not have the severe roof leaking issues described above, that my coach has experienced.

[hotbyte]

Over last 15 years, I've only had trailered boats that spent at most 1 vacation week in water a year. All other time as day or weekend trips. Never had any blisters. So, that is what I thought but was'nt sure.

[Mich_F]

fighterpilota wrote:


Regarding the blisters, we have had a number of fg boats and all have developed blisters. They are kept in the water but they bottom has always been painted to keep the growth at a manageable level. Notwithstanding that, water seems to find a way in. Even if cleaned an painted once a year. Now these are older boats, like 1980s models so previous owners might not have been as diligent as we are.

In regards to FG boats developing blisters, a boat that had a barrier coat properly applied before the first anti fouling paint is applied shouldn't have any blistering problems.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&page=Bli...

[fighterpilota]

Hotbyte, you posed some good questions. I would be interested in that answer too.

Regarding the blisters, we have had a number of fg boats and all have developed blisters. They are kept in the water but they bottom has always been painted to keep the growth at a manageable level. Notwithstanding that, water seems to find a way in. Even if cleaned an painted once a year. Now these are older boats, like 1980s models so previous owners might not have been as diligent as we are. I wouldn't expect a MH to blister since water exposure is limited.

Mockturtle you noted the repair was fairly expensive. I assume it couldn't be fixed with something like 3Ms 5200 which in the boating world is magic. Sounds as if you had to have some real fiberglass work done.

Regarding Coach House, did they ever make a Class C with the cab/bunk over the driver's area? All I have found thus far are slicked back, no bunk over driver. If I am going to make the investment I need sleeping area. Thanks

[hotbyte]

I did't think a boat would blister unless left in water extended time without bottom paint? The blisters are basically water seeping into the gel coat pores.

The one piece fiberglass shell of the Coach House and Born Free have always interested me but I also wondered about leaks where things like windows, TV antennas, etc. penetrate the shell. I've had 2 rubber roofed RVs and any leaks have been at those points and not in the interior area of the rubber material.

On mfrs that use separate fiberglass roof and end caps, how are these pieces joined? Are they mechanically joined (screws) and sealed like rubber roofed RVs (Dicor, etc.)? Or are the fiberglass pieces bonded together using fiberglassing techniques (epoxy, resins, mat/cloth, etc)?

[fighterpilota]

Good information. I wondered if the born free had any weakness show up as they aged. The ripples now explains what I saw in a picture of one that was listed for sale. It looked like delamination but I didn't think that was possible, although boats do blister on the bottom. Thanks for the Coach House reference. I find the Born Free for sale MH are few and far between.

[docj]

Coach House is another Class C that uses a full fiberglass body. The entire MH body is a single piece shell.

[mockturtle]

fighterpilota wrote:
Born free are nice looking. All fiberglass. Do you have to worry about blisters in the fiberglass developing like they do on boats? Do they have any issues with leaks or are they essentially built as just three pieces? I could get along with the 26 model with the rear corner bed even though it doesn't have the booth dinette. Thanks for the suggestion.

Bought mine used in 2009 in AZ. There are some slight ripples on the side from heat warp but, because the sidewalls are not laminated, there is no 'delamination'. I had a leak in the front cabover window. It didn't leak to the interior walls but into the fiberglass cabover. No permanent damage and, though the fix was rather expensive, it was worth it. Also had a slight leak in an outside compartment that stained a bit of the carpet inside the compartment. Regardless of these issues, Born Free is a very well built motorhome and I would buy another one.