Safety Hazard? Cougar Xlite fairing fails

[Flatflap]

I am about to get my third fairing for the 2013 31' Cougar Xlite after the first two failed when the corners of the fairing with the "fingers" that catch the rubber latch broke off. The one in the photo I caught at a rest stop before the lower corners failed and the fairing parted company from the trailer as the first one did on IS95 into oncoming traffic.

Is there any recall issued for this condition? Has anyone else had the same problem? Does anyone have a recommendation for a fix that will get rid of the liability issue?

Customer support calls this "incidental damage".

[Pull Toy]

Based on the picture, I'd think about a couple eye screws, and a bungee. Either that, or forget pretty 'till you're there, then attach it....

Until a better solution is offered by Keystone, If I were you, I'd definitely cover your own butt when it comes to a pre-existing hazard that you are aware of! Sounds like a law suit against you, waiting to happen... when other people have to deal with "stuff" falling off of your trailer....


Just my 2 cents....
Good Luck!

[dcg9381]

Is that piece fiberglass or plastic? It can be repaired by any decent boat/fiberglass shop.

If I still had the "ears" I'd probably simply reinforce them with fiberglass matt and maybe add an additional tie-down spot.

[Flatflap]

I am no chemist but the lack of visible fibers would lead me to believe that the part is a vacuum formed plastic, maybe ABS.

[allmi01]

I had this issue also. I cut metal pieces for both sides of each corner, epoxied them to the exist plastic and then riveted them together. A little paint and it looks OK.

I also added weather stripping to the entire area where the shroud meets the front cap which tightened the top rubber quick fasteners and the cover in general.

Seems to have cured my issues.

Mike

[UsTwo]

Wow, mine have not got that bad yet.. I just have had cracks around the metal latches and where the bottom holes are.. Gorilla glue on the back side holds it for a while.. but im certainly going to try the weather stripping and bond some metal strapping behind the latches...

[JRTJH]

Wow, mine have not got that bad yet.. I just have had cracks around the metal latches and where the bottom holes are.. Gorilla glue on the back side holds it for a while.. but im certainly going to try the weather stripping and bond some metal strapping behind the latches...

If you have cracks in the plastic, as a part of your repair, you might want to consider "stop drilling" the cracks. Use a 1/8th inch drill bit at the end of each "running crack" and it will stop the crack from advancing. Good Luck with your repairs.

[UsTwo]

Now that you mention that I have heard of this someplace before.. im sure going to give it a try.. much thanks, for the advice...

[wbdvt]

Where is the rubber collar on the handle when you latch it? Is the metal piece between the T handle and collar or behind the collar?

I ask because I latch it between the T handle and collar as behind the collar has too much tension/stress IMHO

[allmi01]

mine latch between the T handle and the collar. After the weather strip mod, it holds tight but does not have excessive tension.