Bubble (bulge?) in front wall of 5th wheel

**kerryjohnson** · 10-18-2022, 12:56 PM

Hi all, thanks in advance for any assistance. We're looking at a 2019 Solitude 3740BH and wondering if this bubble/bulge in the front could be the symptom of a larger (more than cosmetic) issue?

(I did search in these forums for "bubble" and "bulge", but still not sure whether this example is delamination or what...)

**Second Chance** · 10-18-2022, 01:03 PM

That's a very thin fiberglass panel and not like the laminated main side and rear walls. It looks more like distortion from flexing in the frame area. I would start by getting a flashlight, emptying out the front compartment, and inspecting every inch of the aluminum front framing - especially the weld points and attachment points - for bending or cracking.

Rob

**Ynot4me2** · 10-18-2022, 05:11 PM

Did the seller mention anything?

**huntr70** · 10-19-2022, 05:48 AM

Looks like a lot of them out there.

Not laminated, just a thin hung sheet of fiberglass board.

**trailrydr** · 10-19-2022, 08:25 AM

Interesting, havent seen any RVs like that myself, but, fiberglass can sometimes react to sunlight and UV.

Had a '66 Cobra replica I built years ago that came as a rolling chasis (finished body, enterior, axles w/junk wheels and some electrical plumbing). The body was a single molded piece that had been gelcoated with the finished requested color including stripes. On the right upper fender area next to the hood, a small bubble developed over time. Looked as if the layered fiberglass mat had seperated but wasnt enough to crack the outer layer. Maybe what you have could be something in this category.

Unfortunately, the only remedy is to remove, reglass the area, and repaint if its truely a seperation issue - if you want it fixed for aesthetics.

**Always Learning** · 10-19-2022, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by huntr70

Looks like a lot of them out there.

Not laminated, just a thin hung sheet of fiberglass board.

On my reflection it is one heavy, maybe 1/4”, plastic sheet that stars at the bottom of the nose cap by the hitch, extends under the bedroom then curves and goes past the front cargo door. The hitch and cargo door openings are cutouts in the plastic sheet.

I had the same bulge, not as large, in the same place as the OP on my trailer when it was new but after 3 years of bouncing down the road full time not as noticeable. It is also cold out now so not as noticiable.