rrobb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by rrobb on Dec 6, 2019 19:56:42 GMT -5
I just noticed a crack above the door of our, a little over a year old, Connect. Has anyone else had this kinds of problem? What might have caused it? Will KZ cover it under warranty? Can it be fixed? Attachments:
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Post by Edd505 on Dec 6, 2019 21:09:34 GMT -5
If still under warranty yes. Can it be repaired , yes. What caused it, I don't know. nvguy may have an idea, he's a certified tech.
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Post by nvguy on Dec 6, 2019 23:51:20 GMT -5
That's a different spot for a crack. It happens, just not a lot. Yes, it can be fixed.
Gonna be blunt and start with you (sorry, not pointing fingers, but...) Ever get all crazy with the stabilizer jacks? Tow the coach over really uneven ground? I had more than one customer come in and tell me their entry door was sticking, only to have it work fine on the nice level lot. After a bit of conversation I find out that yeah, the last place they camped at was really off level. It doesn't take much to twist one of these things.
Other causes could range from a sharp inside corner causing a stress point to the wall framing not being flat, so when the door was installed it stressed the exterior. Regardless, the wall framing needs to be checked to make sure a stud hasn't come loose allowing things to move, same thing with the coach frame itself, are all the outriggers straight? Frame itself good?
Any indication of the wall shifting inside? Typically if things are moving the "wall paper"/interior wall finish will be wrinkled or show signs of movement scuffing around openings, at the roof or anywhere the wall meets something (interior door frame, cabinets). Is the interior trim still tight against the ceiling? Around openings?
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Post by lynnmor on Dec 7, 2019 8:30:23 GMT -5
I have mentioned ways to add levels that show when a trailer is actually level as well as display any twist. Whenever the subject comes up, many are quick to suggest all kinds of crude methods and actually seem to think that level is of no importance. These things will twist with little effort on a jack and cracks or worse may result.
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Post by bluegrass2 on Dec 7, 2019 8:46:33 GMT -5
It doesn't hurt to re-check your levelers after being set up for a while, and after a rain storm, sometimes the ground settles under the weight or change in the ground conditions. If you are on a blacktop or concrete pad it shouldn't be a problem.
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rrobb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 23
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Post by rrobb on Dec 7, 2019 14:12:26 GMT -5
NVGuy, I develop software for a living, so I understand that you have to clear the user before looking elsewhere. User error is the default initial diagnosis for the weird stuff.
Inside the rig is tight regarding wallboard and trim. Nothing seems amiss inside. We don't go any place that's challenging from a terrain perspective. Our rig is really a traveling hotel room, so we're on fairly level pads and traveling mostly on interstates when we're out. The stabilizing jacks are manual. We use a hand drill to snug up each jack. I'm careful to not over tighten them because I consider the jacks very easy to break. I doubt the jacks are the root cause.
Is this something that I should take back to the factory? I don't know if I trust my dealer to handle something this significant.
Thanks for the help!
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Post by nvguy on Dec 7, 2019 23:09:45 GMT -5
Good to hear I didn't get your blood pressure up. Typically the jacks aren't as easy to break as one would think. The drill you're using is going to be the limiting factor....Unless you have a real contractor grade 1/2" drill-driver. Since it doesn't sound like "leveling" twist caused the crack, next there are a couple of things I would look at. I don't know how KZ exactly builds the walls, specifically how or when the openings are cut. If someone left a sharp inside corner in the exterior skin, a crack can grow from there just from the normal twist these coaches encounter (think crossing a driveway diagonally). Next is something loose in the wall framing. Either the stud where it connects to the header or maybe the at the top plate.
End result, the door needs to be removed so everything can be inspected. If it was me, I would want the factory to repair. Unless your dealer has a top notch body guy on staff or has a sublet shop that has experience with RV's.
Please keep all of us posted on what is (or isn't) found and how this plays out
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