Greetings all,

I saw a 31 Hi Lo with a large separation on the side (lower) by metal grate next to vent towards the rear where bedroom is.

Does anyone know what may of caused that or how to fix it? I suspect water damage previously but am a bit alarmed as to how it would separate. Thanks for suggestions.

Water is the number one enemy. Once inside it requires extensive repairs to correct the problems and it looks to me like removing the sides is the only way to do it right. You must be vigilant in keeping the windows and seams all sealed with the proper calking and ribbon caulk. removing a window and re-caulking takes less than an hour. I will tell you how long the repairs take next spring.

__________________
Charlie B
1994 245 TD

Ditto what Charlie said. Some windows are bigger than others requiring even more time. When you start to do major repairs you loose track of the extensive hrs. it takes. That is because you are having so much fun saving $. I would see about the 31fter that Debra W has for sale.

Thank you for the replies. I will check the other 31 from Deb.

I have never seen siding separation on ours. We also don't have any leaky windows. We have always caulked the windows and look for old caulking that might need replacing. My hubby takes care of all that kind of stuff. I pack food and clothes and clean the inside of hi-lo after trips that's my job. My hubby takes care of all maintenance.

__________________
Nebraska
2004 31ft Classic Hi-Lo (Hubby & I)
1996 26ft RD Classic Hi-Lo (Our children & grandkids borrow from us) 1996-to present

Our 25 ft. Classic developed large delamination bubbles 2 years after we bought it new. The delamination was on the step side upper near the rear of the trailer about 12" behind the galley window. I called Hi-Lo, they were still in business at the time. They removed the entire panel and installed a new one, they said that was easier than attempting to clean the back of the existing panel. A new panel can be purchased but only from an RV dealer, was told by Filon that any large RV dealer is able to cut and install a new panel. Hope this helps

Excellent. Thank you for the responses.......

We just bought a used 2902BX for it's unique floor plan. It has delamination from water (assumption). We have done extensive research on this issue and are planning to use epoxy and clamps to flatten the panel. If we are successful, we will post photos and let you know what the process was.

You might want to check for mold as well.

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

The first thing you need to do is determine where the water is getting in. Start with your roof and make sure you have no pin holes and the caulk is good everywhere. Next you need to remove and reseal all windows. While the window is out you can see the layers/condition of your wall. I would suggest that you peel the layers of your apart until you hit a dry spot. Replace all layers with new material. Don't just glue the layers together. Find the reason the water came in. Some have leaks on exterior lights and where the awning goes into the side of the RV. We had a leak around our exterior electrical box for the AC and our exit window. Water can travel. Post pictures for more help.

I know on my HILO the windows have a metal (1 inch square tubing) around the widows which will limit what you can see on the walls. Look at the brochure. Hi-Lo Brochure - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum It shows the picture of the frame work.

Itblu, What Sam is referring to are the panels attached to THAT metal tubing.
Both the outside and the inside are bonded to the framework. Once the windows are removed, you'll be able to see if the plywood is delaminating. This can be repaired in a couple of ways, depends on your expertise and $$$. Mine was very minimal so I used a spray adhesive with a tube attached (like a WD-40 tube). I spread the panel back to good adhesion, spayed between each layer, then braced a strip of 1/2" plywood to hold it together for 4hrs. When I released that, I was very happy with the results. I did, however allow that separation to dry out in the Florida sun for two days before regluing. I then proceeded to reseal ALL the windows. If your wondering if you should reseal those windows---DO IT.
Treeclimber

__________________
Treeclimber
2703 Tow Lite
2002 Escalade
Bonita Springs, Fl. &
Andrews, NC