CRACKS IN REAR CAP

[jcurryii]

We purchased a 3455 last week of June(picked up 2nd week in July) this year, took one short trip about 30 miles, Then a trip to the Gulf, about 360 miles. While washing for winter storage I discovered about 6 cracks approx. 6-9 inches long, adjacent to ladder on the flat surface of rear cap.
Dealer says the Keystone will pay for "fix", not replacement. Contacted Keystone and that's all they will do. Asked if anyone else had similar problem, rep said she had no way of knowing(?). Dealer call them stress cracks, my question is what cause the stress and will they reappear later? Also for a top of the line RV this shouldn't be a problem and customer service should be more concerned about my problem. Has anyone else had this problem?

[fauch]

somebody, perhaps hotrod hauler, backed that rig into something ladder-first

[8.1al]

quote:Originally posted by fauch

somebody, perhaps hotrod hauler, backed that rig into something ladder-first

That would be my guess

[Irlpguy]

I have had the tail lights out of my 2012 and the fiberglass rear cap is quite thick, this cracking I am certain did not occur from "stress". It is likely as has been suggested that the damage was done when it was hit by something or was backed into something.

I would be interested in knowing how they would propose to repair those cracks and maintain the looks of the original product. These things are done in a mould like a boat hull and the white outer finish is sprayed into the mould before the application of the cloth fiber and liquid fiberglass.

I am getting pretty fed up with the factory expecting us to accept anything less than a quality product, or that we accept a replacement of a bad part to be something less than original quality.

Keep us all informed on the outcome.

[mhs4771]

Another possibility, those ladders have a weight rating. Is it possible the Dealer has a small 4 or 5 hundred pound gorilla working for them and he went up the ladder to check something on the roof and hopefully didn't get on the roof.

[jcurryii]

I can see no damage to ladder, but pressure from a slow impact might not show any damage. Sounds this is what likely may have happened. Another thought I had after reading some other posts, could frame flexing have caused the cracks?
Since Keystone will only authorize repair, I quess I will have to wait and see if looks o.k. My concern is what will it look like in the future.
Talked with service department rep today and was informed that they have repaired cracks on several brands, so it must be pretty common.
Thanks to all who responded.

[bncinwv]

I would not think it is possible for frame flex (associated with the pin box area) would have any possible impact on the rear cap. Regarding the repair, fiberglass repairs of this sort are done all the time on boats, you can do some research as to the proper methodology and quiz the service department as to their methods. It they are surface cracks, the cracks are routed out, then filled and sanded. If it is done properly, the repair will be as strong if not stronger than the original cap and should not be visible at all. If these cracks are adjacent to the areas where the screws attach the ladder to the rear cap, there possibly could be some problem associated with the ladder attachment (overtorquing, etc.) When they make the repair, have them check the ladder attachments as well. Keep us informed as to how it all works out.
Bingo

[1retired06]

I have had stress cracks that occured adjacent to slides on two units, repaired by the dealer body shop. In one case they cut out a 2X2 foot section and welded in reinforcement. When the work was done, looked like new, with no further problems. It is important to determine the cause of the cracks; without the reinforcement work the cracks on my unit would have reoccurred. 6 cracks of the length cited sound like more than minor stress cracks.

[jcurryii]

Thanks, Mike and Bingo for your input. I hope my repair is as good as you relate. Bingo we can never thank the Lord enough for our undeserved blessings.
Johnny

[jackel1959]

We had stress cracks develop at one of the ladder attachment points in March 2010. Keystone authorized repair through the dealer. The dealer subbed out for a body shop guy to come in and do the repair. Has been fine since with no recurrence.

[jcurryii]

SCPO,

First thank you for your service to our country, God Bless.
Our cracks are near the ladder mount, about 2-3" to the right on the flat surface just below the back window.
I can see where pressure against ladder could have caused them or as Michelle stated some big person stepped on that area.
Dealer is repairing in house hopefully I will get as good of results as you and Mike did. We will see.

[jackel1959]

quote:Originally posted by jcurryii

SCPO,

First thank you for your service to our country, God Bless.
Our cracks are near the ladder mount, about 2-3" to the right on the flat surface just below the back window.
I can see where pressure against ladder could have caused them or as Michelle stated some big person stepped on that area.
Dealer is repairing in house hopefully I will get as good of results as you and Mike did. We will see.

jcurryii,

You are welcome! Our cracks developed in the same area you have yours.....the right side ladder mount below the rear window. But like I said, once they fixed it all has been good.

r,
Jack

[jcurryii]

Dealer call today said our Montana was being painted should be ready by Thursday.

[jcurryii]

Picked up our Camper yesterday, everything looks good. Can't tell where cracks were, hope I never see them again. Kudos to Madison RV Supercenter, Madison, Al.
Thanks to all who replied to my post. One other thing I complained about was sagging slide cover on front slide(I think it may have stretched due to high winds 5 days straight while we at the Gulf). Dealer rep. said no adjustment could be made that wouldn't cause more problems and Dometic refuse to replace even though our unit is less than 5 months old. I guess I will go back to Carefree when this one wears out.