Passport and other TTs Delamination

[mfifield01]

I've been looking at new and used TTs over the past couple of months. I really like(d) the Passport Ultra Lites. The big problem is that I tend to see a ton of them with delamination. Is this common with a certain year or just style of TT? I see it on others, but Passport seems to have the most.

[tatest]

mfifield01 wrote:
I see it on the front. It seems to be a high percentage if the TT is over 3 years old.

Most manufacturers of laminated wall TTs without front caps do not laminate the front, rather they bend the fiberglass sheet over framing. This can be wavy coming out of the factory if not done perfectly. Over time, as the box flexes during travel, it can get wavy anyway. But if the box flexes enough to distort the front covering, then it can also flex enough to open up seams, so you need to check the integrity of seams and caulking.

Rear walls, if totally flat, might be laminated or might not. If the wall bends or curves over the top, it is most likely not laminated.

[ZeeLet50]

I agree, on my "13 Passport the rear panel is one solid piece that is not glued to the frame. It has from day one seemed like it floats as you can push in a little except at the ends. not worried as there are no bubble or signs of leakage.

[goducks10]

A lot of times it's not really delam on the front or rear. Keystone like most other TT manf's doesn't use a sandwich process such as vacuum bonding for the front and rear caps. The front filon material is just rolled over the framing and attached at the perimeter. Same as the rear. In the rear it's sandwiched along the perimeter as well as with a window, vent, etc. Both can pucker from constant expansion/contraction. I had the same issue on my Heartland Northtrail TT.
Only manf that I know of that uses vacuum bonding on the front cap is Jayco on their Jay Flight line. That would be a plus in my book.

Now if it's a bubble that's a different story.

[downtheroad]

mfifield01 wrote:
What exactly is the maintenance recommendations?

Yearly or even more frequent inspection of all seams, openings, running lights, etc....and resealing as needed (with Eternabond Tape or Dicor sealant)

[mfifield01]

downtheroad wrote:
I have seen delam on all kinds, manufacturers and levels of TT's. Doesn't seem to be brand specific.
The manufacturers that sell the most units like Keystone, etc will have the most instances of delam...just a matter of statistics.

Proper maintenance is a bigger factor than manufacturer.

What exactly is the maintenance recommendations?

[mfifield01]

I see it on the front. It seems to be a high percentage if the TT is over 3 years old.

[downtheroad]

I have seen delam on all kinds, manufacturers and levels of TT's. Doesn't seem to be brand specific.
The manufacturers that sell the most units like Keystone, etc will have the most instances of delam...just a matter of statistics.

Proper maintenance is a bigger factor than manufacturer.

[goducks10]

Where are you seeing the delam?