Diagnosing and Fixing a Small Fiberglass Bulge Under Bedroom Window

[Ragingun]

Hey all. I'm new to GD. I was washing my 2021 312bhts and noticed a small bulge with a small crack in the paint just under the bedroom window on the passenger side. From what I've read there have been some frame issues with these but normally on the large 5th wheels.

The bulge is about the size of a 50 cent piece and the crack is hairline and shorter than the bulge.

Should I be concerned? If yes, would this be covered under the frame warranty extension?

 

[WhittleBurner]

Hi and welcome! It's hard to see much other then the crack in the picture. The little I can tell it may look like possible delamination to me.

 

[Ragingun]

Thanks for the quick response. I don't know much about delamination however the bulge is not soft. It is hard and cannot be pushed at all. From what I understand delamination creates a soft bubble under the surface.

 

[WhittleBurner]

How long have you had the trailer ? Is this the first wash by you? Normally with delamination the material is a little flexable but I wouldn't call it soft.

 

[SGT ROC]

What's on the inside? Could be a screw or bolt pushing out.

 

[Ragingun]

I thought the same but there is only bare wall there. No screws were ever mounted there.

 

[TXkmpr]

I have a trailer with some minor delamination at two points. One under the slide refrigerator vent and another above the water heater. Both caused by water intrusion. Taking care of the water issues I was still left with small bubbled areas that are hard to the touch.

If it is delamination you want to address it quickly, and good that you noticed it before it caused any issues other than a small bubble.

 

[Ragingun]

I have a trailer with some minor delamination at two points. One under the slide refrigerator vent and another above the water heater. Both caused by water intrusion. Taking care of the water issues I was still left with small bubbled areas that are hard to the touch.

If it is delamination you want to address it quickly, and good that you noticed it before it caused any issues other than a small bubble.

Did you have the walls fixed in your case or did you just fix the water intrusion? I will look for water intrusion point of entry, if it is that it is likely directly above that point I would assume.

 

[TXkmpr]

I just fixed the water intrusion. Most likely would be the window somehow allowing water in.

You may find that the spot will shrink if you get rid of the water. On my water heater it was that way. I had replaced it and my caulk job was not great. Caught it on an inspection and redid the caulk and it shrank to barely noticeable. In this case the water actually migrated up from the top of the heater.
I would recommend you put a dab of clear silicone on the crack after or before you figure out where the water is coming from. I am sure many would not agree with this but I would just silicone up the window good and then go from there. It is not that hard to remove the windows and do it right, however if the silicone works and the window is your issue you could always remove it and then do it right.

 

[Ragingun]

I just fixed the water intrusion. Most likely would be the window somehow allowing water in.

You may find that the spot will shrink if you get rid of the water. On my water heater it was that way. I had replaced it and my caulk job was not great. Caught it on an inspection and redid the caulk and it shrank to barely noticeable. In this case the water actually migrated up from the top of the heater.
I would recommend you put a dab of clear silicone on the crack after or before you figure out where the water is coming from. I am sure many would not agree with this but I would just silicone up the window good and then go from there. It is not that hard to remove the windows and do it right, however if the silicone works and the window is your issue you could always remove it and then do it right.

Sounds good. The "bubble" is extremely hard to feel and hardly noticable. I'll seal up that window. Thanks!