Excellent workmanship. Job very well done. Thank you for sharing. One thing that bother me is after you repaired it better than new. You put North Trail sign back on. After making such a product I don't think North Trail deserves their name advertised. You were better off putting on a mural signed by your name.
So well done that I used your video to do the same to my trailer. I just finished and It took a total of 3 days to complete and am very pleased with outcome. I to used aluminum as it was easy to acquire with the sizes and the "S" pockets I needed. Thanks for taking the time to share.
excellent job. If you dont have access to a fabricator but can get the aluminum sheets, you can use rv insert style flat trim instead to cover the seams where the sheets meet up. Just use putty tape first under the trim and install, then insert the vinyl in the track
When I bought our 2001 Keystone (with bubbles) I was told that it is the chemicals within the adhesive that releases fumes mainly in hotter weather that causes the delamination within the fiberglass. Thanks for a video of a common problem, your the only one in here.
Good job on the repair. I'm considering doing something similar on all sides of my camper due to delamination. I've considered ripping out all the fiberglass and using closed cell spray foam followed by the aluminum. My thought is this would make the camper slightly more water resistant if it were to get in compared to the fiberglass holding water.
Thank you so much for this video. I have a 2010 north trail 31QBS which I've tried to get repaired for years, but no one will touch it. North Trail wouldn't even speak to me about it. I actually purchased 2 sheets of aluminum diamond plate at one time in the hopes of fixing it myself, but never started the project because I had not idea how to go about it. This video is gold. I'm frequently in Atlanta GA or Tampa FL and would be happy to hire someone to do this repair on my trailer.
I am in Tampa too and I have the same issue with my Passport. We should all get together one weekend and help each other fix the issue! 😂 I would seriously pay someone if they want to do the job in Tampa.
Thank you much for the specific instructions. Just completed this work on a Holiday Rambler Savoy and it turned out wonderful! I wanted to upload a picture, but it won't let me.
Great vedio, doing my front cap now, but a little different. I'm using pan screws across the front with the 's' seams, also added wooden strips on trailer horizontal ribs with liquid nails so the new metal sheet won't be metal to metal. Will be replacing insulation with insulation sheets cut to size and glued to back side of paneling. This will add extra support to front cap. Leared a lot thanks.
I have the same exact problem on my 2015 Jayco 26' trailer. Got quoted at $3300 for repair and been staring at it while contemplating the cost vs. reward for a month now. I've been toying with attempting a DIY but this would be my biggest project ever, probably outside my depth. How much did the entire repair cost you minus labor obviously?
great job. And aluminum was a much better choice to go back with in repairs. I've repaired a fire damaged rear area on a camper and used filon that I had to bond to 1/8" plywood but with no pinch roller or vacuum bonding machine available to the average guy, I had to use contact cement and a few dozen landscape bricks to set it up overnight. Turned out good but for longevity I'll use this next time
We have the same de-lamination on our Jayco Lite. What I found was that front/top "running lights" seem to also be a problem with leaking. Ours were almost full of moisture and algae from the rain run-off on the roof. The factory light don't seal well and caused water to wick inside(from behind the light base and between the light base and colored globe). The water then runs down the inside of the panel and sits on the horizontal cross members giving the water time to soak the fylon back and causing delamination. I'm not saying the leaks on the top at the junction of the roof membrane and front panel aren't to cause, but one or the other or both can happen. Also, when you have double insulated windows on your house, the sun can reflect on the paneling and really heat up the panels and releasing the glue that attaches the fylon to the sub panels. BTDT. There is clear evidence that the leaking lights are a problem in the video. Enough of my "armchair quarterbacking". Just thought some of you would like to know. -Brian
I had mine custom made , but you can buy aluminum panels and treadplate, with all the bends, at Hemet Valley RV in California. they will ship them to you.
Thank you for posting your work, i have the same year and model and the same issues. I noticed the work light didn't get put back in. I'm guessing it is more of a problem that a help. also the side molding you used has little or no reference as to where you bought it and any issues replacing it....anyway thanks for sharing very helpful.
Did you install any caulking in the “s” section before you slipped the new metal inside or did you install screws to the outside of the “s section to prevent wind damage
You did a fantastic job, it looks great! I didn’t understand exactly what you bought to replace the fiberglass with other than it’s metal. Where did you find thin sheet metal with white coating on one side? We need to do the exact same thing. Appreciate your video and time will watch it again!
So the top edge of each piece is held in by the sbend? Screws on the bottom of the sbend and up the sides, but the top is just locked into the sheet above it? How did you secure the top piece? Did that one just get screwed down and some eternabond/dicore on top?
Good Vid, but it could use a little more focus on a step by step setup, so we can following along without feeling like I missed something important. Thank yuo.
Hi Wow it turned out great! I have a 2011 Forest River Surveyor with the same problem. I have some questions: 1. how did you remove the corner moldings? Did you use "Mechanica" or some other silicone solvent to get the corner moldings off? 2. What is the white aluminum sheeting called? The rock guard is diamond plate, that I can see. 3. Did you use an RV repair shop or a sheet metal shop to make the 3 panels? 4. How many helpers did you need? 5. Did you seal it with Sikaflex, Latex calk, silicone or lap seal or other? 6. Please advise and congrats! it looks like new again. Sten Mander, Petaluma Ca
Hello, this happened to my 2013 Keystone Bullet. When you dismantles the front shell and saw the water damage, did any of the frame dry rot or was it all metal framing beneath?
It would be great to talk about this a little more. I am considering fixing mine as well. What screws did you use to hold the s-seam. Wouldn't the over lap hit the screw heads?
We took apart our front fiberglass end and I would like to do this, my question is what type of edge trim pieces did you use to join the fiberglass side with the aluminum front?
Give me fiberglass structures anytime. If you don't know how to repair composite structures or aluminum don't buy them the real problem is mixing wood with composites letting in moisture and doing the same with any metal will cause a problem also. I work in the aviation industry and this is not a major problem it was when wood was being used!
Old video so not sure if anyone will see this, but I'm assuming that under the 040 aluminum there isn't unicore - can anyone confirm that it's just the aluminum?
Hi. I recently came across this post. I have this exact issue living in Texas with my travel trailer which is most likely very similar in size to the one you repaired. Would you be willing to help me work on my front end trailer cap? I live in Forney Tx near Dallas and would be willing to drive and pay to replace my front end cap. Thank you
followed by rip off prices. I got my trailer below cost from blue dog and keystone used shitty materials. They were ripping people off bad. It still cost me, but I got the best of them. I have to re-do my cap this spring
Thank you for your effort...but.....You flew by step by step....missed completely the removal of the filon cap.... important step for us preparing to do a similar repair. Also you either forgot or failed to mention your lower front light not being replaced. Finding materials for a job like this is challenging...would have been very helpful to mention where your material came from. If you are committed to taking the time to film and produce then you should take the time to cover all aspects of the job. While the overall video was ok....the details were definitely missing...my assigned project Grade is C-.
Excellent workmanship. Job very well done. Thank you for sharing. One thing that bother me is after you repaired it better than new. You put North Trail sign back on. After making such a product I don't think North Trail deserves their name advertised. You were better off putting on a mural signed by your name.
I have this EXACT issue. Such a helpful video sir, thank you for sharing this! 6 years later and still just as relevant!
Heat delam was a common problem on some models for a while.
Your work is beyond first class!
So well done that I used your video to do the same to my trailer. I just finished and It took a total of 3 days to complete and am very pleased with outcome. I to used aluminum as it was easy to acquire with the sizes and the "S" pockets I needed. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Great job on this repair. Manufacturers / Engineers - take notes.
excellent job. If you dont have access to a fabricator but can get the aluminum sheets, you can use rv insert style flat trim instead to cover the seams where the sheets meet up. Just use putty tape first under the trim and install, then insert the vinyl in the track
When I bought our 2001 Keystone (with bubbles) I was told that it is the chemicals within the adhesive that releases fumes mainly in hotter weather that causes the delamination within the fiberglass. Thanks for a video of a common problem, your the only one in here.
Good job on the repair. I'm considering doing something similar on all sides of my camper due to delamination. I've considered ripping out all the fiberglass and using closed cell spray foam followed by the aluminum. My thought is this would make the camper slightly more water resistant if it were to get in compared to the fiberglass holding water.
Thank you so much for this video. I have a 2010 north trail 31QBS which I've tried to get repaired for years, but no one will touch it. North Trail wouldn't even speak to me about it. I actually purchased 2 sheets of aluminum diamond plate at one time in the hopes of fixing it myself, but never started the project because I had not idea how to go about it. This video is gold. I'm frequently in Atlanta GA or Tampa FL and would be happy to hire someone to do this repair on my trailer.
I'm in Tampa as well and I have the same issue on my Passport 3220bh. I'm looking for a solution now.
I am in Tampa too and I have the same issue with my Passport. We should all get together one weekend and help each other fix the issue! 😂 I would seriously pay someone if they want to do the job in Tampa.
Thank you much for the specific instructions. Just completed this work on a Holiday Rambler Savoy and it turned out wonderful! I wanted to upload a picture, but it won't let me.
Great vedio, doing my front cap now, but a little different. I'm using pan screws across the front with the 's' seams, also added wooden strips on trailer horizontal ribs with liquid nails so the new metal sheet won't be metal to metal. Will be replacing insulation with insulation sheets cut to size and glued to back side of paneling. This will add extra support to front cap. Leared a lot thanks.
Great job. I had a 2010 North trail fifth wheel camper and it was flawless. I now have a 2017 Crossroad Fifth Wheel. Like the old north trail better.
Great work! Thanks for sharing!
We have a 2010 that's starting to do the same. Thanks for the video.
Nice job it looks like it just left the factory!!
Thank you for taking the time to record this.
I have the same exact problem on my 2015 Jayco 26' trailer. Got quoted at $3300 for repair and been staring at it while contemplating the cost vs. reward for a month now. I've been toying with attempting a DIY but this would be my biggest project ever, probably outside my depth. How much did the entire repair cost you minus labor obviously?
These are well documented failures since the mid 80s, it is beyond my comprehension why RV manufacturers still using this method.
Because it's not in there financial interest to make them last forever
No integrity.
Thank you so much for making this video 😊
great job. And aluminum was a much better choice to go back with in repairs. I've repaired a fire damaged rear area on a camper and used filon that I had to bond to 1/8" plywood but with no pinch roller or vacuum bonding machine available to the average guy, I had to use contact cement and a few dozen landscape bricks to set it up overnight. Turned out good but for longevity I'll use this next time
We have the same de-lamination on our Jayco Lite. What I found was that front/top "running lights" seem to also be a problem with leaking. Ours were almost full of moisture and algae from the rain run-off on the roof. The factory light don't seal well and caused water to wick inside(from behind the light base and between the light base and colored globe). The water then runs down the inside of the panel and sits on the horizontal cross members giving the water time to soak the fylon back and causing delamination. I'm not saying the leaks on the top at the junction of the roof membrane and front panel aren't to cause, but one or the other or both can happen. Also, when you have double insulated windows on your house, the sun can reflect on the paneling and really heat up the panels and releasing the glue that attaches the fylon to the sub panels. BTDT. There is clear evidence that the leaking lights are a problem in the video. Enough of my "armchair quarterbacking". Just thought some of you would like to know. -Brian
Great work man , I have a 2007 jayco with the same issue
What is the name of the company you ordered your replacement sheets?
I had mine custom made , but you can buy aluminum panels and treadplate, with all the bends, at Hemet Valley RV in California. they will ship them to you.
8and29fans how much?
You are done in excellent job
Great job I have to do mine, this really helped me🙂
Thank you for posting your work, i have the same year and model and the same issues. I noticed the work light didn't get put back in. I'm guessing it is more of a problem that a help. also the side molding you used has little or no reference as to where you bought it and any issues replacing it....anyway thanks for sharing very helpful.
💥 Very Nice ✅ You Are a Craftsman💥
That is really great 👍 job
Did you install any caulking in the “s” section before you slipped the new metal inside or did you install screws to the outside of the “s section to prevent wind damage
I have the same problem. I need to repair but I can't find the materials. Can you give info. Please, thanks
You did a fantastic job, it looks great! I didn’t understand exactly what you bought to replace the fiberglass with other than it’s metal. Where did you find thin sheet metal with white coating on one side? We need to do the exact same thing. Appreciate your video and time will watch it again!
I have Apex by coachman and have same issue.No water intrusion the heat in fl. sun separated the glue bond.Total trash and these manufactures know it.
I have same problems as well RV INDUSTRY GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!! NOW!
What grade of aluminum did you use, I spoke to a fab shop about the s-bend and they were concerned about cracking the aluminum
So the top edge of each piece is held in by the sbend? Screws on the bottom of the sbend and up the sides, but the top is just locked into the sheet above it? How did you secure the top piece? Did that one just get screwed down and some eternabond/dicore on top?
What kind of material is the one on the big sheets? Please let me know and where I can get them😊
Hey this was the perfect video….. Where did you order the fiberglass replacement from if I may ask…. I’m definitely a subscriber..
Good Vid, but it could use a little more focus on a step by step setup, so we can following along without feeling like I missed something important. Thank yuo.
looks great can i ask what you did thru the middle of the sheets to hold it ....or did you just do arround the edges? But it looks great
Hi
Wow it turned out great!
I have a 2011 Forest River Surveyor with the same problem.
I have some questions:
1. how did you remove the corner moldings?
Did you use "Mechanica" or some other silicone solvent to get the corner moldings off?
2. What is the white aluminum sheeting called?
The rock guard is diamond plate, that I can see.
3. Did you use an RV repair shop or a sheet metal shop to make the 3 panels?
4. How many helpers did you need?
5. Did you seal it with Sikaflex, Latex calk, silicone or lap seal or other?
6. Please advise and congrats! it looks like new again.
Sten Mander, Petaluma Ca
Looks great!
Where did you get the aluminum?
I'm in the same situation... Having hell finding good supplies.
That looks great!
I too would like to know where you got the Aluminum sheet with "S" seal" Great job on the video
Hello, this happened to my 2013 Keystone Bullet. When you dismantles the front shell and saw the water damage, did any of the frame dry rot or was it all metal framing beneath?
I'm guessing if the trailer had spent its time in storage outside the glue came apart from the sun heating it everyday.
That was a great job you did on that rig wish you could come do mine 😉
Sir did you replace the rail on both side as well or re used it I have the same problem on my trailer Thank you for the amazing video
It would be great to talk about this a little more. I am considering fixing mine as well. What screws did you use to hold the s-seam. Wouldn't the over lap hit the screw heads?
Great job! Good video
Great video!. I have the same model and issue. I plan to use this as a model to do mine. Is there a way for me to contact you directly?
Better than new! U did an awesome job! Having the same issue on our keystone! Any updates since?
Thank you sir for posting this
We took apart our front fiberglass end and I would like to do this, my question is what type of edge trim pieces did you use to join the fiberglass side with the aluminum front?
wish I had a garage big enough to do this work on my 32BUDS. wondering if you reused that trim molding or if you found some new stuff...
where can i get the sheets?
awesome-I needed this
Give me fiberglass structures anytime. If you don't know how to repair composite structures or aluminum don't buy them the real problem is mixing wood with composites letting in moisture and doing the same with any metal will cause a problem also. I work in the aviation industry and this is not a major problem it was when wood was being used!
Old video so not sure if anyone will see this, but I'm assuming that under the 040 aluminum there isn't unicore - can anyone confirm that it's just the aluminum?
Hi. I recently came across this post. I have this exact issue living in Texas with my travel trailer which is most likely very similar in size to the one you repaired. Would you be willing to help me work on my front end trailer cap? I live in Forney Tx near Dallas and would be willing to drive and pay to replace my front end cap. Thank you
Need to do this on a keystone bullet. No local shop will make the s-bends.
Good job!!!
Nice shop
Nice Job!
How long did it take to complete the repair?
that is a huge problem for such expensive toys.....it really ticks me off. Anyone doing anything about this?
Where can I get the aluminum panel?
Great job!!.Can you tell me how much was cost?. Thanks
He said 500-600 I believe. I would gladly pay twice that for this quality of workmanship and repair.
Where did you source your materials? I need to do the same.
Do you have a parts list?
water + hot sun = steam,,,,,,steam is a great way to separate the layers from one another
I want to add that quality has not improved. If they made cars and pickups like this, automobile manufacturers would of been out of business long ago.
Uhh... first time viewing this. Did you just SKIP AHEAD with your video?? How to: step by step removal of front skin. #fail
Poor manufacturing
followed by rip off prices. I got my trailer below cost from blue dog and keystone used shitty materials. They were ripping people off bad. It still cost me, but I got the best of them. I have to re-do my cap this spring
Thank you for your effort...but.....You flew by step by step....missed completely the removal of the filon cap.... important step for us preparing to do a similar repair. Also you either forgot or failed to mention your lower front light not being replaced. Finding materials for a job like this is challenging...would have been very helpful to mention where your material came from. If you are committed to taking the time to film and produce then you should take the time to cover all aspects of the job. While the overall video was ok....the details were definitely missing...my assigned project Grade is C-.