Community Forums

LK23 · 05-22-2011, 03:18 PM

Several motor home manufacturers have experience problems with the sidewall fiberglass, such as thermal stress cracking, spider cracking, delaminations, etc.

Has Newmar had this problem with their fiberglass sidewalls?

Luv2go · 05-22-2011, 03:36 PM

Yes, they have. We have one of the last of the 2008 models, and a small portion of one of the sidewalls is beginning to show the symptoms described in a whole bunch of posts on "paint checking".

My understanding is they switched to all-fiberglass sidewalls which do not have the "paint checking" issue for coaches built in mid-2008 (2009 model year).

Norm4015 · 05-22-2011, 04:16 PM

Our 2005 Dutch Star has the checking problem and Newmar will replace the sidewalls and repaint the entire motorhome in July.

pkmesser · 05-22-2011, 04:24 PM

Have 05 Kountry Star, built in 04, no cracking or crazing.

washbob · 05-22-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015

Our 2005 Dutch Star has the checking problem and Newmar will replace the sidewalls and repaint the entire motorhome in July.

I may see you at the factory. I have a 2005 Dutch Star 4320 that has the checking problem and I'm having the sidewalls and painting done as well in July. I'm scheduled for July 11th.

They discovered my checking problem in November 2010 when I was in for some service work. First available date was the July 2011 date to have it fixed. I was told that previous supplier for the fiberglass that was used has since went bankrupt and they are using a completely new system. I'll be glad to get it done as it was only a tiny location when first discovered, but now I'm noticing it in other locations. Most people don't notice it until it's pointed out to them.

LK23 · 05-22-2011, 10:54 PM

Can anyone confirm that Newmar has made changes to prevent fiberglass problems on newer coaches?

gary caskey · 05-22-2011, 11:30 PM

how much is newmar charging for the repair's

washbob · 05-23-2011, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LK23

Can anyone confirm that Newmar has made changes to prevent fiberglass problems on newer coaches?

When I was at the factory in November 2010, I took a tour and I specifically asked that question since I'm having the checking problem repaired in July 2011. I was told that they have a new fiberglass system that they are using which supposedly fixed the problem.

Steve N Sal · 05-23-2011, 02:58 AM

May I ask what is exactly called checking? I have some areas where there are some criss cross lines in the paint. Not in any one particular area but in a few different spots on the sides of the motorhome. Another area of concern is the top of the front cap, which has the paint peeling off in about a 6" by 1-1/2' area. Not really visible from the ground yet but I know it's there. One place that is apparent that has a lack of paint and something I would call orange peel is on the baggage doors painted in the lighter color of the paint scheme. Looks like swirled blotches. Maybe I should contact Newmar but is my coach to old being it's a 04.

Renden · 05-23-2011, 07:57 AM

Same ?
what is paint checking ?

"007" · 05-23-2011, 08:13 AM

Here is information on paint checking will be long threads.
Other MFG's have had same issue.

Renden · 05-23-2011, 11:03 AM

007,

I have read many posts from years back on what seems mostly legal stuff. I just want a brief definition to understand the term....'checking' - By the way I do not have any problems with my 2006 DEDP paint

mercerc44 · 05-23-2011, 01:10 PM

I was told by someone at Newmar (called last fall) that they will fix ours (04) with all new sides and new paint for $6,000. Person did say it is between a $20-30,000 job. Mine only has checking on the passenger side slide-out. That side gets more sun, which is apparently the problem, when sitting at home.

washbob · 05-23-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercerc44

I was told by someone at Newmar (called last fall) that they will fix ours (04) with all new sides and new paint for $6,000. Person did say it is between a $20-30,000 job. Mine only has checking on the passenger side slide-out. That side gets more sun, which is apparently the problem, when sitting at home.

I was quoted $8500 for mine being repaired in July. I believe the other option was around $13000 if I wanted to change paint colors.