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Repairing Crack in Counter Top
To our dismay, a crack has developed on our counter top.  We bought the RB new less than one year ago.  We have not stood on the counter, or placed anything inordinately heavy on it.  We called LD, and they were surprised, as well.  They laid it off on their counter top supplier/vendor.  That shop is located further south in So Cal.  LD offered to be the intermediary and arrange an appointment for us to have that vendor make the repairs.  LD would cover the cost.   After talking it over, we decided that it just wasn't worth the time and hassle to drive all the way down there for an otherwise minor blemish.  We live in NorCal.

My question to the forum is has this happened to any of you?  Who has a suggestion on me making the repair with an epoxy or gel coat coating?   The counters are made of fiberglass, and the gel coat is the top-most layer.  Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.  The pix are embedded below.
2017 RB
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #1 –
I've not heard or read of a countertop cracking as shown in the above pictures.  And on a new Rig, I'd be disappointed for sure.  I would think that a fiberglass repair company (i.e., a marine repair shop) could refinish the countertop and make it look new but with a different finish.

If this was our situation, we'd first get an estimate for refinishing the counter in a color and style to our tastes.   Then we'd get another estimate for traveling South for a replacement/repair by the countertop manufacturer.  I'm guessing it's easier and less expensive to get the counter professionally refinished, which would be our choice.

I hope you let us know what you decide.  At the least, a bummer!!
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #2 –
A crack in the countertop suggests a structural weakness. I don't mean it's likely to collapse, but I'm thinking that even if you could have it refinished somehow so the crack would not show, it would be likely to crack again. If it were me, I'd do what Lazy Daze suggested: take it back to the supplier and have the counter replaced--not just refinished. Yes, it's a pain, but you have a brand-new rig that should look brand new. And that's not to mention the effect on resale value.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #3 –
I agree with Andy.  What caused the crack?  Likely an inability to withstand the forces upon it which naturally happen with the driving down the road.

Will the repair correct this so in the future the countertop will not crack again no matter what roads you are traveling and for how long? Or will just make it look good (not structurally fix the issue) so that you will be repairing it regularly?

Jane

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #4 –

This is not something I have seen before in a countertop.
A gell coat doesn’t crack without cause.
I wouldn’t waste my time trying to repair it, the underlying cause will still be present.
I would contact LD and see if they will honor the warranty claim in the future when you are in SoCal or see if they can ship a new top for installation at a shop near you.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #5 –
I wouldn't call this a minor blemish and would be highly irritated if I was in your shoes. Be worth the trip to get it fixed to me but really that's your call and it sounds as if you are willing to live with it. Remember resale someday though.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #6 –
Larry said, “I would contact LD and see if they will honor the warranty claim in the future when you are in SoCal or see if they can ship a new top for installation at a shop near you.”

With this, I recall a conversation I had with Todd some time ago in regard to LD’s factory warranty and repairs after the expiration date of same. Basically he said that if we were out of the area traveling and a problem occurred during the warranty period and we were unable to return to the factory until after the warranty ended then they would still honor the warranty. Simple enough.

Since you have already spoken to them about the problem it would appear that you fall into that category. You may want to set up a repair at the Mothership when you are in the area. Replacing the countertop is not something I would leave up to anyone unfamiliar with your rig.

I checked that exact spot in our ‘15 RB and it’s as solid as a rock. Not at all like the right corner of the bathroom sink which has an overhang of a couple of inches. I would imagine any serious downward force there could cause some damage.

Like the end cap crack on our RB earlier this year, your crack is something I couldn’t simply live with. Your crack is not hidden from view. I see that area every morning while brewing my coffee.

The choice is yours. All the best with your decision. LD will do right by you. They have never failed me and I’d trust their craftsmanship in a heartbeat.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #7 –
Thanks to you all for your responses.  It appears that most of you would get the repair made by LD or their designated vendor.  Logistically, that is problematic, and it will entail quite an expense on our part.   A one-way trip from here to Montclaire would entail spending at least $200 on fuel, double that for the trip home.  I assume that it would take at least one full day to tear out the old counter and replace with new, maybe even two days.  So, that means a motel room -- another couple of hundred dollars, and X-number of meals.  If it will take more than a couple of days, that means leaving it and flying home, then back again to pick the repaired rig up.  There's several hundred bucks. . .

Our one -year expires in January.  I guess we will have to decide if we want to hassle the repair and cost, or just let it go. 
2017 RB
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #8 –
I'll say that if it's not a big deal to you - don't bother.

Keep your rig for a few years and that particular blemish will just blend in with the others.  I doubt it would impact resale in any meaningful way.  The used market is pretty strong and I don't see that changing unless production increases (which I doubt). 

If the crack is a superficial flaw in the countertop, it's not a big deal.  If it's a sign of something bigger (structural flex or whatever) then the next one will probably crack too. 

Maybe you can hedge your bets with a promise to fix it in the future if you're in the area or if the problem gets worse.

Nothing built by humans is perfect.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #9 –
It’s certainly your choice, but If this were my rig, I’d explain your situation, ask Vince for a ballpark time estimate to replace the countertop, and, if it’s longer than a day, find out if you might be able to have them move the rig out of the work area so you could at least overnight in the parking lot.

The above scenario doesn’t eliminate the “to and fro” fuel costs, but if you had access to the LD, you could at least have use the refrigerator.

If none of this works for you, at least you might want to investigate (if you haven’t already) Larry’s suggestion of having a new counter top shipped to you and find a local shop (maybe a cabinet shop?) to do the replacement.

My action choice is the same as that of others, i.e., have the factory do the work, but I understand that you may feel that this is not a viable option for you.

Good luck, whatever you do.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #10 –
This thread brings to mind:  What exactly is the warranty on a new Lazy Daze?  I was under the impression that the Lazy Daze part was for the life of the unit of the original owner.  All of the other components have their own warranty specifications. 

Is this no longer the case?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #11 –
"It's certainly your choice, but If this were my rig, I'd explain your situation, ask Vince for a ballpark time estimate to replace the countertop, and, if it's longer than a day, find out if you might be able to have them move the rig out of the work area so you could at least overnight in the parking lot."

If time is on your side, i.e. no constraints - why not make an adventure of it, taking your time and meandering downstate a bit, seeing some possibly unfamiliar areas up close and personal?  Yes, there will be fuel costs, but if you can stay in the Lazy Daze while it is overnighting, then motel and meal costs should be minimized. 

Bring a cooler.


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Santa Fe Fall Colors
   *****************************
 
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #12 –
Yes, all true. . . but I still have a day job.
2017 RB
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #13 –
"Yes, all true. . . but I still have a day job."

That does put a damper on meandering!  A dilemma, fur sure!

What would be the possibility of hiring a professional driver?  Or taking a few vacation days?  Or work remotely while gone?

I would want to avoid driving in the Los Angeles area, too.  Our one visit to the factory was in early 2000, and the traffic was frightening (and we had lived in Silicon Valley for many years).  Someone actually backed into us in a gas station while we both were sitting stock still and waiting in line!


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #14 –
LD offered to cover the cost and that's great as far as it goes but IMO they shouldn't make you go clear to San Diego and should do the repair themselves while you wait if at all possible. You paid a premium price for a premium RV and deserve premium service.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
 
Re: Repairing Crack in Counter Top
Reply #15 –
"If the crack is a superficial flaw in the countertop, it's not a big deal.  If it's a sign of something bigger (structural flex or whatever) then the next one will probably crack too."

A crack in a brand new fiberglass countertop is unlikely to be merely a superficial flaw. As for the next one cracking--then we'd be hearing about this problem from lots of owners. That's clearly not the case. Ray is in a difficult spot, but I still agree with those who say that this needs to be fixed.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"