Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem?

mdconvert
Weekender RV’er

Posts: 64

Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem? Oct 20, 2015 6:59:11 GMT -5

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Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 6:59:11 GMT -5

Our Spree Escape 196S has a few bumps toward the bottom of the camper at a point that would be at the side of the floorboard. We bought the camper new in April, of this year. I can't say for sure if they are getting worse with time, or they have stabilized. We camped in it over 4 weekends since the purchase.

Some questions: 1) I don't know what is causing them, and 2) while there are no spider cracks or blowouts I'm concerned that it may stress the fiberglass and/or gelcoat and cause problems that I'll have to fix in the future.

I have brought it to the attention of the dealer, who said that he doesn't know what is causing it and that we may cause more problems investigating than letting it go. Additionally, if there is a problem in the future he'll go to bat for his customer. While I trust that he's being honest with me, I feel I'm taking a leap of faith.

Has anyone else had experience with this problem? Should it be fixed, ignored, or other ideas?

The picture below is an example of what I have attempted to describe:

Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have.

johnr
Professional RV’er

Posts: 1,298

Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem? Oct 20, 2015 8:19:54 GMT -5

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Post by johnr on Oct 20, 2015 8:19:54 GMT -5

Hi. To me, these look like screws either working their way out (head side) or having been driven in too far (screw side).

What's behind this panel? Do you have access to the area to look for yourself from the inside? I would be concerned about the fiberglass over the course of time.

While your dealer may be honest, I'd get whatever they're saying in writing. You don't want to hit the end of your warranty and all of a sudden they forgot the conversation they had with you. If they truly will stand behind their word, they shouldn't have a problem giving it to you in writing.

2013 Durango 325RL; 2006 Turbo Diesel Dodge Ram 3500 Dually;

mdconvert
Weekender RV’er

Posts: 64

Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem? Oct 20, 2015 8:31:53 GMT -5

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Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 8:31:53 GMT -5

Thanks for the input johnr.

There isn't anything mounted to the wall where these bumps are located (which is behind the heater and under the kitchen sink) and the bumps are not above floor level. If it was caused by mounting something from inside I would think the bumps would be higher. I don't know how these are constructed so I can't say for sure why a screw would be used there, but it looks like a it's a screw working it's way out to me, too.

Good idea about getting it into at least an email documentation.

Thanks again.

lynnmor
Professional RV’er

Posts: 1,695

Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem? Oct 20, 2015 9:07:00 GMT -5

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Post by lynnmor on Oct 20, 2015 9:07:00 GMT -5

Looks like screws or staples, no way of knowing without opening it up. Repairing a laminated wall is not a good choice, better to replace the whole thing. Forget the documentation, get it repaired now. I don't know where you are located, but returning it to the factory in Indiana is the best bet.

mdconvert Weekender RV’er Posts: 64	Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem? Oct 20, 2015 16:55:00 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 16:55:00 GMT -5 Thanks for the information lynnmor. Does anyone have a good method for contacting the factory? I called the number listed and no one answered, and then sent an email detailing the problem.

Bumps on fiberglass sides - is this a problem?

Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 6:59:11 GMT -5

Post by johnr on Oct 20, 2015 8:19:54 GMT -5

Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 8:31:53 GMT -5

Post by lynnmor on Oct 20, 2015 9:07:00 GMT -5

Post by mdconvert on Oct 20, 2015 16:55:00 GMT -5