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Sidewall tearing

Yahoo Message Number: 69151
Hey group, first time writer here. I have a 2003 40' Allure Cascade w/tag that has developed a rip in the fiberglass on the sidewall eminating from the refridgerator access panel on the passenger side. It initially started from the lower left (rear) corner of the access panel, and ran down and to the left at a 45 degree angle to the moulding below, about 16 inches. Now, it has grown and is cracking from the upper right corner of the refer opening and extends up and to the right about six inches. It looks like a continuation of the lower rip. My best guess is that it is caused by torquing of the coach when I pull into my storage area, which is on an incline with a sharp turn (or two). I don't dare have it repaired until I find and cure the cause, and I may need to start storing it in a new, level location. Anyone have this problem, and how did you remedy it? Thanks in adavnce.

Brucep996 ('03 Allure 30852)

Re: Sidewall tearing

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69153
In the Air Force, we used to "stop-drill" the cracks in sheetmetal by drilling a small hole into the very end of the crack. This relieves the stress and stops crack migration until a permenant fix. I think fiberglass works the same way, but the challenge would be to find the precise end of the crack under the paint. If you miss, the crack keeps migrating.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Sidewall tearing

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69169
I just went through a long battle with fibreglass cracking on my Allure in the same area mine was all on the bottom side of the opening, my opening is on the drivers side. You may have delaminated skin. I warn you the repair is not inexpensive. I have pictures of the repair on my coach if interested.

Jack Allure 40 30076

Re: Sidewall tearing

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69183
Hi Bruce. I just had my coach into Oregon Motorcoach Center OR for the same problem. A fiberglass crack about 1" long coming off the lower right corner of the refridgerator vent panel. Per OMC's instructions, before bringing the coach to them I drilled a small hole at the tip of the crack to keep it from spreading and then sealed it to keep moisture out. When OMC was working on the repair they noticed water damage and dry rot inside the Refridgerator vent panel vent and you should check for that as well-it may be the root cause for the fiberglass cracking. It needs to be repaired, sealed, and everything allowed to dry before starting repairs on the crack. For both the water damage and fiberglass crack repairs it was approx. 12-14 hour job. Not inexpensive by any means. My Allure Newport is a 2003 coach #30952 just ten away from yours in production. I hope this fiberglass cracking does not become a recurring issue down the road. Have you had any delamination issues? Regards,
Steve

03' Allure Newport
Coach 30952

Re: Sidewall tearing

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 69194
Bruce,

I feel your pain. I also have a similar problem with my coach that I noticed about 3-4 months ago. The crack ran in the same place as your initial problem only mine is only 1 inch in length. I immediately did a temporary patch with clear silicone and covered it with some clear 3M tape. The patch is still holding "knock on wood."
Two years ago I had crack emanating from the forward corner of opening for the bedroom slide. That repair cost me $1800. BTW, I recently noticed the bedroom slide opening crack is back luckily it is only two very small 1/8" inch long hairline cracks that are not joined. I patched these the same way I did the refrigerator crack.

I think some of these '03 Allures got bad fiberglass.

Regards,
Jose Ferrer

'03 Allure Cascade #30863 w/tag
'03 Saturn L300