Exterior Gel Coat Raised

Wildcat Forum,

We have a 2006 32QBBS. Yesterday during its bath, I noticed a raised area, small-about 4"x6", at the top directly beneath the gutters. Its above the main slide out. No indications of leak.

Any ideas and if so what would be the fix?

Thanks,

Joey

I'd try and locate a Boat repair shop that does Gelcoat work. Just call any marina and they will probably all use the same guy. One shop will usually stand out from all the rest with the quality of work they do.

But thats who you'll want to find. Most RV dealers probably send them to a marine shop also.

A place that small should not cost very much at all to fix.

Yeah I noticed a small one on mine too! Mine is on the big slide between the dinette window and the couch window. The "bubble" lines up perfect with that small wall mounted light between the windows on the inside. It almost looks like they used a screw or something too long and it's been pushed into the fiberglass or something. But I noticed because of the bubble the gelcoat is starting to spider web a little.

I too have been fighting the delamination bubble issue with FR. Mine started out small about the size of a fist, then grows in size with the external temperature. Presently it runs the vertical length of the panel just below the roof line down to the top of the living room slide. (29rlbs). I have spoken to Rod Batts at FR, sent him pictures. He said it was a vendor problem with the wall material. I'm not so sure if all of you are also having issues with it. I have had an estimate done on this repair by my local dealer. Its came in at just under $1500. The problem with repairing this gel coat is the original texture of the wall cannot be reproduced. It has a visible fiberglass matting in the surface. When a patch is applied, it has to be sanded smooth, thus no matted affect, and a noticable smooth patch is visible. This applies to repairs of spyder cracking aswell.
My unit is a brand new 2008, and I caught it before the original factory warranty was up. I also have a spyder crack problem at the rear corner just aft of the entry door above the transition strip. Any one having problems in that area?

havent noticed any issues with the gel coat, I will take a closer look at it next week. I agree with the others, it will be next to impossible to duplicate the finish if a repair is needed. Thanks for the heads up.

Wildcat 1,

to the site. I hope you get all of your issues resolved. I would stay on top of the dealer and make sure they fix the Cat to your liking. You are in a good position since you still have the factory warranty.

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

Took the opportunity this morning to walk around the Cat and give the exterior a close inspection. I found no raised bubbles or evidence of delamination in the walls, the roof is still in good shape with the caulking around penetrations still flexible and the tires/valve stems are in good shape. I guess I got lucky and bought a Wednesday build on my Cat.

Hey guys,

Ok, the diagnosis is in…the fist size bubbles are a result of the wall coming unglued. Admittedly, the dealer says it is a manufacturer’s flaw. It’s a 2006 32 QBBS.

Here’s the offer, 1st pass, from the dealer. They offered to trade it on a new 2009 Wildcat with a $17,500 difference. The price of the 2009 Wildcat is $43,000.

I don’t like the fact our fifth wheel will be towed back to Indiana to have the entire side wall removed and then towed back. Who is to say this fifth wheel doesn’t have any other problems unknown to us.

As far as hoping for any value, I feel I’m stuck either way. The 06’ will have wall/water damage repair and the 09 will depreciate 30% in the 1st year.

This is our 1st RV, we have four boys, and this rv’ing thing has been great for our family. This is very dissappointing.

Your thoughts?

Joey

I think they can do a little better than that! What did you pay for the 2006 to begin with?

Carpe Diem,

We purchased it for $33,000 in July 2006.

Joey

We purchased it for $33,000 in July 2006

.

RVWholesalers.com has a 08' 32Qbbs for $23,000 out the door.

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/inventory/index.php?category=Fifth+Wheel&make=Wildcat&model=32qbbs&stock=

they have a 09' 32' Qbbs for $25,000 out the door.

$43,000 for a 09' is the suggested MSRP, ON RVW's website the MSRP is listed at $37,785

Here’s the offer, 1st pass, from the dealer. They offered to trade it on a new 2009 Wildcat with a $17,500 difference. The price of the 2009 Wildcat is $43,000.

If I'm looking at that right, They're offering you $25,500 for your 06' CAT. ?

Tell them you'll take the cash and they can have the O6' , Then run over to Ohio and get a brand new 09'. It would be well worth the trip.

I bought my 07' 32Qbbs from them, Used (which is Rare). But with some fumbling on RVW's part , I got the Cat for next to nothing.

If all else fails , Call the RV Action Line, thats in the Trailer Life magazine that someone suggested and It may solve your problem.
http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/general-camper-topic-s-f6/resolution-finally-t751.htm

they were complaining about RVW's service, But for the price they offer , I still think its worth the trip. I had problems with paper work with RVW but it fell in my favor and thats how I got my cat so reasonable.
Just as your case , any dealer can give you the run around. You just need to be able to come back loaded with info on how to deal with the problem.