Fiberglass delamination

[wlowe]

I'm thinking about buying a 1998 Alpenlite fifth wheel with fiberglass sides. My question is this: if you look down the side of the fifth wheel there are a couple of spots where you can see the outline of the wall framing. There is a small ripple in the fiberglass where the framing is. The ripple is only as wide as the framing and is a couple of feet long. It is only noticable if you look at it from the side and the light hits it just right. I tried pushing on it and it is solid. Are these delaminations? I looked for signs of water leakage but couldn't find any.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I don't think so - most trailers of this design have a few places where you can detect the framing underneath. My new Forest River has the same thing. Delamination usually looks like blister from what I've seen.

 

[boonsur]

It's an expansion (different rates) thing. Should be more noticable in the afternoon, when it's hotter out. Not as noticable with a wood frame, since the expansion rates are more similar.

 

[LHallmark]

Generally speaking, the fiberglass outside panel is glued to the frame members and insulation is glued between the frame members before the interior panels are installed. This creates a rigid structure, which is why you pushing on it does not produce movement. As stated in the other posts..... the insulation, frame members, exterior panels and interior panels have different expansion ratios, which will cause a very slight ripple appearance under the right conditions, while delamination will be VERY apparent and should be corrected immediately.

As long as it's solid... ... I would not worry about it... ...

Enjoy the trailer.

 

[wlowe]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with you guys, nothing to worry about.