Shower Surround Replacement - Oh Boy

[lorne_k2]

We noticed a crack in the shower surround by the sink area a few months ago on our 2023 I19. In the time since we've done a good amount of travel and now the single, small "crack" has developed into a spiderweb of cracks/failures in the fiberglass surround (see photos below).

In communication with our dealership (Colonial Airstream in NJ) they've indicated the entire surround needs to be replaced. You can imagine our "excitement" at this news, knowing the level of disassembly that will be required of our 6 month old I19 to replace the surround. And the likely fallout to the interior of such a major repair.

So I would like to hear the thoughts of some of the folks in this forum who have done similar sort of major surgery on their Interstates. What confidence level should I have that once the repair is done I'll get back anything close to the level of fit/finish that we have now in the interior of the I19?

Would you have the dealer do this repair or go straight to Jackson Center? Our dealership has a great reputation but this repair would be next-level for sure.

Someday we'll look back at all the issues we've had with our I19 and smile but not right now...

[StogieMan]

Ouch! Definitely major surgery. We bought our unit from Colonial and they do great work for sure but for something like this - I would take it to Jackson Center. They have the experience of putting these things together and all the parts that they need. The only thing that would scare me is getting everything put back together properly and everything working with whoever you choose. Something always seems to be missed, forgotten or attached. Again though, I would still choose Jackson Center.

However, if it was my unit, I would take the chance to do some type of DYI standup shower type that was comfortable just like some of the very nice DYI van builds. Grant it our unit is a 2015 but I would also consider it with a new unit if I had this problem come up.

Good luck with the fix.

[majorairhead]

If it were mine, I'd take it to the factory for repair, no where else.

[MountainLife]

Back to the factory, as others have said. Maybe there is a way for them to repair the cracks. Fiberglass can be repaired, but I would make sure it came with a warranty.

[lorne_k2]

Originally Posted by MountainLife

Back to the factory, as others have said. Maybe there is a way for them to repair the cracks. Fiberglass can be repaired, but I would make sure it came with a warranty.

The dealer did initially consider a repair, but given the number/depth of the cracks they said that wouldn't work. They do have a high level of confidence that they can replace this as they have done it before with the final result being at least as good as how it came from the factory, if not better.

[Airlock]

This is not something you'd want to have "repaired". What your AI needs is a transplant; shower transplant that is. That really is the only way to take care of this. So, I'd say off to Jackson Center is what you need to do.

[Rocinante]

Colonial is one of the few dealers I might actually trust to make this replacement and do it right. That said, although you’d likely have a very long wait to get in, you can’t go wrong by talking it back to the factory.

[Mansderm161]

Factory

[Mansderm161]

Call now and set up appointment while you continue to figure out what you will do. Decide if you are going to wait on the unit while there, and if so, ask if you would be able to sleep in it in the evenings. Not sure if this is a one day job at the factory. But nearest hotel from the factory is about 20 miles.

[Mansderm161]

Also if you go to factory, start listing any other warranty issues. They'll do it all at that one visit even if you have 20 things in the list

[janicemd]

Without knowing anything about these shower enclosures, I'd want to know why it failed. Factory defect on the shower, installed incorrectly, what? You sure don't want to have to go through all this pain only to have to fail again. Just a thought. Sorry I can't comment on Colonial vs Jackson Center.

I'm really sorry this has happened to you, what a disappointment.

[Wanderings]

These are stress cracks in the gelcoat and will eventually allow moisture into the underlying fiberglass and weaken it. This is most likely due to inadequate structural support beneath the stall, especially if you are hearing creaking sounds when getting into the shower unit.

While I’m sure Colonial can probably replace it and fix the problem, it’s important that the Mothership knows about it so they can analyze the problem and improve the quality of the installation.