Hello, and question about Southwind delamination

[radi]

Greetings from a newbie!.

I recently purchased a '95 Southwind. 37' 102" wide. For the most part it appears to have been very well maintained, but I did discover one area that appears to be questionable....spongy siding just under the rearmost window on the left side. Approximately 8" tall by 12" wide

There are no bubbles or waviness, but it appears a straight cut has been made in the siding, the re-sealed.
When I push on the area it flexes slightly, it isn't solid like the rest of the coach.
I suspect a repair has been made sometime in the past, possibly a delamination issue?

My questions are:
1) I assume this is mostly a cosmetic issue that won't affect roadworthiness?
2) Suggestions on a workable repair method? Or would you suggest just ignore and drive?
3) How severely does this affect the value of the coach? (I feel I got a very good price...$8K)

Thanks much for any insight you can offer, I greatly appreciate it.

Chuck

[donandmax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by radi Greetings from a newbie!. I recently purchased a '95 Southwind. 37' 102" wide. For the most part it appears to have been very well maintained, but I did discover one area that appears to be questionable....spongy siding just under the rearmost window on the left side. Approximately 8" tall by 12" wide There are no bubbles or waviness, but it appears a straight cut has been made in the siding, the re-sealed. When I push on the area it flexes slightly, it isn't solid like the rest of the coach. I suspect a repair has been made sometime in the past, possibly a delamination issue? My questions are: 1) I assume this is mostly a cosmetic issue that won't affect roadworthiness? 2) Suggestions on a workable repair method? Or would you suggest just ignore and drive? 3) How severely does this affect the value of the coach? (I feel I got a very good price...$8K) Thanks much for any insight you can offer, I greatly appreciate it. Chuck

Question 1.yes
2. ignore and drive
3.It effects severely and sometimes people just wont buy it. No delam for me..

[Gary RVRoamer]

I had a 96 with a delam like that. It made sure there was no water leak and then just ignored it. I don't think it bothered my trade-in value much - I did not notice that I was taking a hit. It was a common problem in those years, usually caused by inadequate factory gluing process (but it could be a leak around your window too).

At the age of this coach, resale value is almost meaningless. Overall condition is what sells - or not - and all coaches of that age have blemishes and other shortcomings. If this one is in otherwise good shape, I would ignore the delam and go have fun. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the window above isn't leaking and causing new problems.

[radi]

Thank you both...ignore and drive it is!

I will check all windows, skylights, etc this weekend to make sure they are sealed and not leaking, just in case.