Community Forums

patriot07 · 06-16-2017, 07:11 AM

Just bought a used 2016 Palomino Solaire 267BHSE. Didn't notice upon pre-buy inspection, but it has 2 small-ish bubbles in the fiberglass exterior. No signs of water issues on the inside near the spots. Camper is only a year old and caulk seal is still pretty good. So I have a few questions:

- Is it possible they're just manufacturing defects?
- If they are, are they likely to grow or remain as-is?
- What is ease of repair (and cost)?

Planning to keep this camper at least 4-5 years - what is the best long-term solution for these spots?

Picture below. The other one is a little bigger - maybe 4-5 inches tall by 2 inches wide.

gjw319 · 06-16-2017, 09:39 AM

That is where the ad hives did not hold the siding.it could and will get worse to fix it take it to a dealer .what I did to mine was live with it I had a older motor home.

Yillbs · 06-18-2017, 11:05 AM

I'm not sure I'd be okay with that, it should be fixed immediately imo, by the dealer

dustyone · 06-18-2017, 11:24 AM

I really am not sure if the company will warranty that due to the fact that you bought it use used

dustyone · 06-18-2017, 11:26 AM

Oops didn't quite get out what I wanted to say but I do believe it needs to be done now as I would really think it would probably just grow if you can get the company to warranted great if not I would take it to somebody who repairs fiberglass boats. I've heard that they can do some great work and someone work on campers period but I would not Let It go for too long as I think it would grow period it is definitely delamination bubble.

patriot07 · 06-18-2017, 08:57 PM

Thanks for the replies. Yes it is definitely not under warranty since it's used. I'll probably Call Palomino to see if they would mind helping since I think it was actually not purchased until last fall and this is unacceptable for a unit that was purchased new less than a year ago. Got a great deal on it, so it's not a huge deal if I have to pay a bit to get it repaired, but if repair cost is high then I don't think it would be unreasonable to hope to get some manufacturer help. I'm planning on having it a long time and it will be under covered storage, so I think if I can get it in good shape, it should stay that way with proper maintenance.

Bought it on Thursday and took it to a state park on Friday/Saturday. Had a great time.

I'll try calling a local fiberglass shop and the local dealership to see what it would cost.

patriot07 · 06-19-2017, 11:39 AM

Anyone have any luck trying to poke a small hole in it and shoot some adhesive in there, roll it flat, wipe up the excess, and seal up the hole?

Talked to a couple of dealers today and there are definitely no affordable repair options if the manufacturer won't help.

Wild Card · 06-20-2017, 06:22 AM

are you sure that is not just a bubble in the graphix?

if it is in fact delamination, there are ways to fix. Yes drill hole 1/8'' or so, thin down some epoxy and insert with a syringe and then brace it flat.

I would also call the mfg as well

patriot07 · 06-20-2017, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Card

are you sure that is not just a bubble in the graphix?

if it is in fact delamination, there are ways to fix. Yes drill hole 1/8'' or so, thin down some epoxy and insert with a syringe and then brace it flat.

I would also call the mfg as well

What do you mean a bubble in the graphix? Is there an outer skin layer and then fiberglass underneath? How would I know how deep the issue is?

It moves fairly easily when you push against it, so I would guess the layers affected are not very thick. However, I don't think it is just a bubble under the decal. The other one is not underneath a decal like the one in the picture, but I suppose the back one could be. They seem equally flexible when pressed, so I doubt it.

I will definitely be calling the manufacturer. Only reason I'm trying to fix now is that I don't want them to grow and become more expensive to fix later.

What type of epoxy would you use for a fix like you're describing?

Wild Card · 06-20-2017, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patriot07

What do you mean a bubble in the graphix? Is there an outer skin layer and then fiberglass underneath? How would I know how deep the issue is?

It moves fairly easily when you push against it, so I would guess the layers affected are not very thick. However, I don't think it is just a bubble under the decal. The other one is not underneath a decal like the one in the picture, but I suppose the back one could be. They seem equally flexible when pressed, so I doubt it.

I will definitely be calling the manufacturer. Only reason I'm trying to fix now is that I don't want them to grow and become more expensive to fix later.

What type of epoxy would you use for a fix like you're describing?

Most graphix are just vinal. They go on after the fact.

Take a sewing needle and pop it and see.

I have done a lot of fibre glass work in boats.

I use West Systems epoxy. It can be thinned with alcohol. Look them up.

Or google rv delamination repair and there are a few companies that provide full kits.

I am with you something small is easy fix...get it before it gets worse. Hopefully its not an indication of future issues of the same

Reevesfamily · 06-20-2017, 06:09 PM

Based on what the rest of that side looks like from the picture I'd say it's the decal, if so just need to relieve the excess air behind it by poking pinhole and using a flat edge to push the air out. If it's de-lam'd it's a bigger deal and if you don't know what you're doing you can make it worse. It's a camper, not a rolls!

sam-3 · 06-20-2017, 07:03 PM

Try contacting the manufacturer. Bring it to an RV dealer so they can see and give you an estimate. Then if the manufacturer won't help contact Trailer Life Action line. Good luck and keep us posted.

patriot07 · 06-20-2017, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam-3

Try contacting the manufacturer. Bring it to an RV dealer so they can see and give you an estimate. Then if the manufacturer won't help contact Trailer Life Action line. Good luck and keep us posted.

Talked to the dealer again today and they are really backed up in service. They are going to have me bring it in on July 19 for evaluation/pictures/measurements/estimate/etc. and they're going to contact the manufacturer to see if they'll cover it since it's so new.

What is trailer life action line?

The dealer said they have a more affordable option where they cut out only the bubbled area and build up the filon and fiberglass and re-finish it and seal it up so it looks like new. Seems like a good option for small spots like this that are in primarily non-structural areas. Guy on the phone said it should be less than $1,000 for two small spots, which is way cheaper than if the spots get bigger down the road, or way cheaper than if I try to fix it myself and screw it up even worse. Going to see what they can do before I make any drastic moves.

Thank you to everyone for the help. This is a fantastic forum.

patriot07 · 07-05-2017, 07:54 PM

Finally dropped it off at the dealer today. Sounds like they're not really interested in the easy option if we go to the manufacturer. If dealer can't get help from the Forest River (who is clearly at fault here), then I think I'm going to be working with the dealership to find an affordable solution. So my question: what epoxy/adhesive/etc do manufacturers use to attach the filon to the plywood or whatever is underneath? May end up injecting some and bracing it flat and calling it good, but I don't know what adhesive to use.