Salem outer coating peeling (picture)

[Bushbunch]

Has any Salem owners seen this? We were NOT in a storm. We did NOT hit any trees. Does anyone have a suggestion? Should I peel the rest off myself?

[SeaDog]

Not sure if you noticed your pic did not come thru

[Bushbunch]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Not sure if you noticed your pic did not come thru

Try again. Can't figure out how to upload a picture.

[Bushbunch]

Try again with picture. Any suggestions on why this would happen? No storm or tree damage. Should I peel the rest off myself?

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Is that raw fiberglass under the paint. Either bad prep work when painted or someone got to close with a pressure washer. I would not peel. I would sand that section, and repaint with a matching color. Is it still under warranty?

[Bushbunch]

Nah. I do not own a pressure washer. The unit is a 2015 model, purchased new in 2014. Not under warranty. The finish underneath the peeling is smooth.
It acts almost like a thin film of protective coating over an electronic appliance.

[Flybob]

Looks like clear coat pealing. If not under warranty you can try cleaning surface well . Then re-spraying with a good quality automotive clear coat.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Clear coat? My vote would be to repaint. If that is the clear coat, I say that cuz it's not shiney in the peeling areas, your paint will oxides real fast without it.

[PenJoe]

Even though this is out of warranty, I believe my first attempt would be getting the dealer to address this peeling condition. If the dealer refuses, contact Salem. If Salem refuses, suggest that leaving it like that is certainly good advertising for their product line.

What you are experiencing may only be the start. If it is paint, it either wasn't prepped properly or there was moisture or chemical on the surface. The finish should last much longer than 2 years.

[Bushbunch]

THANKS! I plan on doing just that on Monday, contacting the dealer with a picture. It looks like crap.

[oregonoutwest]

It looks like a chip protection coating that is peeling now.

[Bushbunch]

My dealer is Keystone RV Super Center in Greencastle, PA. They state: This is a known issue with Forest River. The dealer has repaired six or seven units themselves. It is a four hour job involving removing top screws and side moldings and of course a new decal. 12 to 14 hundred dollar job if Forest River will not acknowledge that this is a known issue. I will be contacting Wayne Bigler next at Forest River. I notified my insurance company, just in case. We may have to unload this less than two year old unit. A shame but it just looks terrible and will get worse.

[oregonoutwest]

So glad you got to the bottom of things and Forest River is fixing it. Good info to know and hope for the best for you through this.

[Bushbunch]

Originally Posted by PenJoe

Even though this is out of warranty, I believe my first attempt would be getting the dealer to address this peeling condition. If the dealer refuses, contact Salem. If Salem refuses, suggest that leaving it like that is certainly good advertising for their product line.

What you are experiencing may only be the start. If it is paint, it either wasn't prepped properly or there was moisture or chemical on the surface. The finish should last much longer than 2 years.

My dealer stated they have already fixed six or seven Forest River trailers with this issue. They say Forest River is aware of this. I emailed and voice mailed the folks at Forest River and contacted my auto insurance company. This is a 12 to 14 hundred dollar repair involving opening the the front panel and replacing it . I am afraid of introducing a leak. If I fix it, I may have to trade it. Now, I'm afraid, the wife may not want another FR product. I am waiting to see how they respond....

[PenJoe]

You may want to consider taking this to a good auto body/paint shop and have them take a look. They may be able to refinish without taking a panel off and may be able to match the color. It appears the deterioration is above the decals. At least they would be able to tell you what is causing the problem or if it will get worse. If they can do it, see if FR will fork out for the repair.

[Bushbunch]

One year out of warranty, Forest River paid for the parts and labor. The entire front metals, including the rock guard, were replaced for free. I paid to have a pressure check. Two different marker lights leaked water. I already have water stains above the bed in the front.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

So if I understand correctly, forest river ate the repair? If so, congrats.