Travel Trailer Damage?

[elksnout]

I’ve been looking for a used travel/camp trailer for a while now. Looking for the right unit for me and have been too late on a few or they’re just too far away. One thing that I’ve noticed (quite frequently) is on the units with the bonded sides is bulging/distortion on either the front or rear walls. What’s causing this? I’m assuming water damage somehow? And it’s not uncommon for the owners to think this isn’t a big deal. I’m not buying one with visible damage. I’ve seen this even on trailers with aluminum construction. How the hell would a guy even fix that?


elksnout

[storyteller]

I call that "delam", the  material has  popped from the substructure,  I would not  want to get one with that  feature,  trouble  down the  road

[CarbonHunter]

Delam is common on the newer trailers and I wouldn’t buy one that has the issue. I believe it is fixed by removing the siding and gluing it back on. Most likely to do it right you would need to remove all of the old glue from the sub framing and siding.

[ghosthunter]

Reason I went with fiberglass trailer. Did not want to put up with issues of stick builts.

[follow maggie]

Reason I went with fiberglass trailer. Did not want to put up with issues of stick builts.

The delaminating issue he’s talking about is on fiberglass sided campers.

[ghosthunter]

Reason I went with fiberglass trailer. Did not want to put up with issues of stick builts.

The delaminating issue he’s talking about is on fiberglass sided campers.

Molded fiberglass dose t have those issues. They are sealed capsules. If it has joints at each corner sooner or later they will have issues.

[storyteller]

elksnout, there are a few configurations of trailers, Ghosthunters is built like  a boat, real fiberglass two halves, the other whether laminate covered (example, filon) or aluminum skin are all stick built (wood or aluminum), some rv dealers like the aluminum skin if you are going stick built because they can flex and not "pop" the skin loose, easier to fix if you have to take a panel loose.   I have tore into a laminate covered camper, replaced stick and reattached skin with diamond  plate over it.    As you look at campers/trailers, you might see diamond plate, could have been done very well, but always  question it.

[lee]

What I learned many (many) years ago when researching RVs was,..... it doesn't matter if it is a low budget model or a high end RV, EVERY RV (with seams) leaks from the day it leaves the factory.

It is vital that the owner perform roof / seam inspections at least x2 per year and apply sealant to suspect spots. When I find a suspect spot I clean with Simple-Green, let dry, and apply Dicor self leveling sealant on the roof or non-self levelling on the side seam or around any penetrations.

Delam is a major concern, worse is what the water intrusion causes. BLACK MOLD.

I am very blessed as my RV is parked under a roof on my property, out of the weather.

YMMV
Lee

[Threewolves]

ya, don't buy if it is a big bulge. I think some of that front and rear bulge maybe caused by the sun. I haven't noticed it on the sides.

Pretty much if you want to keep something nice in western WA you have to store it undercover, boat, trailer, what ever.

2nd and just think about this.  it was a suggestion from an old friend. Everyone wants/likes new and shiny. He said for hunting applications you want to get the best old camping trailer you can find. He says that way you can leave it up in the woods during season and not worry about it. And, he says don't lock the door, that way no one will break the lock or window trying to get in.

[elksnout]

I’ve been doing some research about this in my search for a trailer. Guess some manufacturers actually use cardboard under the “skin” of the trailers. Once there’s a leak that’s not quickly resolved then warping can occur. Couple of instances on one of the rv forums on certain brands/models where on 2014 and older trailers warping was caused by condensation. Those two trailers were Forest River. That was a design flaw. Can you imagine?


elksnout