Forum Discussion

jwadd's avatar
jwadd
Explorer
Jul 07, 2015

Help - Bubble in tin at highway speeds

I need some advice. Yesterday when towing at highway speeds I noticed a bubble in the upper left tin on the drivers side wall of my trailer. The bubble appears to be about 2 by 2 ft and is only visible while driving. It is a 2008 Keystone Hornet 27BHS

I have inspected the inside for water damage - none
I have inspected the roof and seems at cap and side for damage- none

When I push on the area where the bubble is it seems like the tin pushes in further than it should in that area. The area lower down definitely has solid backing.

This trailer is stored under cover during the winter months.

I have a couple of theories but I am not sure on where to start.

1) the staples holding the tin have let go allowing it to bubble in the wind or
2) there is water damage and in the wall without penetration to the inside wall or ceiling

I would hate to ignore this and lose the tin or worse. It seems like it is still well attached at the front seem and the bedroom window.

Should in tackle this by pulling the front corner strip and removing the tin? This would likely mean removing bedroom window as well.

Or should I remove the inside panels (which means removing overhead cupboards above bed) and look from there?


Option 3 - wait until I get home and take it to my dealer.

I have covered about 1500km since I noticed this as I had family commitments I needed to make. It is not getting worse.

Thoughts???
  • 93Cobra2771's avatar
    93Cobra2771
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2015
    FYI, if it starts letting go it will likely happen all at once without a chance to stop. Definitely keep a close watch.
  • jwadd's avatar
    jwadd
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    Yes. Aluminum. Sorry.

    I am hoping it is just a couple of staples. Thanks. It is not getting any worse today. Have covered 300km today. Fingers crossed.
  • Doug33's avatar
    Doug33
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    When you say "tin", are you referring to the aluminum siding?
  • goatrancher's avatar
    goatrancher
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    We had that problem, except ours was all the way down the left side. It was the staples. Repaired under warranty.
  • jwadd's avatar
    jwadd
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Thanks for the advice. I am reluctant to start this on the road. I think I will watch it closely and see if we can get it home next week. Then I can take it apart properly and get it together right. Who knows, maybe a dealer in the Okanagan will make me a deal I can't refuse on a trade and new trailer.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 07, 2015
    Keep in mind that you don't have to get anything under there to cause it to raise at highway speed. The air moving over it has less pressure than the air under it so lift is created. The only thing for sure is that area isn't being held as solidly.
    It's the same thing as when we see a rubber roof ballooning while traveling down the road. It's not that air is getting under there, it that the air moving over the top is moving faster.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2015
    I'd suggest to pull the edge trim on that front corner. If you do have some studs missing or damaged, you should see it by pulling that corner.

    If you are mid-route, grab some butyl sealant like Mortite or the strip stuff and have that at the ready to reinstall the corner trim to complete your trip. If it turns out to be just loose staples, you can run a screw or two into a stud to keep the bubble flat. If that is the end of the project seal the trim edge with Proflex or Dicor. If not, the butyl will seal for awhile and allow for removal again when you get home.

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