Community Forums

FL_Ed · 05-22-2016, 10:50 AM

Has anyone had any issues with delamination on there American Eagle? I am currently in negotiations to purchase an 03 that has a delamination issue under the drivers window, and a small spot on the slide out in the same area. The price is quite good at $63,000. Am I going to be able to get this repaired properly? Or will I be kicking myself later? As I'm buying it from out of town I was able to call a marine fiberglass repair shop and send him a picture. His guesstimate was $4500. I guess that what really is scaring me is that this is the second Am Eagle I've come across with a delamination problem.

lonfu · 05-22-2016, 11:05 AM

Delam's are due to leaking roof or window seals. Water causes wood underneath to rot and release the fiberglass. So, you will have to pull the window and reseal it to solve the problem. Delam's are usually more extensive than they appear on the surface. I believe they are caused by poor seal maintenance. Just fixing the delam will not prevent it from continuing.

leesdx1 · 05-22-2016, 12:07 PM

Delam also pops out in hot weather when the sun is hitting the side of the RV. I once experience delam where one area was fix then another area pops up and so on. Just Beware, it could be more than you see.

FL_Ed · 05-22-2016, 07:03 PM

Do either of you feel that this area is an indication that something went wrong during the manufacturing process or just a case of "stuff just happens" . The whole idea of my hunting down an American Eagle was for the quality.

Steve Ownby · 05-22-2016, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL_Ed

Do either of you feel that this area is an indication that something went wrong during the manufacturing process or just a case of "stuff just happens" . The whole idea of my hunting down an American Eagle was for the quality.

Very unlikely that it's a manufacturing issue. Delam is caused by moisture getting into the assembly. Any penetration through the sidewalk is an opportunity for a leak into the wall. The joint when the wall attaches to the roof is another.

justimagination · 05-22-2016, 09:58 PM

Water leaks are the worst enemy of motorhomes, majority are from the roof. As OP stated, possible internally that you cannot see. I honestly believe that rubber roofs were the worst thing that was ever put on a motothome, especially by f/wood. JMHO, walk.

lonfu · 05-23-2016, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL_Ed

Do either of you feel that this area is an indication that something went wrong during the manufacturing process or just a case of "stuff just happens" . The whole idea of my hunting down an American Eagle was for the quality.

Me too, it is not a manufacturer defect. "s.... happens".

It is a water leaking behind the panel problem caused by a defective window seal or roof seam problem. A lot of times just vibration will cause breaks in a window seal and they have to be pulled and resealed. I have mentioned before that the polyurethane sealant that they use is very good, but not impervious to problems. When I received my new coach 18 years ago, I caulked all the window seams with high dollar silicon to prevent dirt from getting to polyurethane. Mold will grow when dirt sets on the caulking and the mold will penetrate and lift the polyurethane and gel coat from the fiberglass. Add 50 to 70mph wind and you have a water leak that starts at the top and is blown around the window into the wood below it that starts the delam process.

Yes, I too have chased a delam around on a wall. I like to use 3M spray glue after I completely clean the surface and a light sand. I even tacky rack the wood before I apply the glue. I also use a heat gun to get the fiber glass to reshape to the wall surface. I use a carpet roller with the heat gun to get the shape right before I glue.

If the wood is totally rotted out, then you have to replace the wood before you can glue. That is where the $$ start coming in because of the amount of time involved.

Brockx · 05-23-2016, 08:55 AM

Reading your original post I have the impression you have not seen it in person. If correct, you may not be seeing everything. When I was looking for my first MH I was looking at all brands generally 1995 to early 2000's. I found many serious delaminations, some were just slight indications that if pushed on moved seriously. I kissed a lot of Toads before I found a winner. Be very careful, good luck.