Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-13-2007, 11:12 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Fort McMurray , Canada
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 65
Cracks in endcaps...and more

We have an 89 Limited that we purchased a year and a half ago...Since then (since we picked it up for our first camping trip this year) we noticed a few issues with the end caps...We started to get cracks...IN the front end cap, in the upper left corner there are "two" cracks which have 'shifted' the wood shelf. I can literally put my hand under it andpush it up to some degree as the pastic above is not holding the overhead cabinet in place. Also in the rear endcap of the trailer there are two cracks starting from the rivets which fasten it to the ceiling working back towards the windows approximately 6" long...I have drilled tiny holes to try and prevent them from spreading further...We were camping last weekend, and again the past weekend. In the one week timespan the most unusual thing happened. In our rear endcap adjacent to one of the cracks I noticed the flat portion of the endcap on the ceiling portion of the endcap has bowed inwards. (by inwards I mean a large bow towards the interior space of the trailer). I noticed it when I was laying down and then could feel it with my hand - it is a larger circle about 8-10" in wide...I gently pushed on it to see if it would flex back in but it wouldn't. I have tried to find some info on it in the search but I have yet to see anything even remotely close to this topic. What could be causing these sudden cracks and the buldge in the end cap? The only thing I can think of is the cold climate here makes everthing brittle in the winter and any settling in the cold, etc. causes this??? Also we have our trailer at a lakelot that is a recent development and I am not too sure if the lots are 'settled' properly casuing the trailer to settle differentially. When we get out the level all appears okay in all directions...I don't get it...How can someone own it for that long (17 years) and leave it in perfect condition, then we amass all of these cracks since owning it....Hmmmm
a-wanabbee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2007, 03:25 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,335
Images: 4
While the trailer is stationary, cracks can be caused by excessive lift from the corner stabilizers. These should only be snugged up enough to keep the trailer from distortion. Sighting along the trailer rub-rail while someone else adjusts the stabilizers could be instructive. A door that is difficult to shut or open is a good indicator of incorrect stabilizer adjustment.
A more likely explanation, if the trailer is regularly towed, is that the cracks are caused by vibration from out-of-balance wheels and hubs and tires, and/or excessive stiffness of spring bars when towing with a heavy duty truck. If you use the search facility while entering these subjects, you will find much information on these topics.
Nick.
__________________
Nick Crowhurst, Excella 25 1988, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. England in summer, USA in winter.
"The price of freedom is eternal maintenance."
nickcrowhurst is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.