Community Forums

TJ · 04-21-2018, 01:23 PM

Left home this morning in the Ventana LE on our way to our Montana place at Flathead Lake. Got just a couple of miles down the road and kept hearing a funny sound; kinda like a vent was open. Pulled off and took a look for a bad AC shroud, but spotted a side panel under the driver side window coming loose. Looks like it is glued and the glue has separated.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? How was it fixed; re-glued? Not quite sure where to look for a repair shop in the Western Washington area. I'm afraid of driving it too far and having the Air Force its way farther under the panel and tear it off.

Ideas?

TJ

bamaboy473 · 04-21-2018, 01:31 PM

Duct tape is your friend.

tnedator · 04-21-2018, 01:40 PM

When push comes to shove and you must use duct tape, is there one type that's easier on paint than another, or a way to get it off without destroying paint?

TJ · 04-21-2018, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnedator

When push comes to shove and you must use duct tape, is there one type that's easier on paint than another, or a way to get it off without destroying paint?

Excellent question. Thoughts anyone?

bamaboy473 · 04-21-2018, 01:49 PM

PAM, WD-40, just about anything that will loosen the sticky. You should have clearcoat over the paint and duct tape shouldn't pull any of it when removed.

Heck, take it to get re-glued and let the repair guys worry about it; they know what they're doing.

TJ · 04-21-2018, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

Heck, take it to get re-glued and let the repair guys worry about it; they know what they're doing.

I'm just concerned that driving it somewhere for repairs without finding a way to keep wind and water out so as not to do additional damage.

TJ

tnedator · 04-21-2018, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

I'm just concerned that driving it somewhere for repairs without finding a way to keep wind and water out so as not to do additional damage.

TJ

I think he meant, put the duck tape on and let the repair show figure out how to get it off.

Luv2go · 04-21-2018, 02:22 PM

I'm using painters tape to keep a window with a broken regulator closed, maybe that would be enough to keep the panel from catching the wind? Painter's tape definitely won't hurt the finish.

TJ · 04-21-2018, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv2go

I'm using painters tape to keep a window with a broken regulator closed, maybe that would be enough to keep the panel from catching the wind? Painter's tape definitely won't hurt the finish.

Thanks. Good suggestion. I have some 1.5" blue painters tape, so just went out and sealed up the problem area with it. I think it will keep water and wind out on the way to whatever repair shop I can find to do the job.

Does anyone have experience with 3M 08115 Panel Bonding Adhesive? I found it listed on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08115-Pane...panel+adhesive

In looking over the split seam, it is obviously a failed adhesive bond. I'm wondering if I dare try fixing it myself with the 3M adhesive. I could cut a section of 2X4 long enough to extend from the ground up past the mirror bracket. With some padding and tape or Zip ties, I think I could create something to push against with clamps to hold the panel in place while the adhesive cures.

I'd feel a lot more comfortable doing this if I knew whether anyone else had success with an endeavor like this.

TJ

Luv2go · 04-21-2018, 05:20 PM

I've used the adhesive they use, Sikaflex 221 (bought thru Amazon), to repair a cargo bay door which separated due to a meeting with a wall while it was open

. This is the adhesive that Newmar uses to bond the sidewalls. However I've also had good experience with 3M products and I'm sure that 5200 would be up for the task.

Forkyfork · 04-21-2018, 05:29 PM

This is now my go to duct tape for temporary repairs. It’s non residue up to 6 mos and weather resistant.

https://www.amazon.com/Residue-Duct-...idue+duct+tape

NealC · 04-21-2018, 05:54 PM

Sikaflex 252 is the adhesive vs 221 is a sealant like silicone. I’ve seen the factory tour and the adhesive used during assembly but don’t know what it is. You may want to call Newmar and ask. Parts department could probably answer this one.

TJ · 04-21-2018, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

Sikaflex 252 is the adhesive vs 221 is a sealant like silicone. I’ve seen the factory tour and the adhesive used during assembly but don’t know what it is. You may want to call Newmar and ask. Parts department could probably answer this one.

Thanks, Neal. Given the situation where the adhesive did not hold, I'm not sure whether what Newmar uses is a glowing recommendation. I know the Ventana LE is on the lowest rung of the diesel pusher lineup, but I would hope it would hang together for more than the 24K miles we have on it. Sure hope the new MADP 4047 is stuck together with stronger adhesive.

I have already sent Newmar CS an e-mail with photos of the loose panel. Since I am the second owner, I would be surprised if they offered any warranty coverage, but they might be able to suggest a location here in the Pacific Northwest where I can get if fixed. The Newmar dealer just south of Seattle refuses to work on coaches they didn't sell, so the next closest is down in Oregon, 375 miles away. We'll see what they say.

I have used an RV repair outfit in Bellingham, WA, previously and have been happy with their work, so will also be contacting them on Monday to see what they have to say.

Here's what the damage looks like.

TJ

capnqball · 04-21-2018, 11:01 PM

I noticed a few days ago that I have the start of the same problem on the DS front side panel under the driver's window. The 2" border strip that covers the joint between the front cap and the side panel is lifting about 1/4" or so, allowing the side panel to somewhat float away from the inner surface. The silicone used to seal the edges of the vertical strip has come loose for a distance of maybe 10-12", so will need to replace the silicone also. I'm also thinking of the 3M products having been familiar with the 5200 series. I'll be following this post also.