Interior End Caps in 1991 25' Excella

[hazelgreen]

We have a twin bed model and I noticed that there are hairline cracks stemming from the riveted edge. Is this normal for these later trailers. We have always had older Airstreams and got this one this summer. It is in great condition but have noticed these. It appears these endcaps are plastic but I'm not sure. The cracks all start at the edge and not necessarily from the rivet and are only 1/2" to 1" long. Does anyone have this same problem?

[TG Twinkie]

I have a '74 Argosy 26' with similar cracks. Yours is a lot newer than a '74 and mine is still hanging in there. Other than looking like a problem, I doubt it will fall off. Mine's been hanging there for 36 years. As far a I can tell it is ABS plastic. I believe any thing you try to repair it with will crack as well; between the plastic getting brittle and the natural twisting of the trailer when on the road the cracking is unavoidable.

[vswingfield]

The cracks in mine, the '83 Excella, are 6" or so long. None in the fiberglass endcaps in the Trade Wind. The change to plastic was definitely not an improvement.

[hazelgreen]

It is more disappointing than anything as I was so excited about finally getting an Airstream that wasn't a 72 or 73 model and with the rear twin beds. I noticed that the older trailers definitely were built better interior wise but love this trailer and just want to stay on top of everything. I thought if anyone else had the same problems, were they doing anything to keep it from happening further. Thanks for all of the replies.

[shelocta]

If it's ABS it will crack! There is a ton of info on the forum about this. Here is the first two that I've found.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f39/...rts-30510.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f39/...air-62688.html
Search for end cap cracks and as was noted many times, drill a small hole at the end of the cracks right away to keep then from propagating.
Good luck
Bill

[Davis]

I have a 34ft 1991 Excella and have noticed in the past year the small cracks have started at the corners of the cabinets in the rear end cap. I was told years ago to stop a crack you would need to drill a small hole at the end of the crack to try and stop it .So far mine have not spreaded any farther. Good luck

[ts8501]

I have some cracks in my '90 Excella 34' end caps as well, front and rear. I have owned the trailer for 3 years now, and they are about the same size as when I bought the trailer. I pointed them out to P&S when I dropped off the trailer this fall, and they have seen it over and over again. I am going to consider it part of the "patina", and not worry about it.

One other point, the end caps yellowed over time. The PO had new drapes made for the entire trailer, the really good ones, and chose "gold" color. It ends up matching the end caps, so I do not need to concern myself with the yellowed end caps, they match.

[hazelgreen]

Thanks for the link to the discussions on this. I go through these forums often but get easily side tracked on other topics. My end caps looks perfect except for the cracks and are not a solid color. I will have my husband read them and will get to work on them as I was amazed how many there are in the rear end cap and very short but starting at the edge closest to the ceiling. Most of those have come on from sitting since our trip this summer. Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I'm glad I am not the only one experiencing this as I was afraid after reading the forums that there might be more to it.