Damaged Front Cap

[pmf]

Good morning all,

I made an expensive mistake and poked a hole in my front cap. I am guessing the whole cap will need to be replaced but we are hosting for 3 months so I can't put it in the shop until the first of the year. It's about the size of the top of a new 30 oz stainless steel cup.

Can this be patched until I can get it into the shop for repair and if anyone knows should I go ahead and file a claim with the insurance company now or wait until I can get it fixed?

Thanks for anyone advice. This really made me sick but life moves on.

Thanks again,
Pat

[ben31]

Unless it is out of the elements, you'll need to patch it/cover it with something, until you can get it fixed. I'd file an insurance claim, since it will likely be a costly project and you'll want it done right. Good news is, you won't have to worry about front cap fade for a while longer, after this!

Sounds like a small canon ball hit it!

[mjones12]

Maybe some of that Flex Tape would work temporarily.

[18CrewDually]

You didn't state what RV you have and I don't see it listed in your profile but if it constructed of basic fiberglass then Yes, it can be repaired using basic fiberglass techniques. For now cover it with plastic bag and duct-tape to keep weather out. If you're going through Insurance then they should of been notified to start a claim. I did one a year or so for a guy that hit his with his in bed tool box.
The glass repair first, then shoot the gel-coat, and finish up with a top coat for a match. Call around to auto body shops in your area that specialize in fiberglass work.
Here's how bad the one I repaired was. The last pic was just gel-coat and still needed paint. The owner was devastated but in the end he now laughs about it.

[pmf]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

You didn't state what RV you have and I don't see it listed in your profile but if it constructed of basic fiberglass then t.
Attachment 153140Attachment 153141Attachment 153142

It's a 2018 Prime Time Sanibel. Some genius decided it would be wise to put the leveling system inside the unit and some Einstein decided to start leveling it with the truck to close and that would be me. We just picked it up last Wednesday and I did that yesterday. Hence to being sick to my stomach.

Thanks,
Pat

[18CrewDually]

Pat, things happen! Personally I'd rather have a punctured front cap than sidewall damage. Front cap repair is easily made as good as new. Being so new and possibly financed, without a doubt you need to make the call to insurance and get a claim rolling in my opinion.

[pmf]

05CrewDually,

Do you have any idea how much a front cap replacement cost?

I'm sure it's not cheap.

Thanks,

[18CrewDually]

If a full cap replacement is in order I would demand a trip back to factory, which may be required for warranty. A full replacement would be very pricey in my opinion but I don't have a ball park figure.
It would take coordination with an authorized dealer if they didn't require it back to the factory. And working with a dealer sometimes can be tough.
I hope the best for you.

[pmf]

I'm pretty sure it doesn't need a full cap. Since it is about softball size and near the bottom they are going to patch it which shouldn't be 2 expensive. I'll know more when the adjuster comes out but until then I still need something to keep the moisture out. I think duct tape or gorilla tape might be too strong so looking for something else.

Thanks again for all of the responses.
Pat

[Schwartzworld]

If your near water take it to a boat shop for the repair. I'd take them over an auto body shop, they know fiberglass very well.

[Iwannacamp]

I would put a coke on the insurance company repairing it. Depending on your deductible....it may be less. Like others stated...fiberglass shop is the way to go.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by pmf

It's a 2018 Prime Time Sanibel. Some genius decided it would be wise to put the leveling system inside the unit and some Einstein decided to start leveling it with the truck to close and that would be me. We just picked it up last Wednesday and I did that yesterday. Hence to being sick to my stomach.

Thanks,
Pat

Pat, if you're close enough, call Ron Green at Recreational Specialties in Wakarusa, IN. (574) 264-9621. They are literally next door to the Prime Time Plant. They do Prime Times' heavy warranty work hence, they have caps lined up ready to swap out. Give them a date and they will have a cap ready when you get there. They can swap it out in about 7 hours. Also, if your insurance company will pay, the shop will (and probably prefer) send it to a "rain bay" facility (the same one Prime Time sends their units to) to make sure the new cap doesn't leak.

Good luck & keep us informed.

[crunchman12001]

Purchase some 6" Eternabond tape or Eternabond hole patch kit. Cut the tape into a circle and cover the hole after the insurance gets a look at it in person or via pics. Let them know you intend to repair after you complete your hosting event and need to expedite their inspection so you can seal it.
In a few years, you will discuss your repair this issue with a newbie that does the same thing.

[pmf]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

Purchase some 6" Eternabond tape or Eternabond hole patch kit. Cut the tape into a circle and cover the hole after the insurance gets a look at it in person or via pics. Let them know you intend to repair after you complete your hosting event and need to expedite their inspection so you can seal it.
In a few years, you will discuss your repair this issue with a newbie that does the same thing.

The adjuster just left and said it can be repaired and the whole cap doesn't need to be replaced. He said it would be a couple thousand dollars and that we can wait until we finish hosting. I put Gorilla tape on it taping from the bottom up and they said it should be fine until January.

Thanks for the help.
Pat

[pmf]

Thank you to everyone that posted with advice and help. I do learn from my mistakes and will make more but I doubt I will make this one again.

Pat

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by pmf

Thank you to everyone that posted with advice and help. I do learn from my mistakes and will make more but I doubt I will make this one again.

Pat