Results for "fiberglass repair"

Exterior Medium 3-4 days (includes curing time) 235 👍 1

DIY RV Basement Door Paint Repair: Complete Guide & Cost Analysis

Despite protecting my RV all winter, those brutal summer months have absolutely destroyed the paint on my four basement doors and rear wheel area across 2' x 20', leaving me staring at a $5,000-6,500 shop estimate versus DIY with my compressor. I've never done automotive paint work before. Could I really achieve decent results for under $500 like I keep reading online? I'm concerned about proper paint matching, whether I'll damage the surface during prep, and if I choose the wrong spray gun or technique.

Has anyone successfully tackled RV exterior panel paint repair as a DIY project? I need reassurance that this is actually doable without professional training, and guidance on the complete process from start to finish. …more

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Exterior Hard 2-8 hours for temporary fix, 1-5 days for permanen 213 👍 1

RV Sidewall Blistering & Delamination Repair Guide 2024

According to three different RV shops, fixing my bubbling sidewall delamination will cost thousands, but I'm wondering if tackling this DIY repair myself is actually feasible. My 2004 Itasca Sunova has decided to sprout some lovely blisters on the right sidewall - two beauties that are about 12-14 inches long and 3-4 inches wide, running vertically right behind the awning arm. Perfect timing since we're currently on the road living our best RV life!

I'm pretty sure water snuck in somewhere (probably from the roof rail or that shower skylight we never use), and now my RV looks like it's got chicken pox. Since we can't exactly pull into the nearest RV surgeon's office, I need to know: what can I do right now to stop this from getting worse, and what's involved in actually fixing this mess properly? I'm hoping there's some kind of emergency containment plan that doesn't involve duct tape and prayers! …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 146 👍 0

How to Repair a Hole in RV Grey Water Tank

Tried marine epoxy on my old Class A's tank and it worked perfectly — but now I've drilled a 1 inch hole in my ABS grey water tank while running battery cables. The hole is in an awkward spot near the rear wheel vault with thick metal bars and beams, making repairs challenging.

What's the best way to repair this? I've prepared a patch by flattening and heat forming a pipe section, beveling edges and scouring surfaces for a strong mechanical bond. Should I cement the ABS patch and then cover with fiberglass, or are there other recommended repair methods? I want to ensure a durable fix for this tricky tank damage. …more

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Best RV Refrigerators

4.3 (9,200 reviews)

General Medium 4-8 hours 116 👍 0

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more

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General Medium 2-4 hours 112 👍 0

Thor Ace Fiberglass Rear Cap: Repair and Maintenance Guide

Halfway through my first RV ownership experience, Camping World dropped the bomb that my Thor Ace 29.2's rear cap has delamination and I'm completely clueless. The back doesn't feel like typical fiberglass - none of the other sides move like this. Is this movement normal for this RV model, or is it a sign of serious damage? …more

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Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 104 👍 0

How to Fix Cracked Dometic RV AC Covers & Roof Vents: Complete Repair

Already tried following a YouTube tutorial to fix the cracked Dometic air conditioner cover on my 2022 East to West 1900MMK travel trailer but somehow made the crack even worse. What are my repair options - can I fix the crack or should I replace the whole cover?

Also dealing with a broken cap on the roof tank vent. I'm curious about material choices - I've noticed galvanized steel can rust, while PVC seems to degrade in sunlight. What are the pros and cons of different vent cap materials? What's a reasonable price range for replacement?

Looking for practical solutions for both issues. …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 104 👍 0

RV Roof Leak Around Air Conditioner: Complete Repair Guide

Around noon Saturday I'm planning to tackle this stubborn RV roof leak by my air conditioner — what tools should I gather beforehand? My rooftop air conditioner is letting water in every time it rains, and when I climbed up there (probably looking like a graceful gazelle), I can see the sealant around the AC unit is definitely cracked and peeling.

I'm standing in the RV section of the hardware store looking at about 47 different tubes of sealant, and I have no idea which one won't turn into another cracked mess in six months. What's the best product to properly reseal around an RV air conditioner? I'd rather not repeat this whole 'indoor rain shower' experience again! …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 99 👍 0

RV Solar Panel Z Bracket Installation: Drill vs Adhesive Mounting Guide

Ready to mount solar panels on the roof but torn between drilling through the fiberglass with Z-brackets or using VHB tape adhesive mounts. Terrified of roof leaks from drill holes but also worried the adhesive won't hold at highway speeds. Which mounting method actually holds up long term? …more

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General Medium 4-8 hours 91 👍 0

How to Remove and Replace Cracked Factory Protective Film on RV Front Cap

Staring at my newly purchased older Newmar motorhome with factory protective plastic coating cracked and peeling everywhere on the front cap. The coating has been on there for years and is now showing significant cracking, peeling, and deterioration that's making the RV look pretty rough. I understand this was a common factory option to protect the paint from road debris and bug damage, but it's clearly past its useful life.

As someone who enjoys DIY projects and wants to restore this coach to better condition, I'm wondering about the feasibility of removing this old protective film myself and either replacing it with something newer or just maintaining the bare paint underneath. What's the proper process for safely removing aged factory protective coating without damaging the underlying paint? Are there modern alternatives I should consider for replacement, and what tools and materials would I need for this type of project? I want to make sure I approach this methodically to get the best results. …more

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Electrical Easy 1-2 hours 76 👍 0

How to Install Wireless Backup Camera on Towed Vehicle - RV Setup Guide for Safe Towing

Since I'm probably asking a dumb question here, but I'm completely lost on setting up the optimal wireless backup camera configuration for my specific towing setup. I have a 38-foot Class A motorhome that I use to tow my Jeep Gladiator, which has a fiberglass shell topper and a bike rack mounted on the receiver hitch. The bike rack creates a significant blind spot that makes it impossible to see what's happening behind my entire rig when I'm driving.

I'm considering mounting a wireless backup camera somewhere on the rear of the Gladiator to give me visibility past the bike rack and bikes. The challenge is that I need the wireless signal to transmit reliably from the back of the towed vehicle, through approximately 38 feet of motorhome length, to reach a monitor mounted on my dashboard. The signal would need to pass through the fiberglass rear cap of my motorhome and maintain a clear connection while we're traveling down the highway.

What's the best approach for this type of long-distance wireless camera setup? Should I mount the camera on top of the shell topper for maximum clearance over the bike rack, and what specifications should I look for in terms of transmission range and power options to ensure reliable operation? …more

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Exterior Easy 30 minutes 73 👍 0

RV Mirror Mounting Screws Rusting: Prevention & Replacement Guide

Apparently I'm standing in the hardware store aisle staring at dozens of different screws with no clue which ones will actually replace these rusted-out driver-side mirror mounting screws. The screws are rusty, with one small mounting cap found on the ground, following previous mirror replacements by NIRVC after a semi truck sideswipe and subsequent facility incident.

The mirror assembly mounts directly to a fiberglass sidewall surface, which presents specific torque considerations to avoid stress cracking. What type of replacement screws and installation procedures should I implement to ensure long-term durability and prevent future corrosion issues? I'm particularly concerned about material selection and proper installation techniques for this application. …more

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Best RV Leveling Blocks & Jacks

4.6 (9,800 reviews)

General Medium Several days for quotes 70 👍 0

RV Windshield Damage: Repair vs Total Loss Decision Guide

Around $3,200 to replace both front windshields on my 2005 Fourwinds Hurricane after they popped out and cracked, wondering if this is even worth fixing. I'm staring at a $2,400 glass estimate, but my gut tells me this is just the tip of the iceberg since there's likely structural damage behind all this mess.

I'm at that classic RV crossroads where I need to decide: throw good money after bad trying to fix this thing properly, or admit defeat and salvage/sell it as-is? The glass quote alone has me wondering if I'm looking at one of those repair jobs that costs more than the rig is worth. Anyone have guidance on how to make this painful financial decision? …more

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Exterior Medium 1-2 days 70 👍 0

Complete Fiberglass RV Roof Repair Guide: Products, Techniques & Step-

Noticed a crack spreading across my fiberglass roof near the front cap after last month's hailstorm. Water is starting to seep in around the edges and I know if I don't fix this soon the whole roof deck will be rotted by next season. Never done fiberglass repair before but the shop wants $4,000. …more

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Exterior Medium 1 hour 67 👍 0

How to Replace Broken RV Window Lock Arms: Complete Repair Guide

Walked out to check my RV last month when one window lock arm was just wobbly, but now three have completely snapped off! Several of my window lock arms have decided to give up the ghost, leaving me with windows that won't stay shut properly. I'm starting to feel like my RV is slowly falling apart one tiny plastic piece at a time.

I've been hunting around online but I'm drowning in generic hardware that doesn't seem to match what I need. Should I be looking at the original manufacturer, or are there universal replacement options that actually work? Any advice on the best places to source these parts without breaking the bank would be amazing! …more

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General Easy 30 minutes 66 👍 0

Air Tabs on RVs: Do They Work? Real Owner Reviews & Better Alternatives

Noticed my neighbor's RV stays rock-steady in crosswinds while mine gets thrown around like a ragdoll every time a truck passes — are Air Tabs really the game-changer? The marketing claims sound good but I want real owner feedback before spending the money.

Do they actually work for improving stability, or are there better alternatives I should consider instead? Looking for honest reviews from people who've actually tried them. …more

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