Urgent Advice Needed November 02, 2022, 09:24:48 pm 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?? 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #1 – November 02, 2022, 10:00:54 pm 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. 5 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #2 – November 02, 2022, 10:09:38 pm Rear Bath is the best model. 6 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #3 – November 03, 2022, 01:37:01 am Quote from: dwebster11 - November 02, 2022, 09:24:48 pmInspection 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 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #4 – November 03, 2022, 05:24:28 am Thanks Steve, The photos were included with the Inspection Report, along with about 75 others.Don 1 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #5 – November 03, 2022, 07:07:47 am See The Companion. 3M 5200 over the white paint. Racers clear tape over the green 4 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #6 – November 03, 2022, 08:23:53 am 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 1 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #7 – November 03, 2022, 10:58:31 am "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! 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #8 – November 03, 2022, 11:48:18 am 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 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #9 – November 03, 2022, 11:55:53 am 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 6 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #10 – November 03, 2022, 02:36:27 pm We have a MidBath and have had no end cap cracks. Clearly, the MB is the superior floor plan ;-) 5 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #11 – November 03, 2022, 06:00:46 pm I think the RB works best if you’re willing to sleep in the cabover bunk. 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #12 – November 03, 2022, 07:13:33 pm 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 WMinden, NV 2 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #13 – November 03, 2022, 07:14:01 pm Quote from: WhiteElk - November 03, 2022, 02:36:27 pmWe 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 6 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #14 – November 03, 2022, 08:23:08 pm PPF adhesive is the cure for those cracks. Buy the 3M brand off of Amazon 1 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #15 – November 04, 2022, 01:34:13 am 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 4 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #16 – November 05, 2022, 05:30:08 am 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 8 Likes
Re: Urgent Advice Needed Reply #17 – November 05, 2022, 12:06:46 pm 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 3 Likes