Crack growing in siding.

[irwin]

We have a crack growing from the corner of a window. I'm not sure if it is only in the gel coat or all the way through. I think since it continues to grow that it goes all the way through. I drilled a 1/4 inch dia. hole at the end but it did not stop the growth. Anyone have any thoughts of next step? I also need to replace the acrylic grab handle at the entrace to our mh. Does anyone know where to get a relacement acrylic piece. Thanks Tom

["007"]

Can you post a picture of your crack location so we have a view of what your talking about?
Here is a thread on the handle with links and discussion.

[dsbike]

Stop drilling should stop it, however if it did not I would suspect that there was a hairline crack beyound the spot where you drilled the hole. Not to be insulting here , just a bit of information from a mechanic who also has extensive aircraft sheetmetal experience. The stop drill hole should not contact the crack, but rather be about 1/8" past the crack. This insures that the drill bit does not catch on the material & start to extend the crack. Fill the stopdrilled hole & crack with silicone sealant.

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by irwin We have a crack growing from the corner of a window. I'm not sure if it is only in the gel coat or all the way through. I think since it continues to grow that it goes all the way through. I drilled a 1/4 inch dia. hole at the end but it did not stop the growth. Anyone have any thoughts of next step? I also need to replace the acrylic grab handle at the entrace to our mh. Does anyone know where to get a relacement acrylic piece. Thanks Tom

If the crack is in the "siding" then it is not gel coat. The siding is "filon" which is a thin sheet of fiberglass over foam insulation. Gel coat fiberglass would be on the front and back caps.

[Edouard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsbike Stop drilling should stop it, however if it did not I would suspect that there was a hairline crack beyound the spot where you drilled the hole. Not to be insulting here , just a bit of information from a mechanic who also has extensive aircraft sheetmetal experience. The stop drill hole should not contact the crack, but rather be about 1/8" past the crack. This insures that the drill bit does not catch on the material & start to extend the crack. Fill the stopdrilled hole & crack with silicone sealant.

Thank you, I was always of the impression that you drill the hole at the end of the advancing crack, so about 1/8" beyond the crack, Great, got it!
We do have a sidewall crack, it's at the bottom of the bedroom slide right corner, going down at a 45 degree angle to the beltline, so done travelling already. I intend on filling it with a clear caulk, it's on the dark brown section.

[sgtjoe]

Did you buy the MH new or used? If used it may have been in an accident and repaired with bondo, which will crack eventually. How do I know this, because it happened to my MH a few years ago.

[dsbike]

The theory behind drilling the hole 1/8" beyound the crack, also is that the crack will advance into the hole on its own. I should have added that to the first post. So in time when the crack does go to the hole you will want to fill in that area again with caulk. I must also tell you that I have seen the crack change direction slightly & miss the hole. This is rare & is usually caused by some other stresses on the skin.

[Jeepster47]

Irwin,
RV Surplus carries the Illuminated Assist Handle 5500L and the replacement clear acrylic handle only, for 5500L Brite Bar. See their website at www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/display.php?category_id=83

Ed

[RV 4 2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edouard We do have a sidewall crack, it's at the bottom of the bedroom slide right corner, going down at a 45 degree angle to the beltline, so done travelling already. I intend on filling it with a clear caulk, it's on the dark brown section.

Interesting, we have a 2008 DX35ci and I noticed a crack in the sidewall at the same place. Lower right corner of the bedroom slide on the sidewall working it's way to the belt line. Not sure why a crack would start right there but there must be some stress there to cause it. I would be more worried if it was on the top of the slide on the sidewall.

[Jeff H]

Can any of you please post a picture?

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff H Can any of you please post a picture?

Here's mine.

[RV 4 2]

Wow, Vegasdan, that looks almost like mine.

I taped a ruler next to the crack for dimensions. This crack is on the lower right corner of the body opening for the bedroom slide.

[a k]

What kind of trailer tongue weight you pulling? Looks like chassis flex.

[Edouard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV 4 2 Interesting, we have a 2008 DX35ci and I noticed a crack in the sidewall at the same place. Lower right corner of the bedroom slide on the sidewall working it's way to the belt line. Not sure why a crack would start right there but there must be some stress there to cause it. I would be more worried if it was on the top of the slide on the sidewall.

Yes, I would think because it's behind the rear axel, a severe pot hole could cause some flex, infact, I also have a hairline crack directly above and inches ahead for the right upper part of the bedrm slide, but not the side wall, but in the roof curvature, found it upon getting home from AZ in May, it has not progressed at all.

While the lower one is completely cracked from slide corner 45 degree down to beltline, about 2-3" more or less.

Don't believe it's from the towing, hitch is rated at 5M and car weights about 3800 lbs. Edouard.