What’s this, can I fix it, is it under warranty?

[Troutboy]

I have a 2017 FC 23D, warranty is up in December 2018.

AS was in storage outside most of winter. I have it under cover stored in garage at home now, for about 2 weeks.

Noticed this peeling, plastic film, I think it’s the plasticoat. Should this happen on such a new unit?

Can it be fixed or dealt with?

Is it a warranty fix?

Thanks for any insights, I searched forums and didn’t find much on later models. Pictures below:

[thiel]

Warranty issue. Don’t delay.

[wulfraat]

Agreed.

The clear coat impregnation from Alcoa has failed. That cannot be repaired with re-coating, the panel will need to be replaced.

Looks to be the exterior just below the awning? That’s a big sheet I believe.

I had some of that peeling on the exterior rear top corner panel of my 2008... I tried all sorts of things to fix, Re-coat, seal, etc... but it looked bad no matter what [emoji20]

The local Colorado dealer has 1 airstream certified tech who can do panels. Timeless travel trailers has 2 people on staff who are trained by the factory. There is one other guy up near Longmont I believe, and that’s it for our area.

I’d get with JC and then see if you can slide into timeless at the end of the summer / in the fall. The factory worked with them on one of my warranty issues (AC replacement).

Either that or bring it to JC for the repair. I wouldn’t go anywhere other than those 2 places, personally.

[Troutboy]

It’s an outside top panel below the curbside awning, the big zip dee one

[wulfraat]

Sorry for the bad news, only way to address that is to replace the panel. I’ve been down that road on my last trailer.

[Troutboy]

Crap! Can I wait until after the camping season?

[wulfraat]

Absolutely, but get your claim started now. It will take that long to get it into a good shop anyways.

[GMFL]

Yep, sounds like a perfect reason to visit the Mothership

[djarrett]

I’m gonna step out on a limb and contradict what everyone else is suggesting - if this is exterior and directly under awning, it is more likely a protective clear decal that is added over the Alcoa factory coating that is applied before they install the awning (which I believe is a late model practice) - if this is the case, it’s a strip that is about 8 inches tall and runs the full length of the awning. ‘IF’ what I’m saying is correct, this is an easy fix and possibly even a DIY process. Again, I may be wrong, but worth your investigating.
D

[wulfraat]

You can see the clear plastic strip you are referring to under the awning higher up in the photo. That’s Alcoa factory clear coat coming off.

[zapper]

Yep, I agree the delamination is too far down on the panel for it to be the protective clear tape. Sorry for the delamination. What a pain.

[Troutboy]

I sent the mothership some photos and they are trying to figure out what it is and whether it’s covered.

Also, I didn’t realize this, but that is ONE massive panel, for the entire curbside. To replace it means taking all windows, vents, the door, and water heater, etc off.

I’m wondering if it’s even worth it? Wouldn’t they have to take the inside panels out as well to buck rivet it back in place?

Seems like I may be better off living with it than tearing the entire AS down?

What would you all do?

[TheGreatleys]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

What would you all do?

I suppose that depends on the size of the settlement check Airstream offered me to forego the warranty work.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

I sent the mothership some photos and they are trying to figure out what it is and whether it’s covered.

Also, I didn’t realize this, but that is ONE massive panel, for the entire curbside. To replace it means taking all windows, vents, the door, and water heater, etc off.

I’m wondering if it’s even worth it? Wouldn’t they have to take the inside panels out as well to buck rivet it back in place?

Seems like I may be better off living with it than tearing the entire AS down?

What would you all do?

If it's a warranty item, I'd schedule a week in Ohio and have them repair it as you described.

If not a warranty item, I would make (well, contract someone with skills to make) a creative, meaningful aluminum patch for that area.

Good luck!

[wulfraat]

Yeah it’s a tough one. That is a massive sheet. In the end I chose not to fix mine - but it was up high. It bothered me. If I had kept the trailer I probably would have fixed it. You’ll need to treat with corrosion-x so filiform corrosion does not start if you choose not to fix.

I am thinking the factory would “oversheet” it - and simply lay a second layer over top.

See what the factory says. It’s such a new trailer with a ton of aftermarket upgrades / investment, I’d be tempted to have the factory replace the entire panel and put it back to new.

[NoResults]

There must be a better option than the factory. Ohio is not exactly next door. One would have to allocate 3 weeks of their time. 2 weeks back and forth and 1 week in Ohio (yawn).

Dave

[wulfraat]

Timeless Travel Trailers in Denver is the other option.

[fran&frank]

After some type of settlement for damages, what about some type of aftermarket clear coat?-- Frank

[Troutboy]

I like the idea of a patch, hmmmm maybe a nice trout cutout patch!


I have corrosion-x and will apply it. Thx

They asked me for more pictures, so still not sure how they plan to work it.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

I like the idea of a patch, hmmmm maybe a nice trout cutout patch!


I have corrosion-x and will apply it. Thx

They asked me for more pictures, so still not sure how they plan to work it.

Indeed! Make it your own! (Take the settlement check too....).

There's a thread in here somewhere - search for "patches" or "show us your patches" - some truly marvelous creativity!

Then camp and enjoy the heck out of yourself! [emoji3]