84 bigfoot fiberglass bluging, should i be worried?

[sasq40]

noticed after my couple week trip with my new to me camper that i had spots around the camper starting to bulge out, there was one spot in the middle, but two spots were right were the cabover 45s out to go over to the truck. My dad seems to think this is because the inside is starting to rot, so figured id post here to get a second opinion

[stevenal]

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Is this is a molded fiberglass Bigfoot?

If so, there isn't really anything do deliminate in that kind of construction. The body/wall is made of the same stranded fiberglass that they use for boats, not the luan-composite "sandwich" typically used these days on stick-built units.

Given the location of those deformities immediately above what look like camperjacks, I think it more likely that what you have is the fiberglass collapsing/bending/deforming under the camper's weight. That's not an especially strong point on the camper... It may be that whatever reinforcement those spots were provided with is gone- if there was ever any there at all.

Bigfoots are molded fiberglass shells supported by a wood frame. The glass shouldn't delaminate, but the wood is subject to rot.

[Gale_Hawkins]

Two steel plates with matching drilled holes might help the sagging spots if they are just due to sagging fiberglass or even worse. Paint them the same color black and they will may just blend.

[sasq40]

Yeah painted black so when it's in the low temps will keep it a little warmer, and wanted it to match my truck. By the sounds of it there's more work involved then the things worth.

[Raften]

Well OP is in Alberta so black might be good in a big part of the year.

[54suds]

My 88 has the same bulge I have opened that wall, mine has the propane storage compartment in that area . There is no indication of any water damage nor is there any obvious reason for the bulge other than years of leverage stress focused on that area.

[SugarHillCTD]

Raften wrote:
Is the Big Foot really black? If it is and sits in the sun I might guess some glue let loose due to heating.

My exact thoughts. A BLACK Big Foot????

Who's bright idea was that?

[Peg_Leg]

Look's like the cab over area has been flexing. You may need a winter project of opening up the inside for a look. Might need some pieces replaced and beefed up. Best to do it now before it gets worse. This will help you bond with your camper.

I think my bulging started around 84. Now Doc want's me to lose some of it but I'm sort of attached to it.

[fatmanobx]

hard to tell, but it looks like there is a trail from the vent above the bludge. I would start there first..

[Raften]

Is the Big Foot really black? If it is and sits in the sun I might guess some glue let loose due to heating.

[popeyemth]

well its not bulging 'cause its fat like me 😞 or pregnant like my daughter-in-law :))
so a fair guess is you've got problems in the framing

[Francesca_Knowl]

Is this is a molded fiberglass Bigfoot?

If so, there isn't really anything to delaminate in that kind of construction. The body/wall is made of the same stranded fiberglass that they use for boats, not the luan-composite "sandwich" typically used these days on stick-built units.

Given the location of those deformities immediately above what look like camperjacks, I think it more likely that what you have is the fiberglass collapsing/bending/deforming under the camper's weight. That's not an especially strong point on the camper... It may be that whatever reinforcement those spots were provided with is gone- if there was ever any there at all.

[mark5w]

Water intrusion. Expensive to fix. Probably rot.

[sasq40]

Yeah guess it's time to sell it off as a hunting unit 😞

[Gale_Hawkins]

I expect your dad may be correct. It can be due to long term leaking.

At least the MH lasted 30 years which is a long time.