Paint - Fiberglass UPDATE

[NO3putt]

Have spoken to many RV body shops and they all agree that the problem is the fiberglass and not the paint. They call it "Cheaking" that was very common from 2002 to 2007 and was corrected in the manfactuing process. One person was very surprized when we told them it was a 2009 model. Have contacted Randy at FR but waiting to see if FR is going to help us out with the issue. The estimated cost for repairs is from $7,500 up to $11,000 per side. Suggest everyone with dark paint inspect for these small marks. The cause is the dark color heats up more and causes the fiberglass to seperate.

[DDKND]

I have the same issue on our 2009. I sent photos to Randy H and he replied back that this was not a problem they have seen and did not know what it was from. I would not expect help from FR with this issue.


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[TaterColo]

Where can I get Randy's email?


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[NO3putt]

Randy's email is rhouser@forestriverinc.com

[TaterColo]

Thank you!


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[NO3putt]

DDKND, thanks for the reply, read on a few fourms that Tifton and Newmar was replacing the sides a while back. It was a common problem a few years ago on many HMs due to manfacturing defect in applying the gelcoat. Wish we knew how many people where having this problem with 2008 or 2009 models.

Skip

[danc]

Just to chime in.....yes they may be manufactured in Indiana but who's to say they don't use material from China in the manufacturing process? I would find it hard to believe when I see some of the components that have '' made in China'' stamped on them. My frame,tires, etc. are made there.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by danc

Just to chime in.....yes they may be manufactured in Indiana but who's to say they don't use material from China in the manufacturing process? I would find it hard to believe when I see some of the components that have '' made in China'' stamped on them. My frame,tires, etc. are made there.

FYI we are talking about the Fiberglass Side Panels on a Berkshire.

[danc]

I understand that ...I was just trying to make the point that if we don't have first hand knowledge of the materials involved in that process we don't know where the materials involved come from. Chemicals, Paints, Glues, Resins, Fiberglass ETC.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by danc

I understand that ...I was just trying to make the point that if we don't have first hand knowledge of the materials involved in that process we don't know where the materials involved come from. Chemicals, Paints, Glues, Resins, Fiberglass ETC.

Fair enough. Cheers.

[NO3putt]

Thanks everyone for the replys. From the experts from FL, CA and AZ who have looked at the pictures and do these type of repairs the product is most likely a DOW gel coat and we just happen to buy a unit that started CHECKING. With out sanding down the entire side, applying a filler and prime several times before repainting it will just come back.

Skip

[Phil57]

Skip sorry to hear that. The cost to have that done is going to be hard to except. I would imagine you will be talking to FR. Let us know how it comes out.

[NO3putt]

Thanks Phil,

Have already spoken to Randy and his suggestion was to have someone wet sand and buff the areas. We followed up and told him what the different companies have said and haven't heard back from him. Yes the cost is really high, 7k to 11k per side. Only one side has the issue right now and hoping it dosen't get worst. You can only see the marks up close. Taking it your back up in MI now, were n NE taking our slow time up to MN to see the grandkids.

Good to hear from you.

Skip

[Phil57]

Yes we are in MI enjoying the grandkids. It finally warmed up a little and are having a great holiday weekend. Are you going to Finger Lake rally?

[NO3putt]

Phil,
No rally planned for this year. Will head towards home end of June, then off 1st of Aug for trip to the southeast coast, VA, SC, NC, WV, TN, and KY some states we have not been in. Planning on FL next Jan - Mar. No more TX.

Skip

[Phil57]

Skip let me know where you are in Fl. We will be in Ft Myers starting in November until mid April.

[Witch Doctor]

The Boating industry went through the same thing until they changed the fiberglass ingredients. Mostly it came down to the resin. They wouldn't change it for ten years knowing it caused a problem. It takes time for any industry to make changes and admitting it was there fault. Once they did they now will give you a 10 year blister free warranty on the hauls. Still no excuse for that.

[NO3putt]

Phil,

Sould be in the Ft Myers area in Feb time frame. Maybe we can get together then.

Skip

[Phil57]

We will look forward to it. We are at Cypress Trail close to the Camping World.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

The Boating industry went through the same thing until they changed the fiberglass ingredients. Mostly it came down to the resin. They wouldn't change it for ten years knowing it caused a problem. It takes time for any industry to make changes and admitting it was there fault. Once they did they now will give you a 10 year blister free warranty on the hauls. Still no excuse for that.

You are 100% correct Glen! We had a (Campbell Tunnel) that had the Checking issue,spent a TON on it trying to correct but (UP Close) you could see the Checking! On the PLUS side it was Only (Cosmetic)! Structurally it was fine! I can see where the BERK repair would cost $$$$! Youroo!!