"Heat Check" Anyone heard of this?

Bat24 · 10-07-2013, 11:40 AM

I'm looking at buying a 2007 Zeppelin II M271. The trailer is in excellent condition and lightly used. Was wondering why I was getting such a good deal but learned the "small area of rippling" was a large portion of the rear of the TT. It appears to only be cosmetic but I'm nervous about pulling the trigger on something that already has problems. On that note, if it's only cosmetic and I'm getting a great deal then why not? Any ideas

Ken / Claudia · 10-07-2013, 11:54 AM

Pay a 3rd party EXPERT to check it out. Like your home remodel you will not know of the true problem until it is opened up (taking apart). That delamb you see shows there is a problem, is it just alittle delamb or a water leak? A small water leak it my artic fox RV front cost 1200 to fix. That was alittle delamb from a leak. The whole front piece was replaced and sealed since it was a one piece section.

Bat24 · 10-07-2013, 12:18 PM

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I haven't actually seen the trailer in person just the picture.

**JRTJH** · 10-07-2013, 01:34 PM

With the rear skin in that condition, I don't think you'll get anybody (but the seller) to tell you that there's nothing to worry about. The only way to know what's under it (damage or just wrinkled skin) is to take the skin off and look. As stated, replacing the skin on an RV a few years ago cost $1200. Surely it will cost more today. So, if you can get some good and VALID idea on what damage is under the skin and can negotiate a fair price to include the repair, then I'd say if all else is acceptable, then seriously consider the purchase.

If, however, you can't get anything but an "as is/where is" offer, you should remind yourself that there are a lot of other RV's for sale, many with less inherited problems.

To give you an idea of cost, this summer we had to replace the roof membrane and most of the rafters on our Springdale. Total cost was in excess of $9000. RV repair "ain't cheep"

Ken / Claudia · 10-07-2013, 03:09 PM

I have not seen that on a trailer, I do not think it is water damage. You really need to have it checked out (inside and out).

fla-gypsy · 10-09-2013, 05:42 AM

I am confident that is more than cosmetic damage! I would chracterize that as a complete panel failure that will require a complete replacement.

B&T · 10-09-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fla-gypsy

I am confident that is more than cosmetic damage! I would chracterize that as a complete panel failure that will require a complete replacement.

Agreed, and heat damage is apparently both possible and costly as these posts indicate:

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7031

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/sho...28&postcount=1

But as to the cause, heat or water, I think it's impossible to tell without removing the panel.

10-09-2013, 08:38 AM

Run like hell!

airforceret · 10-11-2013, 11:39 AM

If it sounds too good to be true... then it probably is too good to be true!

But if you can find someone that 1) knows what is wrong 2) can give a firm written estimate to fix it 3) and still be money ahead once it's fixed... Then it may just be a good deal... otherwise... I'd pass!

airforceret · 10-11-2013, 11:52 AM

I can't say for sure what causes something like this, but I do know from my experience with (manufacturer delete) on my last camper that it could really happen in an extreme short period of time (such as overnight).

I had 3 people called out to the parking lot when I dropped mine off at the factory and they all went... Huh... then the oldest said something like "I've not seen anything like this since the 60s!"

In my case, the glue would cause almost instant oxidation and blistering when moisture was introduced between the exterior and interior laminate (metal underbelly laminate in my case). Pock marks appeared like acne.

It could be a similar response between the glue and laminate when moisture is introduced in the laminate. Kind of like alka seltzer!!! It creates fizzy liftus...

Bat24 · 10-11-2013, 06:16 PM

I had two different RV repairmen look at it and they both said the same thing. As long as it's not delamination from moisture (and both believed it is not) then they could fix it for under 1K. The process is something to the effect of 1. Sanding the outer layer, re-blasting, and painting. Seems simple when you say it that way. I also found a youtube video of a "checking" repair.
http://youtu.be/NlaVUKOW4UI

If that doesn't work and your still interested just search for "2001 Country Coach RV Fiberglass Checking Repair"

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