Forum Discussion

janechucknicode's avatar
Nov 08, 2014

delamination of the back wall

We just purchased a used keystone passport, and the 30 day sale warranty is long gone.
I failed to make sure that all the walls were solid. And now on the road I find that the whole back wall is like floating.
My bad, but does anyone have an idea of how much it may cost to replace the wall?
:S
thanks
Chuck
  • Hi Chuck I have a passport 195. They are made with the floating rear wall. Mine is anchored with a rear window and the water heater. You have nothing to worry about unless the wall sags and then you will see a bulge along the bottom in line with the bumper. No bulge, no worries.
  • Had the same issues with our Heartland TT. Only the sides are vacuum bonded or pinch rolled. The front and rear are sandwiched with the trim, window/vents, etc. The front was rolled over the radius framing and held by trim and lights. The front puckered in a few places. Also had the same puckers in the rear.

    If the whole wall is floaty, then no big deal. If you have bubbles then you have delam.
  • Many of the Keystone products have a "floating" rear fiberglass panel. That is the way they are designed. The panel is fastened around the perimeter and around any penetrations on a conventional stud wall with fiberglass insulation.
  • As a few others have posted - in several trailers the back wall fiberglass is not mounted to the back inner wall material. As such, you can "jiggle" the fiberglass.

    I would call the manufacturer and take it to a neutral 3rd party dealer for an inspection.
  • Vacuum bonding uses glue/resin between the layers and then applies a vacuum and heat to make the "sandwich" cure. It is very solid but as mentioned leaves no room for wiring after the fact. If that method is used wiring is done ahead of bonding.
  • opnspaces wrote:
    I read the OP and the replies and I have to admit that I am thoroughly confused. What is meant by the back wall is floating? :h and how does a floating back wall equate to it not being vacuum bonded? :@


    You can push on it and the skin will move in and out slightly. It may also have a somewhat pillowy or puffy look to it. It wont be as solid to the touch as the sides are.

    Scott
  • I read the OP and the replies and I have to admit that I am thoroughly confused. What is meant by the back wall is floating? :h and how does a floating back wall equate to it not being vacuum bonded? :@
  • I suspect it is as Joe indicated above.
    The back wall is not vacuum bonded so it's easier to run wires for the tail lights, running lights, etc.
    Many brands are built like this. I don't think you have a problem.
  • Some brands of trailers do not use a bonded back wall. Why I don't know. Go and look at some new ones,you will see what I mean. Unless you have water damage I don't think you have anything to worry about.
  • You might try to resolve this issue with the seller. If he is a dealer he just might work something out with you and do the needed repair for free or at a reduced cost as long as a great deal of time has not passed since your purchase. This approach is worth a shot...worst case is he says "hell NO"... Best case you save some money.

    Good Luck....Happy Camping.