Cabinet thermofoil

chickenman05 · 07-07-2018, 11:17 AM

Have 2016 Sunova 33c in great condition and light use but have a problem with the cabinet frame finish. I understand Winnebago used the crappy thermofoil wrap on the cabinet frames and have several spots thoughout the coach that are peeling or bubbling. Not possible to get glue under these areas without ripping the cheap thin foil-anybody have this and maybe a solution? Thanks-BMcD

SarahW · 07-07-2018, 12:11 PM

Are the bubbles in highly visible areas? I know that with some materials, you can carefully cut a small "X" in the bubble, fold the material back slightly, and apply glue. Then fold the cut sides back over the glue and smooth carefully.

There are also glue "injectors", similar to a hypodermic needle...but I have no idea how well they work.

chickenman05 · 07-13-2018, 10:04 AM

Thanks, am checking into solutions but had hopes that someone else had solved this already. Can't believe my coach is the only one! The areas are highly visible and I can't believe they used this instead of wood.

GBFANKEN · 07-18-2018, 06:52 AM

This is really late for your response, sorry!
We bought a 2019 Sightseer 33C and between our cabinet left of the tv and kitchen cabinet, same thing!!!!! Looks sort of like nails underneath the trim are coming loose and making the trim bubble out? But I can not feel that it is nails. Must be that bubbling you mentioned. We are still under warranty for 8 months yet.
ANY PROGRESS???

Thanks, Ken

chickenman05 · 07-18-2018, 09:26 AM

Hey Ken, sorry to hear Winnebago continues to use the thermofoil. From what I've found they even had problems with it since 2010 yet they still do it. Why build the doors out of nice wood and not the frame. It's not weight saving just cheap. I've been on a 2 month trip and have not tried to repair yet-just gathering info and advice. I have corners throughout the coach to fix. Will post when I get home and work on it.

GBFANKEN · 07-18-2018, 11:37 AM

Thank you and please keep us informed!
Have a great trip. Our long trip starts September 1st, Lord willing!
Ken S.

chickenman05 · 08-15-2018, 09:54 AM

Okay, got home and had a chance to fix thermofoil. I went to the farm/country store and bought some syringes and needles and some wood glue-carefully injected some under one of the areas and smoothed excess out with credit card. It will stick it back down but no matter how you work it it shows little bumps like the particle board underneath is swelling with the water based glue. and leaving a bumpy surface under the foil. I'm resigned to just put a dab on the edges to keep from tearing them accidentally when cleaning or something. Thanks Winnebago for doing a lousy job!

GBFANKEN · 08-15-2018, 12:23 PM

Thanks for the update! Have you made any "modifications " to anything else??

chickenman05 · 08-26-2018, 08:05 AM

Tried Weldwood Contact cement in syringe with 22 gauge needle. Smoothed with credit card and cleaned off excess with lighter fluid. Slow process but better than the factory did. Don't know how to rotate picture.

GBFANKEN · 08-26-2018, 08:33 AM

Sir, where in your Sunova is this cabinet, counter ? My problem on our Sightseer 33C is the on the Vertical devider that separates the buffet cabinet (upper left) and the kitchen's cabinet. The top 6-7 inches is loose, semi bubbly and looks like screws underneath are loose, pushing the trim out BUT THERE ARE NOT SCREWS OR NAILS underneath that vertical strip. Make sense? I can send you a picture or two ? When I get some time I will make a list of "things" we fixed, better ! And "things" we added or improved for us. Have a great day

Ken Smith

chickenman05 · 08-26-2018, 11:28 AM

Ken, this is on the vertical edge of the wardrobe but I have problems all over the coach with loose thermofoil. Please post your pics of problem area when you can. BMcD