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Post by mdcamper on Apr 28, 2019 23:04:32 GMT -5
Just got back from a camping trip. We noticed a couple (maybe 5 or 6) of small raised areas on the front portion of our 5th wheel. They are in the middle of the fiberglass side of the camper. Not near any edges. I will post pictures as soon as I can upload them.
When I push on them it they do not appear to "go back down". Seems very solid behind what I can reach.
I do not remember them being there during our walk through last year. The rest of the camper appears ok with no areas that look like this. |
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Post by dragonflight on Apr 29, 2019 18:03:04 GMT -5
Please update after you determine the actual cause of your problem.
I have a 2014 Durango 336RE, bought new, and have been scrupulous about maintenance. Yet, I developed several blisters in the upper left sidewall, just aft of the bedroom slideout.
I was told that the cause was delamination due to water intrusion, and went ahead with a roof replacement and surgical replacement of the sidewall section.
$12,000 later, the work is complete, but the shop says there was no evidence of water intrusion at the sidewall.
They say that some sidewalls are showing these symptoms due to a reaction between the sidewall materials and the adhesive used in the laminating process.
I've looked for more information on line, but so far have found nothing.
In the meantime, I've found a large soft spot under the vinyl floor in my kitchen area - another difficult and costly repair.
My ownership experience may not be typical, but I really have to wonder about design, manufacturing and quality control issues with late model RVs.
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 29, 2019 18:11:08 GMT -5
Here are the pictures of the sidewall just outside the bedroom. Let me know what you guys think. This camper just turned 6 months old! I had to take the pictures in the dark for best contrast.
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 29, 2019 18:12:33 GMT -5
Please update after you determine the actual cause of your problem. I have a 2014 Durango 336RE, bought new, and have been scrupulous about maintenance. Yet, I developed several blisters in the upper left sidewall, just aft of the bedroom slideout. I was told that the cause was delamination due to water intrusion, and went ahead with a roof replacement and surgical replacement of the sidewall section. $12,000 later, the work is complete, but the shop says there was no evidence of water intrusion at the sidewall. They say that some sidewalls are showing these symptoms due to a reaction between the sidewall materials and the adhesive used in the laminating process. I've looked for more information on line, but so far have found nothing. In the meantime, I've found a large soft spot under the vinyl floor in my kitchen area - another difficult and costly repair. My ownership experience may not be typical, but I really have to wonder about design, manufacturing and quality control issues with late model RVs.
Sorry to hear that.  I have checked all of our caulking from the factory and everything is intact and looks good. If water got behind ours in those spots It must be through osmosis!!! |
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 29, 2019 18:23:11 GMT -5
Please update after you determine the actual cause of your problem. I have a 2014 Durango 336RE, bought new, and have been scrupulous about maintenance. Yet, I developed several blisters in the upper left sidewall, just aft of the bedroom slideout. I was told that the cause was delamination due to water intrusion, and went ahead with a roof replacement and surgical replacement of the sidewall section. $12,000 later, the work is complete, but the shop says there was no evidence of water intrusion at the sidewall. They say that some sidewalls are showing these symptoms due to a reaction between the sidewall materials and the adhesive used in the laminating process. I've looked for more information on line, but so far have found nothing. In the meantime, I've found a large soft spot under the vinyl floor in my kitchen area - another difficult and costly repair. My ownership experience may not be typical, but I really have to wonder about design, manufacturing and quality control issues with late model RVs.
Do you remember how those blisters felt to the touch? Was there any give in them or were they hard like the surrounding surface?
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 29, 2019 20:00:49 GMT -5
Here is another shot of the sidewall. Just took them with a flash light on the area in question.
Attachments:
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Post by Edd505 on Apr 29, 2019 20:34:20 GMT -5
Here is another shot of the sidewall. Just took them with a flash light on the area in question.
That picture shows the bubble. I would ask at the rally and have them look at it. From experience I can say the go out of their way to make things right when they find an issue. |
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Post by Edd505 on Apr 29, 2019 20:36:04 GMT -5
<abbr>duplicate post
</abbr>
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 29, 2019 20:51:42 GMT -5
Here is another shot of the sidewall. Just took them with a flash light on the area in question.
That picture shows the bubble. I would ask at the rally and have them look at it. From experience I can say the go out of their way to make things right when they find an issue.
Hey Edd,
Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making it this year to the rally. With our schedules this summer we couldn't spare a whole week up there. We'll definitely be there next year though.
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Post by ronc on Apr 30, 2019 15:27:55 GMT -5
That picture shows the bubble. I would ask at the rally and have them look at it. From experience I can say the go out of their way to make things right when they find an issue.
Hey Edd,
Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making it this year to the rally. With our schedules this summer we couldn't spare a whole week up there. We'll definitely be there next year though.
Be mindful of the warranty period ... waiting too long could make that an issue. |
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 30, 2019 18:51:24 GMT -5
I would yank that window out and reinstall, sealing it properly. If the problem is with the window, every day is closer to the end for that trailer.
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Post by Edd505 on Apr 30, 2019 21:03:53 GMT -5
Hey Edd,
Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making it this year to the rally. With our schedules this summer we couldn't spare a whole week up there. We'll definitely be there next year though.
I was looking forward to meeting you and seeing your work up close. |
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 30, 2019 22:48:46 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I sent an email to the dealer and they have already responded back. They agree that this is something that KZ will have to repair in the factory.
Not sure that is water damage. Moat of those bubbles are pretty far away from the window. There is even a bubble above and to the left of the window that I did not point out.
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 30, 2019 22:49:53 GMT -5
Hey Edd,
Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making it this year to the rally. With our schedules this summer we couldn't spare a whole week up there. We'll definitely be there next year though.
I was looking forward to meeting you and seeing your work up close. Thanks Edd, hopefully next year. But depending on what happens with this maybe well make an appearance this year after all. :/ |
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Post by mdcamper on Apr 30, 2019 23:20:13 GMT -5
Hey Edd,
Unfortunately I don't think we'll be making it this year to the rally. With our schedules this summer we couldn't spare a whole week up there. We'll definitely be there next year though.
Be mindful of the warranty period ... waiting too long could make that an issue. Thank you. The coach is just about 6 months old now. |
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Post by mdcamper on May 6, 2019 16:08:07 GMT -5
To update this thread.
Talked with KZ and sent pictures directly to them. They asked to take the camper back after the season once a local dealer (KZ or other authorized) has a chance to look at the issue.
During our last camping trip a couple of other campers who have 5th wheels had a chance to look at it and are a bit baffled by it as well. With the location of the bubbles, no obvious issue with external water etc.
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Post by mdcamper on May 22, 2019 18:33:11 GMT -5
At the suggestion of KZ, we are taking our camper to the dealer on Friday of this week for an evaluation by the dealer. They will determine what might be happening and whether the unit needs to be repaired ASAP, sent back to Indiana or the repairs can wait until the end of the camping season. Going to suck if we have to give up the camper for the rest of the summer. We have numerous trips already booked and will lose lots of $$ if we cancel. |
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Post by mdcamper on May 24, 2019 17:03:47 GMT -5
Dealer has confirmed that the glue is de-laminating from the sidewall due to a manufacturing defect. Will keep this thread updated with updates as they occur. At this point were going to monitor and then move forward after the season if the problem does not get worse.
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Post by mdcamper on Jul 25, 2019 17:05:01 GMT -5
Just to update you guys on this issue. I will open another thread about some other potentially serious problems that have arisen this first full camping season (not even over yet!).
The dealer contacted me today. KZ has denied my DEALERS REQUEST to have the camper brought back to the factory for repairs. They want the dealer to talk to a third party body shop and get quotes. To us at this point, this is completely unacceptable for a problem that was due to poor manufacturing processes (i.e. gluing the fiberglass to the substrate) If a portion of this wall is repaired it will look terrible. There is no way they will be able to match it with the rest of the coach.
Unless someone at KZ steps up to the plate that reads this, our days with the KZ brand may be short lived.
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Post by Edd505 on Jul 25, 2019 22:13:03 GMT -5
A really good RV repair should be able to repair it. Ever had an accident in your car? Good shop will make it look like new and you won't see a repair.
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I have checked all of our caulking from the factory and everything is intact and looks good. If water got behind ours in those spots It must be through osmosis!!!
