Stress crack

[2Hartmans]

We were looking to buy a 2011 Open Road, and found what appeared to be a stress crack the crack was just behind the rear axle, and ran vertically from the corner of the bed slide, down to the seam (about 12-14”).
Is this common, and how easy is it to repair?

 

[Buly]

On the metal or fiberglass crack?

 

[Bob K4TAX]

We were looking to buy a 2011 Open Road, and found what appeared to be a stress crack the crack was just behind the rear axle, and ran vertically from the corner of the bed slide, down to the seam (about 12-14”).
Is this common, and how easy is it to repair?

Using a #40 drill bit, drill a hole at the end of the crack. It will stop progressing at that point. This method works for fiberglass and metal.

 

[Fish]

I'd run away, there are a lot of coaches to buy.
It could mean a broken weld, it could mean any number of things inside the wall.

 

[Jim]

We were looking to buy a 2011 Open Road, and found what appeared to be a stress crack the crack was just behind the rear axle, and ran vertically from the corner of the bed slide, down to the seam (about 12-14”).
Is this common, and how easy is it to repair?

Hi 2Hartmans. That crack is referred to as the "Infamous Tiffin Crack." I sold my Phaeton a couple of months ago and a day before the new owner was to pick up the coach, I moved it across the RV lot to a spot where I could have it detailed. Apparently the coach got twisted just the right (or wrong) way, and it cracked the fiberglass from under the rear slide to the bottom piece of trip. Both the new owner and myself were shocked and devastated to say the least.

Long story short, it's something that has happened to many a Tiffin owner. There are some pretty ingenious fixes, one of which is to apply a piece of aluminum over the crack and then have it painted to match the theme of the coach. Here is what mine looked like. My coach was a 2009, and the crack waited until 2021 to finally happen. Strange for sure.

 

[High Desert]

I have this on my Allegro Red. Tiffin normally authorizes a repair under their 10 year warranty, but you have to contact them directly. I’m debating how to go about the repair on mine.

 

[Jim]

Some info on repairing.

https://www.tiffinrvnetwork.com/crusingator/ABfyi/FYI-012.pdf

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I have this on my Allegro Red. Tiffin normally authorizes a repair under their 10 year warranty, but you have to contact them directly. I’m debating how to go about the repair on mine.

Using a Dremel with a V-shaped bit, cut a groove about 1/8" deep, following along the crack. Then using marine J B Weld, which is white, mix a 2 part spoonful. Using a small flat putty knife or artist's spatula, fill the crack and smooth it over. Allow curing 24 to 48 hrs. You may wish to sand with #600 paper then paint with acrylic paint to match. This is a very common boat fiberglass repair method and works quite well.

 

[High Desert]

Tennessee to Alabama is not that far. But, the issue is Tiffin gives a 10 year warranty. If you can get approval now, maybe you can slip in for a repair with prior approval in 2022? But, be aware that you can have a wait anywhere for a couple of weeks to 8 weeks to get in the body shop, depending on time of year.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Tennessee to Alabama is not that far. But, the issue is Tiffin gives a 10 year warranty. If you can get approval now, maybe you can slip in for a repair with prior approval in 2022? But, be aware that you can have a wait anywhere for a couple of weeks to 8 weeks to get in the body shop, depending on time of year.

I would think Tiffin would/could authorize a company near the owner to resolve the issue. Yes, may take time......but now is the time to "get in line".

 

[Rlavender]

Where are we able to see this 10yr warranty that is mentioned in this thread?

 

[DAMN YANKEE TEXAN]

I had the famous crack occur on the tiffin 2011 bus. Estimates are 6k to fix per tiffin guidelines. Tiffin does not help when outside 10 years and they only pay the first 1k per their email. I am looking to sell but think it would be better to fix it first. The first couple places only want to do per Tiffen guidelines. SUGGESTIONS?

 

[High Desert]

That sounds awful high for the repair. I’d look around some more, especially since Tiffin won’t help.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Yes sounds very high for that repair. But many times they consider the monetary value of the purchase and charge accordingly. Now that translates to "if you can afford one of these, you shouldn't be concerned about the repair cost". I know that's not right, nor a way to keep customers happy, but it is often done.

In our case, with our little travel trailer, the refrigerator vent leaked and because of a refrigerator change, it was no longer needed. I personally removed it, replaced the slug cut-out, and filled the edge cracks with white JB Weld. I did use a Dremmel to V groove the edges, filled and sanded, and put on a layer of gel-coat. See one picture of the vent and one picture of it gone. I know this is not in the class of the Tiffin but......repairing fiberglass is repairing fiberglass, regardless of what it is on. Repaired many a stress crack on boats in years past.

Procedurally, cut a V groove cut along the crack, fill it, and have an auto body shop touch up the colors. I'd say less than $1K.