Small crack in sidewall

bruceh · 12-08-2008, 10:03 AM

I have a small crack in my sidewall under the bedroom slide. It is between 1 and 2 inches.

I am wondering how serious this is and what I should do about it.

A service advisor at my local friendly Winnebago dealer said this is a big deal and described some heroic measures about replacing that part of the sidewall.

I am thinking that a piece of tape should stop any water incursion. I use 'green house tape' it is transparent and UV inhibited.

So what is the right answer?

Thanks,

bruceh · 12-08-2008, 10:03 AM

I have a small crack in my sidewall under the bedroom slide. It is between 1 and 2 inches.

I am wondering how serious this is and what I should do about it.

A service advisor at my local friendly Winnebago dealer said this is a big deal and described some heroic measures about replacing that part of the sidewall.

I am thinking that a piece of tape should stop any water incursion. I use 'green house tape' it is transparent and UV inhibited.

So what is the right answer?

Thanks,

CHIPPYSGT · 12-08-2008, 10:19 AM

Can you post any photos? That would help and I'm sure more would respond.

bruceh · 12-08-2008, 10:28 AM

I have a photo waiting for approval.

Norm3206 · 12-08-2008, 10:29 AM

I have the sister rig (2001 Itasca Suncruiser 35U) and have the same crack. We just noticed it last month. No issue with moisture so far.

bruceh · 12-08-2008, 11:38 AM

Picture approved!

The crack is hard to see in this picture but it runs from the corner of the slide to the trim bar.

You can see it better in the photo section where you can enlarge it.

troth · 12-08-2008, 12:13 PM

Link to picture

Try this link to get enlarged picture.

AFChap · 12-08-2008, 01:30 PM

Seems I recall several owners had a similar cracking problem on 2002 or so Journeys. Even though you are past most normal warranty periods, I believe I would at least talk to Winnebago OR to get their take on it ...at least you might benefit from their experience.

Depending on what the cause is, I can see going to all the trouble and expense to replace the sidewall just to have it happen again. Putting tape or caulk on the crack will help keep moisture out (which is very likely a good idea!), but it will not fix the cause. If you can determine and fix the cause, then you can decide what to do about the crack itself.

DancinCampers · 12-09-2008, 09:12 AM

I have the same crack, in the same place. Also one on the upper left corner on living room slide sidewall. I fill with 3M weatherstrip caulk. Have had them since I bought the coach in Nov 2004. They don't appear to be changing.

C Zimm · 12-09-2008, 02:27 PM

I had a crack starting at the forward edge of the bedroom slide and Winnebago repaired it at the factory. It now has similar indications at the same location and I assume they wont' fix it again as it's a long time out of warranty. I haven't checked with them and don't really want to drive all the way from the west coast.
This seems to be a common problem with my model and it can become serious as it has a long distance to travel before it stops at the beltline.
It's another poor design, a sharp corner without proper backing. To me it's a no brainer, but what do I know?
With the short distance (in your case), it may be an easy fix as others have indicated.
Good luck! I still love my Winnebego...