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Old 03-23-2022, 10:07 AM   #1
Black Bark
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Weather checking on front of camper

I have some fairly wide cracks in the finish on the front of my 2017 Alpine where the graphic is. Anything I can do to fix or keep it from getting worse?
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Old 03-23-2022, 11:07 AM   #2
JRTJH
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First, you'll need to determine if it is the automotive paint, the "fiberglass front cap" or the "vinyl decal" that is cracking....

If it's the vinyl decal, on your 2017 trailer, you're about at the end of the decal "looks new" lifespan. They typically have a 5 or 6 year "limited life" and that can be severely shortened if the trailer is stored in direct sunlight or in a place where UV rays and heat can "bake the vinyl" for a prolonged time.

There are some things you can do to preserve the vinyl. Things like Goodyear Aerospace 303 or other "UV Protectant solutions" applied frequently starting at "day one" can help, storing the trailer out of direct sunlight or positioning it so the largest decals are in the shade can help.

Once the vinyl is damaged, there's not much you can do to "regenerate destroyed vinyl sheeting" but you can consider replacement with new vinyl or even removing the decals and possibly painting the spaces with automotive paint to eliminate the vinyl completely.

If your cracking is in the "paint on the fiberglass front cap" (actually in the automotive finish), you could consider consulting an automotive collision shop and discuss repainting the front cap.

If the cracking is the fiberglass front cap, then you might consider discussing the issue with a fiberglass repair center. Most marine (boat) dealerships either have a fiberglass repair capability or contract with someone to do that type work for them.

So, depending on what is cracking, your next step could vary significantly...

What is the actual issue you're seeing ???
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Old 03-23-2022, 11:29 AM   #3
Black Bark
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I'm afraid it is the fiberglass. Cracks are too deep for the decal. Is this normal for a 5 year old camper?
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Old 03-23-2022, 11:59 AM   #4
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Normal ?? No, but does it happen? Yes. Some photos of what you're seeing will help us understand the scope and the condition you're seeing.
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Old 03-23-2022, 12:37 PM   #5
Black Bark
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Seems time has made the problem worse in my mind than it is (unless they shrunk over the winter -). Snuck under the cover for these shots. It seems it is the decal and not the fiberglass.
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