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Urgent Advice Needed
After a 5 year search, including time on the infamous new build list, I found a rig that I'm very interested in and an offer has been accepted.  I am out of state and have not seen the unit, but had it inspected today.  Inspection report is very positive except for 2 hairline cracks observed on each of the rear corner posts.  This is a 2007 Rear Bath with 12,500 miles.  Is this a deal breaker or something I can deal with over time?   No signs of any water intrusion noted.  I have the option of backing out now or picking it up this weekend.  Inspector's only comment was that it should be looked at by an RV Tech.  Thoughts??
Don
'07 26.5 Rear Bath
‘18 Coachman Leprechaun
‘10 Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #1
 ::)    If it were me I would not hesitate to write the check! Those cracks can be dealt with using advice from this forum. This will not go unsold very long.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #2
Rear Bath is the best model.
Sam

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #3
Inspection report is very positive except for 2 hairline cracks observed on each of the rear corner posts.  This is a 2007 Rear Bath with 12,500 miles.
Did they send photos of these cracks? Such cracks are ubiquitous for rigs of this vintage, and usually will not result in water intrusion if addressed before it gets worse.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #4
Thanks Steve, 
The photos were included with the Inspection Report, along with about 75 others.
Don
Don
'07 26.5 Rear Bath
‘18 Coachman Leprechaun
‘10 Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #5
See The Companion. 3M 5200 over the white paint. Racers clear tape over the green
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #6
A 2007 is 15 years old.  If that's the worst thing the inspector can say about it, I wouldn't hesitate. 

Understand that you're not buying a new rig.  Owning any 15 year old vehicle, especially a RV, is also a part time maintenance job. 

Rich
2003 MB

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #7
"Owning any 15 year old vehicle, especially a RV, is also a part time maintenance job."

Sounds like you are describing my 2004 30'IB which is still going strong!   :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #8
DWEBSTER11,

We haves owned our 2015 RB since it rolled off the factory floor. Shortly after returning home from a trip to Zion National Park, I noticed cracks in the left rear corner of our our rig. Around May of 2018 or 2019.

I had Vince at the mothership repair the issue and no further issues have occurred. All things considered, a 2007 RB is about seven years older than our rig. An inspection of our ‘15 would show no issues whatsoever. We love our RB and like others here prefer it over other floor plans for its openness.

Here are pics of our rear caps before the repair.

Best of luck with your search.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #9
Thanks Kent, great info. Ironic that the RB was never on my radar, was always focused on the MB. However the more I hear the more I’m convinced it will work well for the 2 of us and our 70# fur baby.

Based on everyone’s feedback and suggestions we are moving forward and picking it up Saturday. 

So appreciative of this group!

Don
Don
'07 26.5 Rear Bath
‘18 Coachman Leprechaun
‘10 Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #10
We have a MidBath and have had no end cap cracks.  Clearly, the MB is the superior floor plan ;-)
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #11
I think the RB works best if you’re willing to sleep in the cabover bunk.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #12
We had both a 1994 mid-bath and a 2006 rear bath.   Both have pluses and minuses .   We enjoyed both of them equally.   We sold our 2006 RB two years ago and miss it every day, but time and age caught up with us.   It was the right time for us.   You will enjoy the RB!   We had the two sofas and entertainment center.   The coach had everything we wanted and needed.
I wish you many happy times and happy trails.
Juli W
Minden, NV
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #13
We have a MidBath and have had no end cap cracks.  Clearly, the MB is the superior floor plan ;-)


If I may humbly speak .....  we have a Twin King with no end cap cracks soooooo we are at least equal or better than MB or RB floor plans (smile)

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #14
PPF adhesive is the cure for those cracks. Buy the 3M brand off of Amazon
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.

Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #15

End cap cracks occur at stress points where the twisting of the coach and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction become concentrated.
Every coach is different and cracks usually occur along the front or rear verticle caps and occasionally on the horizontal caps under the cab over.
The Factory tries to reduce cracking on the rear cap by having it made of two pieces with a seam in between, some models have a metal cover on each side. When new, the gap is sealed. Over time the seal will break down and needs to be renewed, leaks can and do occur from deteriorated seams.
Many older LDs have rot in the rear corners due to end caps leaks, it's common.

Sealing and maintaining cracks, once they form, is a continuous process. Whatever is used to seal the crack will be pushed out over time, the flexing that caused the crack will still be present and active.
In addition to or instead of a sealant, I like using clear automotive tape to cover and seal cracked caps.The tape stays flexible for several years and is designed to resist yellowing. Like all crack repairs, it isn't permanent.

Amazon.com: 3M Clear Paint Surface Protection Vinyl Wrap 2 Inch Wide Tape...

For the seams on the rear caps, I clean the gaps out and force 3M 5200 FC into the gaps. Painter's tape is used to mask the area around the gap before applying the sealant.
After curing, cut strips of Eternabond tape are used to cover the seam. Eternabond tape is more flexible than clear tape and, IMO, works better for the rear cap gap.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #16
Larry, thank you for the detailed reply.  I'll be checking the Companion and following your recommendations.

Heading out to TN this morning to seal the deal and bring her home to NC.

Thanks again everyone - it's been a long 5 years trying to make this happen  ;)
Don
'07 26.5 Rear Bath
‘18 Coachman Leprechaun
‘10 Jayco Eagle 5th Wheel

 
Re: Urgent Advice Needed
Reply #17
Congratulations. Can’t wait to see your happy faces and your new baby when you wrap your arms around it.

It was a wonderful moment for us.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"