End Cap Separation

[JohnEBGudder]

2010 Forest River Wildcat 5th wheel.
End cap is separating from the driver's side.
(see attached photo)

Started with a small separation which was calked but didn't hold. Separation has increased during a road trip to that in the picture. Covered with blue painters tape to keep dust and water out temporarily. Pulling on the ladder further increases separation.

Passenger side and roof are still fine.

Where are the attachment fasteners for this piece? Are they under the molding?

Any advice on how to repair or recommendations appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[bruce@xponetworks.com]

I had a similar issue with my trailer. They use lag bolts to bolt the back wall onto the side walls. After enough bouncing around, the lag bolts can pull through - causing the separation. My trailer has aluminum studs with foam insulation in all walls. So, they pulled back the outer fiberglass siding a little - repaired some broken aluminum welds - used aluminum plates and welded the back wall to the side wall. Now, no more worries about the back wall separating.

 

[Dave The AV Guy]

My guess is that those last aluminum tubes on the side walls and maybe the roof are stuffed with hardwood so the lags have something to bite into. The AL tubing is rather thin walled, so it doesn't take much to break the welds, especially when the welding quality leaves something to be desired. In our unit the entire rear cap is fibreglass, so I have not had this issue. I would be tempted to frame the that rear wall with aluminum angle with fasteners into the sides, once you are sure there are no broken welds. It's a shame we have to fix these issues. Hope it goes well for you.