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Ripple in Fiberglass on fron't of Trailer

mtntop1
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 19ft 2013 Shadow Cruiser.The fiber glass in the front of the trailer has a ripple in it.Took it back to the dealer and the panel was replaced,now that panel has a ripple.Is this normal for a fiberglass trailer.


[img]http://www.s1176.photobucket.com/user/mtntop1/media/014.jpg.html?filters[user]=122429493&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0[img]
27 REPLIES 27

facory
Explorer
Explorer
This is NOT normal under any conditions. Stand firm, especially with the manufacturer. I would demand a replacement trailer, preferably a different model. I do not see this happening as we travel the country. A water leak is certainly a possibility.
2008 Cruiser RV Fun FinderXtra
Ford F150 Lariat 4x4 SuperCrew 5.4L 6.5' Bed 150" WB 3.73
Schwinn Mountain Bike

desiphil
Explorer
Explorer
I've seen this in a Cougar 29BHS recently but closer to the top. It's poor construction and is not normal.

As someone else stated, this is not really delam, as I don't think that front cap is laminated.

Take back and have fixed while under warranty. No potential buyer would buy in that condition.
2017 Ford F-350 DRW
2012 Cardinal 3450RL

SprinklerMan
Explorer
Explorer
If its " normal" ask the dealer to show you all the other rvs on his lot doing the same thing . If they are not doing it ask him whats wrong with them .

wrenchbender
Explorer
Explorer
Wow what great photo of poor workmanship.Take it back to the dealer.Needs to go back in the oven.

LarryJM
Explorer II
Explorer II
dodge guy wrote:
My buddy's did this last year. Then over the winter it went away and all this year it was fine. Supposedly it is a floating type of wall and the covering will do this on occasion, at least that is what he was told. I can somewhat belive it. He has no leaks so we don't believe it's from that. Since you seen others doing the same thing and some were brand new i tend to believe it could be normal.


Sorry, but there is just NO WAY I could see that being even close to normal. Looks like a bad repair job since the panel was already replaced once. Definitely get it back to the dealer and I think I would also get the manufacturer involved since something went wrong IMO with the dealer's previous repair.

Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974.
RAINKAP INSTALL////ETERNABOND INSTALL

Mysteryiam
Explorer
Explorer
Sorry to hear about the problem with your Shadow Cruiser. Please keep us informed of your progress. I am esprcially interested, since I will be picking up my 2014 Shadow Cruiser 195WBS in two weeks.

Santa_Fe
Explorer
Explorer
kznut wrote:
What you have is a common problem with most light weight trailers being manufactured today. The front of your RV is not laminated. the fiberglass that is hung over the understructure is glued to just it's supports either wood or aluminum studs. Temp. changes will effect this ripple in diffrent ways througout the season. there really is no way to get rid of this problem. the fiberglass is only bonded to a very thin luan backer. Some manufactures do a better job than others by doubling the backer giving you a thicker covering that will warp less. Your stuck with it! The only way to avoid the problem in the future is to search for a Vaccum Laminated RV...NOT PINCH ROLLED...NOT HUNG...but Vaccume Laminated! Very few manufacturer's use this technology as it it more costly. But the advantages of owning a vaccum laminated trailer or Fifthwheel over a pinch rolled sidewall are huge! Vaccum lamination uses heat, pressure, and time to create a bond! Pinch roll uses only pressure and the glue is only given moments to bond...The only manufactures that I know of that have spent the money for this type of technology is Rockwood/Flagstaff, and Jayco.


And Starcraft 😉
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Have Yorkie, will travel.

kznut
Explorer
Explorer
What you have is a common problem with most light weight trailers being manufactured today. The front of your RV is not laminated. the fiberglass that is hung over the understructure is glued to just it's supports either wood or aluminum studs. Temp. changes will effect this ripple in diffrent ways througout the season. there really is no way to get rid of this problem. the fiberglass is only bonded to a very thin luan backer. Some manufactures do a better job than others by doubling the backer giving you a thicker covering that will warp less. Your stuck with it! The only way to avoid the problem in the future is to search for a Vaccum Laminated RV...NOT PINCH ROLLED...NOT HUNG...but Vaccume Laminated! Very few manufacturer's use this technology as it it more costly. But the advantages of owning a vaccum laminated trailer or Fifthwheel over a pinch rolled sidewall are huge! Vaccum lamination uses heat, pressure, and time to create a bond! Pinch roll uses only pressure and the glue is only given moments to bond...The only manufactures that I know of that have spent the money for this type of technology is Rockwood/Flagstaff, and Jayco.

camp4ever
Explorer
Explorer
BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALER...
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
2004 Ford Explorer w/ Towing Package
2014 Passport 2300 BH

fun_w_son
Explorer
Explorer
mine does that when it is in direct summer sun light... then when it cools.. it goes away?? i've had it checked for leaks several times and they found nothing.
2007 GMC Duramax
2007 VR1 310BHS

coolbreeze01
Explorer
Explorer
Not normal for most, but may be normal for that brand. Let us know if they fix it.
2008 Ram 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2014 Sandsport 26FBSL

Turbo_Diesel_Du
Explorer
Explorer
Just had my entire front cap replaced on my 2013 Flagstaff due to the same problem. Dealer had it from the 16th of July until the 12th of October. Claimed the factory wouldn't send it. Towed it to my new home in Florida and rechecked it. Seems the same thing is happening again with ripples in the top joint Am going to check with a supposedly authorized local dealer today about bringing it in under warranty again. Will also contact Forest river about adding additional time to my original 2 year warranty which I paid for.
charles weidman

tankgod82
Explorer
Explorer
Take it back.
TV 2010 Ford Expedition
TT 2007 Spree by K.Z. 320BHS
Wife, 7 y/o daughter, 4 y/o daughter, 1y/o son,

qtla9111
Nomad
Nomad
Get if fixed now. Once out of warranty you will be on your own. Make a stink out of it.
2005 Dodge Durango Hemi
2008 Funfinder 230DS
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