Community Forums

RVGlen · 04-24-2019, 06:43 PM

I viewed an RV today and was surprised at the paint coming off around the roof. The paint has checking on the sides though everything else seems okay. Is this normal for the roof to look like this?

I'm trying to attach pictures.

Massparanoia · 04-24-2019, 06:51 PM

Looks like the sun has cooked the clear coat.

WoodyS · 04-24-2019, 06:58 PM

Yup, the clearcoat is done for. And I'd imagine the clearcoat on the sides will go soon too. This coach has been out in the Sun without any paint protection.

Time for a paint job.

jacwjames · 04-24-2019, 07:01 PM

This is mostly the clear coat peeling off. In a lot of cases you can wetsand the area and put new clear coat on.

Mine is doing the same thing, it is way down on the list to fix.

GaryKD · 04-24-2019, 07:02 PM

Hi RVGlen,
The top of the front cap takes all the sun. Unless waxed several times a year what you have is the result. Only remedy is to resurface and repaint.

Don't understand what you mean by "paint has checking on the sides". Can you elaborate?

Capt. Bill · 04-24-2019, 07:36 PM

Was this coach stored outside? What state was it stored in? I agree- clear coat has been eaten up by the UV of the sun. Another reason for storing unit inside building. This can be sanded, buffed & re-clear coated.

Happy Trails :

Luv2go · 04-24-2019, 07:40 PM

Agreed about the clearcoat.

Regarding paint checking on the sidewalls, IIRC '05 was in the date range for the bad sidewalls on Newmar coaches. Our 2008 Canyon Star was one of the last. Many forum members (including us) had their sidewalls replaced by Newmar with varying discounts, however I don't know if they are still doing it. There are lots of threads on this forum regarding paint checking and sidewall replacement, searching for those terms will get you more info if you need it.

RVGlen · 04-24-2019, 08:01 PM

I contacted Newmar and they'll assist though state it will cost the owner $20K. Newmar is saying the total cost is $40K and will cover half the cost for an 2005. Is this something I can get by without doing?

Dav L · 04-24-2019, 10:17 PM

The checking will get worse. Yes you can get by if you don't mind how it looks.
I sanded / repainted mine but it might come back in a few years.

The roof looks like mine did. Sun damage. You should be prepared to have it (or DIY) DA sanded smooth, then paint then clear. The good news is the roof has a parting line so you don't need to blend the paint which takes more technique. Repair will take two days of work for someone who has done this type work before and has the tools.

bruceisla · 04-25-2019, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVGlen

I contacted Newmar and they'll assist though state it will cost the owner $20K. Newmar is saying the total cost is $40K and will cover half the cost for an 2005. Is this something I can get by without doing?

You can ignore the checking if you want to .... it can be unattractive but it's not a structural problem. As mentioned, it occurred in the early to mid 2000 year RVs. It's not exclusively a Newmar phenomenon.
The clearcoat failure is common across the entire automotive industry ... there are plenty of cars with failing clearcoat. It can be repaired.

GaryKD · 04-25-2019, 06:13 AM

Hi RVGlen,
If bad fiberglass is the problem, consider this:

1.The price goes up every year. If you are going to do it do it now. Did mine in 15 and the price was $15K to me.
This is where the fun begins:
2. Leave the coach with Newmar over the winter.
3. Consider everything on the outside is a candidate for replacement, like:
3a. frameless windows over the sliders you now have
3b. new awnings all around
3c. repaint the coach any color you want as long as it is in the Newmar catalogue (already included in the original price).
3d. Diamond Shield or not
3e. Newmar will replace what should be replaced, repair what can be repaired.

There should be no labor for 3a, 3b, 3c! Newmar must remove these items to reskin the side walls. You drive away with the outside showroom bright and shinny. Now one needs to keep it that way.

RVGlen · 04-25-2019, 09:47 AM

Thank you!

GaryD, I thought I read your posts from a few years ago regarding the checking.

I didn't know I had to leave it with them all winter. I was intending to go full-time . That kind of puts a kink in things.

GaryKD · 04-25-2019, 03:39 PM

Hi RVGlen,
You might be able to turn the coach around sooner than the several months mine took. Consider calling and asking. I mentioned all winter because I told Devon I wanted no excuses and no mistakes..

RVGlen · 04-25-2019, 10:53 PM

I reread Newmar's response and they did say up to six weeks. The toppers and awnings could be replaced. I think the windows are okay. I just don't want to spend the money. Tires are five years old though no visible cracks. It has three year old lead acid batteries. Old worn out carpet. I'm starting to wonder why I agreed to buy it.

I guess prioritize my battles.