Dents and wrinkles in front cap

[Pawjam3]

We bought a 30-ft. 2007 Chapparal 5th wheel in March. During our first trip a large, about 12” by 18” dent occurred on right side of the front cap. No idea why. The dealer we bought it from tried suction to pop it out. Didn’t work. We recently returned from a 4200 mile trip through Canada and when we got home noticed some wrinkling (best way I can describe it) appeared close to the top. The 3 indentations are about 5 inches wide and run nearly horizontally across the cap.

My thought is that there is some kind of inherent structural weakness or malfunction.

Has anyone heard of anything like that?

Thanks,

Jim

[Francesca]

"Wrinkles" sounds like delamination...can you post a picture?

[jesilvas]

Fiberglass or aluminum front cap?

[Pawjam3]

Originally Posted by Francesca

"Wrinkles" sounds like delamination...can you post a picture?

Can't post a picture because the 5ver is at the shop being repaired. I'm told that the whole front cap will have to be replaced. I'm hoping insurance will cover it, but I'm wondering if Coachman might hold some responsibility.

P.S. Not sure what you mean by delamination.

Thanks

[Pawjam3]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Fiberglass or aluminum front cap?

Aluminum. When we push on the front cap, anywhere, it gives, but pops back out.

[Francesca]

Originally Posted by Pawjam3

Can't post a picture because the 5ver is at the shop being repaired. I'm told that the whole front cap will have to be replaced. I'm hoping insurance will cover it, but I'm wondering if Coachman might hold some responsibility.

P.S. Not sure what you mean by delamination.

Thanks

Never mind- I see by your last post the cap's aluminum!

Delamination occurs on some fiberglass-type units. Sometimes the bond between the skin and the wood it's glued to gives way..."wrinkling" like you describe is one of the main symptoms.

[jesilvas]

That's not a cap, just panels linked together.
So it's dented and won't undent?

[Pawjam3]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

That's not a cap, just panels linked together.
So it's dented and won't undent?

Right. Both the insurance adjuster and the repair facility says it's one piece. And just found out yesterday that insurance will cover it.