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Topic: Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fix? (Read 23 times) previous topic - next topic
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Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fix?
Yahoo Message Number: 150178
Hi, folks,
 We're looking at a 16-year-old Lazy Daze that has three apparent outer-skin issues. Do any of you have a sense of how serious these are? I've included a distance shot and a close up of each problem.
 Issue 1: A substantial crack in the curved vertical panel behind the driver's side door.  Would this whole panel have to be replaced?
 https://www.dropbox.com/s/xhxeq8ilpolxh40/Issue%201%20crack%20in%20fiberglass%20by%20drivers%20door%20close%20up%2020150102_151125.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3luak5bgen220hf/Issue%202%20tire%20cover%20with%20crack%20from%20distance%2020150102_151041.jpg?dl=0

Issue 2: Two small cracks at the top of the panel that covers the rear driver's-side passenger tires.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eqyr8xffcok5nr5/Issue%202%20tire%20cover%20with%20crack%20close%20up%2020150102_151050.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3luak5bgen220hf/Issue%202%20tire%20cover%20with%20crack%20from%20distance%2020150102_151041.jpg?dl=0

Issue 3: Small possible blistering to the left of the lock on the driver's-side rear storage door. Is this a sign of a previous leak?
 https://www.dropbox.com/s/mgbogbp1zu67lhr/issue%203%20blistering%20by%20door%20latch%3F%2020150102_150951.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uo54nm8qmlqxqjo/issue%203%20the%20door%20with%20the%20blisters%3F%2020150102_151033.jpg?dl=0

This would be our first motorhome, so we don't really know which of these problems might need fixing and what's involved in fixing such problems. Are these expensive to fix? Can I fix them myself?

Any hints would be very welcome!

Doug
Re: Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fi
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150187
I just had "bubbles" repaired on my 2003 MB.  They were on the long aluminum panels so different locations from your issues. But I had the factory do the repairs. Vince was unable to predict what damage was behind the "bubbles". When I checked the interior panel, it was a bit soft so it was clear there was a leaking issue. I had the factory do the repair and they did a fabulous job. Not cheap but fabulous. My "bubbles" looked like the issue on the storage door. That door should be easy to repair/replace. IF water got behind the other two areas it would be difficult to determine the extent of the damage to quote Vince at the factory.  My suggestion: get a sizable reduction in cost to cover repairs. I spent $3500 for my repair.
Good luck.
Doug
Re: Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fi
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150188
Doug #1 it' repairable. The cap can be pulled back and reglued with polyurethane. Run a blade through the tear to flatten it. The torn spot is below the floor and does't seal anything important.
#2. All tire covers develop the same cracks.  Stop drill any you find.
#3. Minor blistering is common in a rig of that age. Touch up paint is available.

Check the ceiling and especially the cabover bunk area closely for any signs of leakage or mold.

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: Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fi
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150189
In addition to my previous posting, you can have LD replace the damaged end cap but it will be expensive, requiring a bit of time in the paint shop. You would also want the other caps repaired too, if they show signs of popping off, a common problem.
I reattach them , after cleaning and prep, with 3M 5200 polyurethane and stainless steel sheet metal screws.

I assumed you would repair the existing, since it is an older rig.

Larry

The low was only 24 last night, it's warming up!
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: Three outer-skin issues in a used Lazy Daze. How serious? How fi
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 150191
Check the ceiling and especially the cabover bunk area closely for any signs of leakage or mold.
--- I second this advice and would add this re: checking for potential leaks: Get on the roof and check carefully for general condition, i.e., excessive dirt and/or staining, pitting or gouges, and (check for) gaps in the sealant *everywhere*, but particularly along the seam between the body and the cabover. These conditions can indicate a lack of routine maintenance and hidden problems. Check around the vents and the mounting of the AC. Also check for evidence of leaks, inside and out, around all the windows.

The roof of a 16-year-old rig should have been re-sealed about 5-6 years ago, either with the appropriate seam sealant or with Eternabond.

This "How to Inspect a Used RV" may be helpful:

http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml
 Some "warts" are cosmetic, or can be repaired fairly easily and inexpensively, but some condition issues will require a substantial outlay to repair or replace. A "voyage of discovery" *before* buying is far preferable to unpleasant surprises when the rig is already in your driveway. Just sayin'.....

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home