Warped shell

[Snake Plissken]

Looks like while I was spending time moving my camper needed some maintenance that it didn't get and I took some water in. Disregard the dirt as I need to dewinterize and clean the camper this weekend but if you look closely above the logo you can see some warpness (that's not really a word). I need to caulk the camper this weekend but how do I fix the warp spot and round it back out?

[Camping Couple]

Is that delamination?

[Crabman]

Looks like delamination to me, Snake. May not be an easy fix.....

[DocBrown]

Actually I don't think that's delamination. I had to peel back the top front of my old Kiwi 17a which had an identical curved top. It's just aluminum over a wood frame. There really isn't anything under the curved part supporting it except on the very front by the bed edge. That part may have separated.

I think you're going to have to take off the molding on the top and pull out the aluminum panel until you can see everything inside. Let all dry out and put it back together. Then you might need to get clever and screw down some sort of flat molding on the warpage (though I do like your new word better) and seal it good. Trying of course to make it look like it belongs!

Take your time, and trust me, it's not as scary as it sounds. When you see how it's put together, you'll realize how easy it is to put back together.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

Actually I don't think that's delamination. I had to peel back the top front of my old Kiwi 17a which had an identical curved top. It's just aluminum over a wood frame. There really isn't anything under the curved part supporting it except on the very front by the bed edge. That part may have separated.

I think you're going to have to take off the molding on the top and pull out the aluminum panel until you can see everything inside. Let all dry out and put it back together. Then you might need to get clever and screw down some sort of flat molding on the warpage (though I do like your new word better) and seal it good. Trying of course to make it look like it belongs!

Take your time, and trust me, it's not as scary as it sounds. When you see how it's put together, you'll realize how easy it is to put back together.

Thanks Doc. I didn't think it was delamination and was really hoping somebody else had seen something similar.

[wags999]

I don't think water alone would buckle the aluminum. The water most likely warped and broke the bond on the thin plywood. I think replacement of the plywood will be part of your project...which is not a big deal. Once the plywood is attached then it is easier to flatten the aluminum over the ply...


Good Luck and post pics of your progress.