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Topic: cracked side corner cap (Read 285 times) previous topic - next topic
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cracked side corner cap
First flaw in my 2016 MB.   On the right rear corner there is a cap on the corner that runs about four feet up from the bottom with a slight curve at the top.  Right where the coach color meets the white I have several different hairline cracks that go from side to side.   There is some flex with so I may be able to fill them in with paint to make them less noticeable  but It appears I will have to replace this "cap".   I assume the Mother Ship could send me one prepainted.  How difficult is it to pull this old one off and replace it?

Unfortunately, I believe this was a warranty item but when I noticed the first crack I didn't pay much attention and thought it was just part of the construction.  The cracks have continued to develop.  I am now 18 months out from the purchase date.

Any comments on this issue would be appreciated.   I have pictures but don't know how to attach them.    Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: cracked side corner cap
Reply #1 –
Unless they have changed, the Mothership will send you a cap that is raw plastic. It will cost about $125. This is based on what I experienced 2 years ago, so things may have changed.

Replacement is a job with a difficulty rating of 4 on my personal 5 point scale. I did all 4 rear corner caps. The removal of the 3M VHB tape is difficult, the refit on the not flat surface of the coach corner is difficult, and to me the repaint is difficult.

I recommend to drill-stop the cracks, open them up, clean them, and fill with 3M 5200.

There are some extensive discussions about corner caps, end caps here.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: cracked side corner cap
Reply #2 –
Assuming you are the original owner, have you contact LD about this?  It's awful new to have problems.
Paul's suggestion to stop drill and fill it is a good idea that still may fail. The stress that started the crack isn't diminished by stop drilling. It isn't an uncommon problem, having seen many LDs with the same issue.

The good news it the area behind the cap is well sealed and is design to funnel any water that enters downward, to drain.
I 'fix' cracks like this with a strip of Eternabond Tape. LD also has a trim piece that cover the gap on the rear caps, where the lower and upper caps meet. You may be able to use one to hide your crack.

As to removing and replacing the cap, don't try this yourself, the caps are attached very solidly and can be next to impossible to removed, I know, having done it a couple times. Never again. LD does charge big bucks to replace a cap, so it probably is a big job for them too.
After removing and installing the new cap, then it is painted. There will be damage to the existing paint, done during the removal of the cap. The caps come as bare, gray ABS plastic.
The lower rearmcaps cross over various color paints, so repainting can be a major, multistep job.

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: cracked side corner cap
Reply #3 –
There are differences between a crack through and through and a little spidering with what I might term a superficial surface spidering. I have taken Larry's advice and covered a couple through and through's with the Eternabond and, so far, that seems to have stopped any further movement.

I have some superficial stress fissures on the top right corner of the front cap and they have looked the same for years up there with no apparent issues. I watch that but, again, there seems to be no through and through cracking so I leave it alone.

Dave
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: cracked side corner cap
Reply #4 –
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.   I have contacted Vince and sent him pictures.   He wants to see it in person before making a decision on how to handle it since I am not very far out of warranty.   He feels the cause is likely temperature extremes.  It sounds like I could get an adjustment on the repair cost - maybe.  The problem is that I'm in Idaho with no plans to be in southern California any time soon.   Maybe I should plan a trip in that direction.....      Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: cracked side corner cap
Reply #5 –
Quote from: kool83704  - 
It sounds like I could get an adjustment on the repair cost - maybe.  The problem is that I'm in Idaho with no plans to be in southern California any time soon.  Maybe I should plan a trip in that direction.

Since my suggestions are free and barely worth a cup of coffee, I might suggest you post some close up pictures of the areas of concern so that others on the LDO Forum can examine them.  If indeed you have the beginning of cracked end caps AND the Factory has some interest in helping you, then I'd call to make an appointment.   My guess is appointments might be several weeks or months out, which could give you time to make all the necessary arrangements.   The Factory might not be so ready to help if you called back in some time in the future.  But I'm just speculating but I hope this is helpful.