Exterior door

Started by Revdgrimm, October 17, 2018, 03:12:47 PM

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Revdgrimm

We purchased a used 2013 RBS camplite trailer.  The previous owner put jb weld for aluminum on a small indent on the exterior skin of the entrance door.  We have noticed that the surrounding area has bubbled out.  Does anyone know how to repair and prevent any further damage?  Thank you Dale Grimm

Herman

I have a 2012 Camplite and the exterior door has the same problem, it is bubbling up like if the insulation chemically reacted with something (?). I am sure this is coming from inside the door (insulation). I wonder if I need a new door.
If anyone out there knows what to do or how to order a new door please let us know.

DavidM

I would doubt that the insulation caused the bubbling. It is pretty inert polystyrene, but maybe glue or something else caused it.

But typically aluminum that isn't prepped right before painting will do this. The bare aluminum needs to be primed with an etching primer like Alodine before painting with the finish coat.

You can patch an area that is bubbling by sanding the area down to bare aluminum, priming with Alodine or similar and then finish coating with a can of matching spray paint. It may not match exactly but will be better than the bubbling area.

David

djsamuel

I started to get some bubbling on the door of my 2013 21BHS.  There was water draining from inside the door, so I knew moisture was getting in.  I removed the window, and resealed the glass.  No additional bubbling since.
2013 Camplite 21BHS

Herman

I found that the doors were made by a company called "Challenger Doors" in Indiana. I found the label on one side of the door. I found their website and we can order a door directly to them. But before I do that, i want to try to repair it myself -based on the previous advice. Please take a look at the pictures attached.

gglkap1

I ordered two additional doors to add to the camper. Challenger was great to deal with and there was no minimum order. The shipping seemed a little high, but after seeing how they were packaged, I understand.

Gerald

Sylvain

Quote from: gglkap1 on January 22, 2019, 12:57:23 PM
I ordered two additional doors to add to the camper. Challenger was great to deal with and there was no minimum order. The shipping seemed a little high, but after seeing how they were packaged, I understand.

Gerald

Just out of curiosity, do you mean the main door or the two small compartment doors?  Are the doors expensive?

Thanks

K Syrah Syrah

Your photos look like corrosion. Replacing at this point looks like the only alternative. However, it's also a good reminder to all to thoroughly wash down your RV, no matter what material it's made from, ESPECIALLY if it was ever near salt (on roads or near the ocean).
2018 CL14DBS XL Platinum
TV='14 Nissan Pathfinder
...as Doris says, with a bold red in hand, "Whatever will be, will be."
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cbk0155

Quote from: djsamuel on January 17, 2019, 02:32:13 PM
I started to get some bubbling on the door of my 2013 21BHS.  There was water draining from inside the door, so I knew moisture was getting in.  I removed the window, and resealed the glass.  No additional bubbling since.

I noted the same issue along with the corrosion bubbling.  Evidence of moisture coming from inside the door on the threshold.  Discolored water stains on the threshold and bottom of the door.  I've not pulled the window frame yet, but I'm betting that is the entrance point for the water.  It also appears to be in a vertical line so possibly running down a structural member or just a vertical path inside the door.  Not knowing how the skin is attached it may be at rivet locations?  Or maybe it's just where the paint prep and adhesion wasn't done properly.

In any case I'm debating between door replacement and repair.  I'm concerned that the corrosion may be throughout the door and not just cosmetic on the exterior.