Community Forums

W5WTX · 07-27-2021, 09:57 AM

I read a lot of good advice for folks looking to buy a rig to run fast from a rig with delamination. What advice does the community have for us poor SOBs that own a rig with delamination? We have a 2003 American Eagle 40T that we truly love. Unfortunately as newbie buyers two years ago we missed the fact that the behind the passenger side slide (galley slide) there was some delam. It only appears when the rig sits out in the hot sun. We have had the roof and sidewalls professionally inspected and sealed so I do not believe we have a continued water intrusion issue. The questions are what to do about the delam and what is the risk of it spreading or getting worse. One RV body shop guy here in Amarillo said just live with it. Repair would not be worth the cost. He wanted to basically rebuild the wall vs inject glue.

The delam IMO is not horrible. When the skin is exposed to hot sun it will bubble over a couple square feet. When I press against the wall the skin will move but the structure behind feels solid. No sponginess at all.

So now I am debating selling and finding a different coach or keeping what I have and living with the condition.

Thoughts anyone?

Doug
Amarillo, TX

Tha_Rooster · 07-27-2021, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W5WTX

I read a lot of good advice for folks looking to buy a rig to run fast from a rig with delamination. What advice does the community have for us poor SOBs that own a rig with delamination? We have a 2003 American Eagle 40T that we truly love. Unfortunately as newbie buyers two years ago we missed the fact that the behind the passenger side slide (galley slide) there was some delam. It only appears when the rig sits out in the hot sun. We have had the roof and sidewalls professionally inspected and sealed so I do not believe we have a continued water intrusion issue. The questions are what to do about the delam and what is the risk of it spreading or getting worse. One RV body shop guy here in Amarillo said just live with it. Repair would not be worth the cost. He wanted to basically rebuild the wall vs inject glue.

The delam IMO is not horrible. When the skin is exposed to hot sun it will bubble over a couple square feet. When I press against the wall the skin will move but the structure behind feels solid. No sponginess at all.

So now I am debating selling and finding a different coach or keeping what I have and living with the condition.

Thoughts anyone?

Doug
Amarillo, TX

There will be something wrong with all of them at least you know what’s wrong with yours and it could be a whole lot worst.

**NLOVNIT** · 07-27-2021, 12:37 PM

I think I posted a similar response in a different thread but basically it comes down to the devil you know vs the devil you don't.

Cat320 · 07-27-2021, 04:27 PM

Your problem might be finding one with less problems than you have now....if you can find one, they are very popular and thus, scarce.

ga traveler · 07-27-2021, 04:39 PM

In the old days (pre metal studs) delam was a real problem. Water not only ruined the siding but also rotted the studs and braces. The motorhomes of today are studded with steel not wood. Delam looks bad but is not usually structurally destructive. You may not have the usual delam that was caused by a water leak that rotted the wood supporting the fiberglass. If yours seems to come and go with heat, it might be the glue letting go of the fiberglass when it gets hot. This is uncommon but has happened in the past. It is easier to repair. Water damage delams the wood backing it goes to pieces. Glue does not work well. If the glue failed you can sometimes go in at an opening (window, compartment, access door, etc) and spray new glue in the wall.