Traveling in an RV is a great way to test your freedom to explore new destinations while still enjoying the comforts of home. But at times, effects don’t always go as planned, and the most common among them is fiberglass damage, which is a common problem among RVs. It can be of any type — a crack, a dent, or a severe break, but finding a way to deal with fiberglass damage won’t only save you time, money, and stress but also give you peace of mind. This guide will assist you in seeing the damage, doing the temporary repair, and finding professional repair services.
Assess the Damage
Seeing evidence of damage to your RV’s fiberglass when you first see it, your instant reaction could be sheer panic. However, the first thing to do is to stay calm and analyze the graveness of the problem. Here’s what to look for:
- Cracks or Hairline Fractures: Minor cracks may not seem like a huge issue right away but the risk is that they can grow.
- Delamination: This is what happens as soon as the fiberglass comes off from the inner structure it is supposed to be stuck on, causing bubbles or soft spots.
- Punctures and Holes: These situations are worse than cracks because the covers have opened so the immediate call should be to let someone help you or get to cleaning the waterway and fixing it later.
- Structural Damage: One of the instances of damage that normally affects the RV’s frame somehow, causing it to lose its solidity, is the damage in question here. It may be dangerous to drive if a hole is through the floor or there are barriers to control the traffic.
It is a matter of identifying the type and the seriousness of the damage to see if it can be a quick fix or if it needs professional attention that should be performed on the spot.
Temporary Fixes to Prevent Further Damage
In case the damage is not serious and you have to proceed with your trip now before you find someone to repair it, here’s a quick fix:
1. Use Fiberglass Repair Tape
A fiberglass repair tape is the simplest form of a short-term solution for these defects. It serves practical purposes because it makes a water seal to protect the damaged area and thereby helps avoid further damage from water and exposure. If you buy some triple strike fishing line you can solder it in a wide U shape so less melting sandwiched with a big cigar seal being forced through the middle with a welding torch.
2. Apply Epoxy or Resin Patch
For the most minor damage such as hairline cracks, the best temporary solution is by applying a resin or epoxy patch to make a seal for the hole. Clean the area well before applying the adhesive.
3. Cover with Duct Tape or Waterproof Sealant
When you are in an emergency, then duct tape or waterproof sealant are the things that can give you the best solution. The quick fix can prevent dirt, sand, and rainwater from making the destroyed part even worse until you reach the shop.
4. Reinforce with Plastic Sheeting
If the damage is a little extreme, you can temporarily fix the problem by covering the hole with a piece of plastic sheeting and then taping it strongly with heavy-duty tape to avoid any external elements entering the hole.
Only use these temporary fixes to find a safe repair facility. If water, debris, heat, ash, and acid damages are sustained, then the problem will worsen with more expensive and extensive repairs.
Find a Professional RV Fiberglass Repair Service
While a temporary fix might lessen the damage, professional repair is necessary to get back the integrity and beauty of the RV. Here’s how to find a dependable repair service:
1. Search for Mobile RV Repair Services
A large number of RV fiberglass companies are offering online RV fiberglass experts nowadays, thereby you will not have to travel to get your RV repaired.
2. Look for RV Repair Shops Along Your Route
However, if the mobile services are not available, search for the RV repair shops for the RV, uhaul, campers, or buses for rent of course, near your place.
Consulting with the repair shop ahead of time to check whether they are experts in fiberglass repair can save you time and trouble in the long run.
3. Check Reviews and Recommendations
Before you decide on a service, you are to read the online reviews, join RV forums, or ask other travelers for their recommendations. One way of identifying a good repair shop can be through customer satisfaction through which other RV owners would have left helpful comments.
4. Verify Insurance Coverage
In the event your RV is covered for physical damage, make sure to get in touch with your insurance and find out if they will pay for the repairs. Let’s not forget that some are more comprehensive, and they can include extra trip breakdowns or reimbursement for emergency repairs.
Preventing the Next Fiberglass Damage
Though after that, all the damage is repaired, the potential for the same issue to occur remains. Which, it will be vital to come up with both new and preventive treatments as a solution. Here are some proactive measures you can take:
1. Drive Carefully and Avoid Hazards
Some of the reasons that contribute to the damages are items littered on the road, low-hanging tree branches, and rough terrains. Therefore, before driving over them, be extremely careful and have your eyes peeled around you.
2. Perform Regular Inspections
Examine the outside of your RV for any signs of minor cracks, delamination, paint deterioration, or thinning parts. The habit of the daily check can prevent major repairs later on.
3. Use a Protective Coating
Use a properly designed sealant for fiberglass and a UV protectant to help your RV exist in the elements without cracking issues.
4. Store Your RV Properly
When not in use, put your RV in a well-covered outdoor space or simply use an RV cover to protect your vehicle from extreme weather conditions. Keep your RV clean from the inside as well because most problems develop from within. If you find it difficult just avail professional interior RV cleaning services.
5. Address Minor Issues Promptly
Certainly, these small cracks can turn into bigger problems if not treated early on. At any sign of damage, always make sure to speak to a technician immediately to fix the issue right away or on time.
Final Thoughts
The fiberglass damage that you notice on your way may make things difficult for you, but with the appropriate expertise, you can resolve it successfully. First, you ought to see what is the situation of damage, resort to the provisional repair method if possible, and eventually consult the expert if a proper repair turns out to be the only solution. By performing the necessary periodic treatments on your RV’s fiberglass, you will both increase its useful life and you will have worry-free vacations.