Ceramic Tile Cracks ?

britcon · 03-10-2011, 12:40 PM

Hi Folks,
We are looking at purchasing a new Journey 40U. Both of the units we have looked at have had cracks in the grout of the creamic tile floors. Dealers " minimized " the issue and would repair before delivery. Is this a common problem with Ceramic Tile floors. Should we be concerned ?
Thanks in advance for your insights.

gmanatl · 03-10-2011, 02:08 PM

I have a 2008 tour and have not had any tile or grout cracking. I did have to have the corian countertop replaced by the factory while under warranty because of a 4inch crack.

RickO · 03-10-2011, 02:35 PM

Although we didn't install tile I did some research on it and I don't think it's all that unusual... considering the stresses a coach is put through. Personally, I wouldn't let it bother me and I'd go with the tile. Repairs can be made down the road if necessary but shouldn't be significant.

Rick

Norm4015 · 03-10-2011, 03:26 PM

My Dutch Star has ceramic tile and so far there have been no cracks. I''ve driven the motorhome 43,000 miles including up the Alaska Highway and down the Cassiar Highway, plus trips in Mexico.

TXiceman · 03-10-2011, 06:52 PM

The chassis on any RV will flex and the tile can crack. We don't have tile...

ken

bdaball · 03-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Grout properly mixed with the right additives will flex. Grout not properly mixed will not flex. If the rig flexes, which most will then you better hope it was mixed properly. Early signs of cracking on a new rig will surely lead to more.
You will either need to stop the rig from flexing which is doubtful or replace the grout.
Make sure you understand the difference between grout and cement. Grout does not hold down the tile only fill the void. Cement holds the tile down. Hope this helps

Smitty3509 · 03-11-2011, 03:44 AM

I had the dealer repair some tile in my Tour. They use a special almost Epoxy type of Grout, it is mixed with a reactant and ends up real rubbery texture. Much different than normal Grout.

smlranger · 03-11-2011, 08:31 AM

Our '02 has ceramic tile in the galley and the bath area. Personally, I would not put grouted tile in a coach (due to flexing and weight) but mine has no visible cracks at 72,000 miles of travel over some pretty rough roads. There is one tile near the shower that has a hairline crack that you cannot see unless you get down on the floor and inspect it closely.

Perry White · 03-11-2011, 09:20 AM

Do what my wife did, throw a rug over it.

AFChap · 03-11-2011, 10:38 AM

Our '03 with over 60k miles has only one tile with nearly invisible hairline crack from a corner of a furnace grate to the tile corner.